Plastering Walls With Sand Cement Render | BEGINNERS GUIDE

If you want to learn the basics to plastering and learn how to plaster your own walls then join The Plastering For Beginners welcome Course. It's a free plastering course ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to plaster: plasterersblue...
In this video, we’re going to show you how to plaster a wall using nothing more than sand and cement. This is internal plastering which means that the process is slightly different from working outside.
This is a very good video for anyone who’s serious about learning the art of plastering. This is the old school way of plastering and as the American’s call it, we’re using Stucco, which is sand cement mixed with water.
In this video, I’ll show you:
The best tools to use for the job
The best way to mix the render indoors
The 2 coat system which guarantees results in plastering
The #1 reason why it’s best to do the whole process in 1 day
The best way to plaster with sand cement render (Stucco)
The art of getting your walls completely flat and plumb
The most important part to any wall in plastering
And many, many more tips and tricks. This is a mammoth tutorial coming in at a beastly 30 Minutes, packed to the rafters with useful hints and tips.
Here's a list of our most viewed videos from our channel:
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Plastering TOOLS (What To Use & When!) - • PLASTERING TOOLS! Wha...
How To Plaster A Wall (For Beginners) - • Learn How To Plaster A...
Sponge Float Plastering For Beginners - • Sponge Float Plasterin...
How To Render External Walls (The FULL Beginners Guide) - • How To Render Walls: T...
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Feel free to leave a comment because we’d love to hear from you so please leave your opinion below the video! You can also like and subscribe if you really rated this video. Any feedback is vital to our channel so please like it if you liked it ;)
I hope you find this tutorial useful and please let us know what you think.
Thanks for watching and I’ll see you on the next one.
Cheers,
Blaine Gray
Plastering For Beginners
#plastering #plasteringforbeginners #plastering tools #Stucco #plasteringonline

[@raydoyle585]

I did a plastering course 8 years ago and I plastered my first room last month when the hot weather was on, it was a nightmare but I watched your videos and it really helped me.Thanks

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

That's great to hear. Well done, especially in this heat ha! Thanks for watching and I'm glad it's helped 😁

[@mjl3691]

🔴 Hi Blaine, nice video as always, a few tips though ?? really you are best leaving your scratch for longer than 3 hours, but no more than 24 hours. The next morning is ideal around 16 hrs You need to let the air escape within the base coat, also the pressure from applying that second coat will just break the fins/keys of the first coat, you won't see this ?? But it will happen underneath your second coat. Also, if your right handed work from left to right, starting at the top left working across the wall, downwards. Cheers. Regards Plasterer 35+ years

[@billhaley8673]

Brilliant video Blaine, probably the best rendering tutorial I've ever seen. Cheers fella :)

[@Ghade3245]

Great instructions very clear and easy to follow and Top Tips Respect 👏🌟💚

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate, I really appreciate that. Cheers 🍻

[@youubik]

Great video. Can you explain the reason for choosing either gypsum plaster or sand/cement render on an internal wall

[@tonygoshive785]

As a all round builder, really admire you plasterers. Plastering is a work of art. Always a pleasure watching your videos. Can I ask what’s the difference or advantages with applying render as a scratch coat over bonding?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate, that's very kind!! It's the waterproofing qualities that sand cement has and to be honest, Bonding isn't designed to be used as a backing plaster. It's designed to be used on medium to low suction backgrounds where as BG Hardwall is used for solid plastering! Sand cement is also a lot cheaper and nicer to plaster onto. It's lovely when you skim onto sand cement render!! It's a dream 😉

[@tonygoshive785]

Plastering For Beginners thank you for the information really appreciate it! :)

[@HarryWatkinson-n5e]

Good skills mate. So do you put waterproofer in both coats as well as plasticiser or do you use just waterproofer 👍

[@MarcusT86]

Blaine my friend, I regret it has been a while since I watched your videos. My God, I've missed some amazing content I see. Always a pleasure to see a master at his craft. I may have mentioned my renovation project once or twenty times, but it's finally, finally having work starting in few weeks. Just had to wait longer because I wanted to pay off my car to be car finance free as well as mortgage free, and build up a little stash due to the economic climate! ANYWAY, iffing and arring over whether to have a go at rendering the outside of the house myself at some point. Is the process the same as here where you do it in sections, flattening off, etc. then using the first patch as a guide to move on to the next? Does it need to be thicker on the house exterior?

