No Trowels…Just Speedskims | Can you work Smarter in Plastering?? BETTER RESULTS FASTER

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: plasterersblueprint.clickfunn...
Can you use Speedskims through most of the plastering process. Would this enable us to save time and energy on our bodies whilst plastering walls. We'll also show you which Speedskims to use at which point outlining the most efficient way to finish a wall in plastering.
Let's find out in todays video if we can work Smarter in Plastering rather than Harder!
But let's see what you think! If you like this video hit the like and subscribe button if you want to be part of the course.
And please leave a comment on what you want to see next. I'd love to hear from you.
Hope you enjoy the training.
Blaine Gray,
Plastering For Beginners
#construction #diy #plastering #plasteringwork #home #stucco

[@harryjones9749]

Just wanted to say a big thank you for your videos on plastering for beginners, always wanted to have a go as only done patching jobs in the past, took the plunge invested in some speedskim blades tackled my first full wall it was only a 10ft wall so with your videos managed the job and happy with the results again many thanks Harry👍👍👍

[@leegorman3329]

you got ox underpants on as well mate

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Haha I’m working on it 😂

[@thumperman8490]

Great video and well presented, I did a government course on plastering and managed to do a ceiling after 2-3 days on he course ... it is not an easy job, you guys really earn your money. Stay safe out there!

[@markmcgrath4853]

great video again blaine !

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks pal!

[@stuartibbotson7179]

thanks for the advise

[@LATRONNIK]

i love to use the speedskim with the pole extension to have the least amount of stress on my joints as possible and you dont have to bend down so much to get to the base boards that way as well

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Good point…I’ll give it a go. Cheers pal!

[@kevm2951]

I've used them from first flatten to finish, (one coat & sponged) with perfect results, 140m2 in one hit , so I known its possible, ignore the negative comments, what ever makes the job easier is worth doing

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Christ, that’s a big hit mate! Fair play to you - respect for that 👍

[@onthetrowel1895]

Deffo had cream of tartar in that gauge. That’s like 7 or 8 bags in one gauge, no chance without cream. Or your chatting pure sh***. Even one man would struggle putting 7 or 8 bags on. Two men yeah on your own no.

[@cpbplastering2160]

When you say one hit, you mean rolling sets all day, not 140m in 3-4 hours

[@MrR6pilot]

you should try the Marshalltown squeegee - to flatten out as soon as you've finished applying the first coat - absolute game changer !

[@christophersmith5606]

If you can cover a larger area in less time it’s going to be an improvement. Could be particularly useful with (big) ceilings.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

It’s very good on big ceilings to be fair 👍

[@petedixon7590]

Great vid mate . I've been abusing my body Plastering for far to long and get real shoulder problems. I've done it like that when I'm in a lot of pain but I've sponged it between the plastic and the steel spats and it's easyer to get flat

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

This is why I use it mate. Even if you have a few imperfections, at least it reduces the pressure at some point in plastering. You still need a trowel but cutting the use down will help massively. Thanks for sharing!

[@kendodd8734]

The sponging is a great move (a lot of the more traditional spreads would baulk at this ) along with the speedskim u can really get some nice flat surfaces quickly less time means less pressure both physically and mentally

[@onpointplastering]

Paint it dark room then shine a light on it at an angle that's how I critic my work got a method that's bullit proof now after trial and error only true way of knowing how good you are and see where improvements are needed 👍 keep up the good work m8

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Very true my friend! This process needs work and I’ll still be using a trowel…but it’ll be interesting to see if we can use the Spats more. Let’s see

[@onpointplastering]

@@PlasteringForBeginners defo been using the 1200 ox SS one now and again but like going through the motions of the trowel

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Very true mate!

[@brimplas1]

Nevermind the speedskims blaine im more impressed with how the brand new ox pro trowel layed on straight out the box... I personally think they are awesome..

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Ha yeah I was actually impressed mate. First time using it. I might have to review it soon!

[@philthepainter]

Nice video buddy 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@ianbroom7340]

We were making these out of cavity closures years 20 years ago. I wonder if that’s what gave a plasterer the idea for a speed skim . Great video mate 👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

That’s mint!! It was actually a plasterer who came up with the idea so it’s possible. Fair play…thanks for watching pal 👍

[@adamsala9291]

Nice channel.. What size speed skim are you using!.

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

I switched over to the Refina plastic spats purely because they have spayed edges so you can actually get into the corner easier, problems with the ox speedskim is the handle stops you getting right in. I will say though that the ox is built better

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yeah I do like the Refina ones as well - I’m just used to Ox more I suppose but yeah…the grips a lot better with the Refina spats 👍

[@jwalker179]

I hope they’re paying you well for this as well as giving you that stuff for free! I’ve got to say… I bought one about 4 years ago. Absolute game changer!

[@brimplas1]

They are handy buddy but think the term game changer is over egging it a little.

[@jwalker179]

@@brimplas1 I’d say you’re right there! Over egged it! Not when it comes to big ceilings though

[@krugtbifro6152]

I'd definitely say it's a game changer It's helped make life so much less physical and for me i seem to get to the end point much faster Had them about 4 years and am a big fan

[@brimplas1]

@@krugtbifro6152 i like them and would hate to do a ceiling without one but still cant see it as a game changer .. all it does is save a little time on the 1st flatten but you still got to tickle the corners with the trowel so doesn't save that much time...

[@krugtbifro6152]

@@brimplas1 Yep definitely right about touching up From a physical point of view, for me it's been massive I'm getting old and anything to keep me on the tools is great

[@CaptianGaming1]

Thanks

[@chunk9480]

Put a torch over any wall or ceiling finished with a speedskim. To get it flat when finishing you need a stainless or a carbon steel trowel.

[@TheNomadicTrader]

YOu'd think they'd take a speedskim that's been broken in, then make them like that - cracking video mate

[@freebornjohn2687]

Great video. I'm going to plaster a few rooms in my house, could you make a short video of how to prepare the Speedskim if you can't brake them in on a render job. Thanks.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Great suggestion! I'll look into it pal!

[@freebornjohn2687]

@@PlasteringForBeginners I'm a keen woodworker and there's a world of difference between buying a hand plane and using it out of the box and using it after its been tuned up. A big part of being a craftsman is getting the best out our tools.

[@mikelskas]

Hi Blaine, saw you recommend rounding the corners in previous videos. Have you fed this back to Ox and are they planning to make changes to the product?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yeah I’ve told them but we’ll see what they do with it. I’m not sure if that’ll change anything to be fair.

[@Ravenclaw86]

I haven't Trowelled a ceiling off for years, I use the rigid plastic one about 5 times, flattening in all different directions then