[@bigdocus]

Thanks great video. Just wondering when you'd use sand/cement and when to use plaster?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Sand cement for the waterproofing qualities and plaster for ease and time 👍

[@melindadodge9575]

Hi, could you please let me know how much lime you put in the second coat of this, and I can’t for the life of me find where you explain how this was finished? How did you make the mix for the final coat? I really appreciate your content. Thanks so much!

[@stumetallicafan]

How much waterproofer do you use mate and do you use it in top coat too. I'm a bricky and roughcaster over 30 years but I've noticed last few years alot of roughcasters having problems with mix as the manufacturers changing the cement types and what's in it so often, walls going boss and render failing . Just interested in another man's view.....still learning after 30 odd years . As a right hander I just cant get on with going right to left lol , what's main reason for doing it that way ?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hello mate! I follow the advice from the directions at the back and I've realised that every company is different. I have noticed that if you add too much waterproofers then the water can get trapped between the newly applied top coat which makes the top coat hang around a lot longer. I think it also effects how well it bonds together. I try to follow the company directions because I don't actually like using too much of the stuff. I think it can make the overall finish weaker but that's just my opinion! Ha yeah...the old school lads say it's the best way to follow from the trowel before but I'll be honest it really doesn't matter. You rule it flat anyway so who cares how it goes on the wall 😅

[@richardhewitt1305]

Hi, you mention waterproofer. Is this an SBR product or PVA? I used a mix with sbr a few months back and the mix (4:1) was nice and creamy. Just checking and I also applied it to internal block work after a good old soaking. I was really sure though how much SBR to add, so just went by eye.

[@MyMiller999]

Hi mate, great vids only a DIY plasterer but your vids have given me confidence that I didn’t know I had, just a quick one I have an old fireplace that I’ve ripped out any chance of you doing a video on applying BG hardwall consistency of the mix best way to apply it so it’s easier to skim etc is back to brick at the moment and I’m unsure on it thanks

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Here's what you need my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naKtoZ-mndiFmsk Enjoy 👍

[@DannyArbuckle]

Hi Blaine, what bath is it that you use and what's the cost? And also I see you have a new mixer what brand is that, top video mate by the way I love your channel and I'm a plasterer by trade like you but as you will probably know your always the apprentice in this game as you never stop learning and I'll definitely say you know your stuff 👌 all the best mate cheers. Danny

[@raymondmichaellarkin6455]

Great skills, what type of sand were you using?

[@iulianscarlatescu667]

Hi, What coment and what sand you use ? And how to prepare this ? Thanks, you great

[@sauls8250]

Should I use plaster sand or silica sand with Portland cement to get a smooth finish. Because I already used portland mortar to cover the bricks in the fireplace. Thanks for your inf.

[@deaosatori216]

I'm a DIY-er doing some sand and cement render at home internally. I'm struggling to calculate how much sand and cement to mix for a given square metre. Is there an easy way to estimate quantities? Also, I bought Sikabond SBR+ and I can't interpret the dosage instructions on the bottle; I can't work out how much I should be putting in. And should this go in both the scratch and top coat? I watered it down and painted it on the brickwork first. I also have a plasticiser that I have been putting a tiny splash in each time. Is it okay to use that in combination with the SBR+? Thank you

[@LittleCarol]

Hi Blaine, I keep watching trying to figure out why I can see grey shadows of each breeze block in my internal walls despite layers and layers of paint applied. When we bought the house 32 years ago, it was a show house and covered in wallpaper. It is a big top range house. Beautiful location, my dream home ! Something is Missing but I am trying to figure it what. I don't have a flat straight wall in the house! I don't think it has ever been flattened properly, like you do it. There are cracks and bumps everywhere, My curtain rails all fall out of the wall it is so crumbly. I am so upset about it. I like vinyl silk paint on the walls, but the more I coats I put on it, the grey shadows of the breeze blocks, still shows through the paint. There must be about 25+ layers of light coloured paint by now. Is it a lost cause? It still is my dream home, what should I do? How does a single mature lady work out, who are genuine plasterers, from those who are just hoping to get in my knickers as well as a bonus? So sick and tired of it, blue-eyed blonde, size 8 lady. Thanks Blaine.

[@colingreen4625]

Another great tutorial. Your channel is excellent and joy to watch.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal 👍

[@Cluedup2399]

I hate rendering was just looking for some tips but just watching it makes my skin crawl 😫 ha great job tho mate

[@eushsjsjzjzjzjdkixiixjxhdb3271]

It's not as bad as you think

[@trishalpatel1594]

Brilliant Vid Blaine, just wondering what should be done for prepping the walls would you apply PVA?, what would you do if the blocks are cold or wet?

[@danmurphy7338]

I have noticed on most of his videos he’ll uses SBR, leave until tacky to dry before you put render on. Hope that helps.

[@ertaszorlu4756]

Nice job buddy... Do you use multi finish for the final coat?

[@freedmirza3919]

Hi Blaine, I’m taking my kitchen back to the brick and I would love you’re advise. I’m planing on using sand and cement plus lime. But I’d like to how to keep the exterior wall breathable. 1. Would you use PVA or just water? 2. For a top coat finish would use British Gypsum multi-finish? Just to note the walls are made from imperial brick with lime mortar.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hi mate. To be honest if you want the wall to be breathable then sand cement isn't the best option. It's lime render you'll need really.

[@freedmirza3919]

Lime plastering tutorial?

[@S88-m5y]

greta work your videos have helped so much what is the reason for going right to left couldnt you go left to right

[@andysuthhero]

Love your videos, so articulately explained. Why the vertical scratch lines on cables (without conduits!?!)?

[@andyedge7912]

Hi there thanks for all your videos ,very informative. Ive recently taken a fireplace wall back to the brick work due to a couple of large cracks in the plaster. Its a 1914 year old cottage. What would you recommend for a novice to get the job done ? Thanks

[@rockroll456]

Another brilliant job bud 👍👍🔥💪🏻

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers pal, great hearing from you again 👍

[@anthonya3666]

Thanks for the informative video. Would you recommend this method for a novice DIYer or a pre-mixed gypsum product? Thanks

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It's a bit tougher working with sand cement so you could use BG Hardwall. It's a bit more forgiving to work with. Check this video it for using it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naKtoZ-mndiFmsk Hope it helps pal 👍

[@oldowl4290]

Am I mistaken or is this simply the same thing as exterior stucco method (I'm in USA).. and here it's called the brown coat / scratch coat (which is typically applied to a metal grid mesh layer) and then then top coat which usually has colorant added, such as tan, gold, rust, etc...

[@utubeape]

Does this sand and cement provide damp proofing or is it breathable. If you need to have either do you use different additives such as Lime or waterproofing additive? I have seen a basement solid old stone wall rendered and it has pushed off, its basically just now cracked sheets of rock propped against the walls

[@nobbystyles4807]

lime? might need a bit more detail about that. where to buy it from what suppliers or manufacturers are good or is it like cement where it doesnt matter as its all the same.

[@willm437]

Great video mate it's all looking well good

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you my friend. Long way to go but we're getting there 😂

[@willm437]

Once you get there mate it will look absolutely awesome 👍👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal!

[@deaosatori216]

For stage 2, if I don't have a devils float, can I just float the wall and then scratch a light key in after in a figure 8 pattern?

[@sean550]

How do you put the plaster board on the steel beam...do you sick it or drill it. .thanks

[@leewilson1901]

Great vid, what is the best way to make render waterproof?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

You add waterproofers to the mix. It's an additive that mixes with sand cement render - that does the trick 👍

[@sadiporter2966]

I don't think you have any videos showing how to use angle beads i.e the ones you use bonding then multifinish on top. I think you have only used corner beads for skimming on to. Would be great to see such a video from you.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

That's a great recommendation - I'll look into it my friend. Thank you!!

[@sevnoga6305]

Hi Pal. Why we do render inside rather than boards? Seams to be 10 tims longer but l believe there is a reason behind it...right?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I like proper fixings for when I fit the kitchen and it's the waterproofing qualities sand cement has. Mixture of things pal 👍

[@kyleshaw7712]

Just bought myself a house during lockdown that hasn’t had anything done to it since the early 80s so I’m trying to do this kind of thing myself and teach myself all of these types of diy skills in the process, might sound like a stupid question but to do this job what is the type of sand called that you use?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Good on you mate! Good luck to you - it's plastering sand my friend 👍

[@horridhenry1805]

I can see the pub from here 🥳

[@mrdo-it-himself3217]

I really enjoy your videos and this is another good one - thank you.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal. I really appreciate that 👍

[@Amy7hij]

Hi, great videos really helpful. Could you help me please, my external wall is partly under ground in my neighbor's garden and damp is getting in my wall, will internal render rectify this problem as unable to render external due to it being underground. I've been looking at Tarmac one coat render, which says weatherproof, but unsure if it will fix the problem or if I need to use something else ? Thanks

[@danmurphy7338]

the ground needs digging away from your wall if its above your damp proof and you may need a new proof damp course if its been penitrated. By adding the internal render you could make it worse if the problems not rectified first.

[@JT-ce4bl]

Hi mate when doing float and set don’t you usually just give it one coat of render float it then skim? How come you have gave it two coats of render ?

[@tobybeswick36]

great videos as always! Why would you render the wall, than apply plaster? I'm guessing dot and dab plasterboard wouldn't be great, but could you not use hardwall?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Its below ground so I was doing for the qualities sand cement render has in conjunction with waterproofers/ additives 👍

[@sadiporter2966]

I thought of another video that i'd like to see you make - using GTEC Contour Board on a curved ceiling. There are no videos on youtube about this board. I wanna see how much it flexes to know what types of curved ceilings it is suitable for.

[@freddyageh1689]

what did you use to measure the 4 part of sand and cement please 🙏

[@nickiredale9145]

Nice looking job, great video.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate!

[@lukemurray7285]

Thank you, best to you.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks for watching mate!

[@krzysztofjastrzebski1919]

Ive build internal wall from the quinnlite thermal blocks and I applied a cout of thristle bond. Wall is pretty straight.I want to render this wall with sand cement and lime. I just wonder if i need do a scratch coat and then base coat and top coat or i can put base coat directly on the thristle bond? Thanks for any advices

[@HristoforPamyatnih]

In my country we usually use proportion like 3:1:10 lime/cement/sand The weather here is more dry and hot and if you put more cement than lime, the render will crack. It is wonderful to see how people are doing same job in the other parts of the world, because if here you say I put some lime in the mixture, everybody will answer - you dunno, your wall is going to crack.

[@nickwilliams3533]

Just wondered what type of sand you are using? Building sand? Great videos 👍

[@bk-cl9ty]

Fine washed sand mate, Well that's what I use anyway 👍

[@rajivvashm6046]

thanks man- v. good video

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks for watching matey!

[@jaimewilson1011]

Iv been waiting for this one mate nice job pal

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I hope it's helped matey!!

[@jaimewilson1011]

@@PlasteringForBeginners it has mate I've done plastering for two years before and I'm getting back into it now gonna make a career out of it just done my hall way and curve under the stairs and iv got a render job coming up on Ryhill and your videos help me alot mate I've started following you on insta aswell mate keep well mate

[@canalboating]

Great Job, excellent tutorial, thank you

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate, I really appreciate that!

[@iank8498]

Great video as always what is maximum depth you do if you have a very uneven wall

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal!! It all depends on the background but I'd say anything over 15mm is danger zone ha! It starts sagging under its own weight so try to sick to 12mm max per coat 👍

[@MrNest24]

What your mix ? I tried just sand and cement, it look like slush puppy lol

[@allenmccormack24]

Great video mate...what you think of the rendering sand?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Do you mean plastering sand pal??

[@allenmccormack24]

@@PlasteringForBeginners yes...I'm from Yorkshire lol

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Haha so am I. I was born in Sheffield believe it or not so I'm on the same side ha!! Yes pal...I only every use Plastering sand. Look for Sandgate plastering sand. It's a dream to work with my friend 👍

[@giggino843]

If I had a pound for each of those people bullying me because my plastering was not good enough, I would be rich. Thanks for the tip

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Don't listen to them pal

[@neilvallender6496]

Another cracking video mate. 🙂

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal!!

[@jonathanfarrelly8197]

Great viedo keep it comming lad

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks mate, I really appreciate that!

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

Did i just see a MASTER AT PLAY.!...;-)

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Haha thanks pal ☺️

[@ss-gl1xo]

Hi mate For the top coat the mix is 5 sand 1 cement and 1 lime? No waterproof or plasticiser? Cheers

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Waterproofers in both coats mate. You can add plasticiser if you like but I didn't feel the need because I'm not floating it up to a finish but it all helps 👍

[@IainHC1]

Why would you cement a wall and not use bonding? And then plaster using plaster?

[@hughtierneytierney3585]

I'm a carpenter/joiner and not an experienced plasterer so I'm thinking of running the feather edge on grounds, at least for the first coat. I'm not sure I can realistically make grounds less than 1/2" thick. Would that be too thick for a first coat? Can anybody help with this?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

This video should help mate. Explains what you're looking for pal 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4HRgoBrnqd-hLM

[@deaosatori216]

why do you scratch the straight line above the electricals?

[@dirtycashmusic4238]

Do you pva the surface before starting or just wet the surface ?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I just used water but you can use SBR. You shouldn't use PVA for sand cement render.

[@jewellers]

Can I ask why you go right to left with render but left to right with plaster? Thanks

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It's because you work the render into itself trowelling from the right. But I also find that it's easier to catch the dropped render when the hawks in my left hand. Other then that I'm not sure...all the old school plasterers say it. It doesn't matter that much 👍

[@FM-js6cq]

Wheres the follow up.vid to this? Do u use gypsum or render after the second key is on. Can u finish with gypsum multi skim. Ppl say something about breathing walls with render??? I dunno

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

You can get a full rundown from our Plastering Beginners welcome course. You can sign up from the link below if you're interested my friend: plasteringforbeginners.co.uk/join

[@joebruniges6478]

Pukka vids as always mate keep up the good work!👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you pal!!

[@ajsims8974]

Can you use multi finish straight ontop on sand and cement to get a good finish ? And how would you prep it if its old sand and cement that has a key already ?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yeah you can use Multi Finish - you just need to PVA before plastering and then you're good to go 👍

[@richardhewitt1305]

Hi Blaine, when you used the level why don’t you move it up and down to create an indentation and give you a guide to follow when rolling off. There must be a reason????? Thanks

[@richardhewitt1305]

Sorry typo, ruling off.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I'll be honest, I should have done that matey 🤣

[@sabkhan8347]

Hi how much per room roughly please

[@massivekoala4878]

hi what is part as a measurement for sand?

[@barryfinnemore7252]

What Like a sticky ice-cream consistency?

[@sauls8250]

What is the name of that material that you are using?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It's just sand & cement my friend! That's it 👍

[@ghosthunterbailey6619]

Brilliant channel spread I really enjoy watching you videos and cannot fault your work but please do yourself a massive favour and use a spot and stand and save your back 👍🏼

[@liamwall100]

Do I need to prime paint brick first before sand and cementing

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

You can SBR the brick beforehand but you don't need to. It just helps 👍

[@liamwall100]

Cheers pal

[@JamesBond-xq3tw]

What's the mix ?

[@JamesBond-xq3tw]

Sorry just seen the mix thanks

[@dannymeredith4652]

I'd say personally you don't wet in every background. Some backgrounds are low suction so won't need wetting. Best practice is to set a small area and see how that pulls in.

[@ep91monster]

Another excellent video mate! I say it every time but THE best plastering channel on KZbin! Rendering is something i dread. Love the plaster but S&C i absolutely hate it lol. You deserve way more subs on your channel because you explain everything so slowly and go into detail for people. Honestly people its not a black art, watch this guys videos and take in the information hes telling you and anyone can do it. Keep up the good work buddy 👍🏼

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Ha thank you so much for your kind words!! I really appreciate that and it's great to hear positive feedback like this! It means a lot. Thank you. Sand cement is lovely when you get used to it!! It takes time to adjust because it's so unlike anything other material but it's brilliant when you get the hang of it!! Stick with it. You won't regret it 😉

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks again for the comment 👍

[@ep91monster]

@@PlasteringForBeginners Should be saying thanks to you for sharing all your knowledge mate! Don't worry, I'm very persistent at learning things lol. I just don't do enough sand and cement to stay good, but now im building a few retainers in the garden. Could have used sleepers but im using blocks solely so i can render them up 😅 wish me luck lolol

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Good luck pal - you'll be fine 👍👍

[@darrentwine2590]

Have you got any videos on hard wall undercoat plaster?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Here you go pal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naKtoZ-mndiFmsk Enjoy!!

[@oneandobi75]

No capping on the cables? Seems safe

[@tomas78931]

Completely normal

[@scitec6166]

You not seen much 1st fix electrics then

[@freedmirza3919]

What type of sand did you use for both coats?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Plastering sand mate 👍

[@chchedda]

Was waiting for this video. Been years since done flat render ( inside ) always found it always dragged/pulled the render using a metal straightedge. Think just had a shit mix. Have you tried speed skim render? Anyway class video once again pal 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate - it might have been the sand you was using... Who knows ha! I only use rigid rules mate. I don't trust Speedskims with render, there's too much flex in the blade.

[@barryfinnemore7252]

The cables wouldnt be live just pulled most people turn light switches off and sockets off at the fuse box in the room there working in safety first

[@alibeautiful5310]

Can u please make vid how do k rending?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I'll look into it pal 👍

[@vytismiliauskas6405]

nice work

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Cheers!!

[@rockroll456]

That mix looks a different colour then the outside rendering vids bud is it just the lighting 😀

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

The sands different but yeah...it looks like mud haha!!

[@Pete.Ty1]

😊👍

[@matthewedwardfield]

You are right handed...its left to right.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Not for rendering matey 👍

[@nick4016]

Hi Mate, watched this the other day kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKqWfKlvq9Ghb7c a bit on looking after yourself and joints. Any thoughts? I remember from earlier videos you wore a wrist support. Did you do something different, get some help or did it get better on its own. They say its a young mans game, it that because we don't look after ourselves?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I actually went to Physio and he gave me exercises to strengthen my tendons. I might do a video on it but it helped massively to be honest!! It did make a difference so I'll try and get something lined up 👍

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

Propper way I hate drywall

[@granthollinger9000]

24 minutes 😂😂😂😂👍🏻👍🏻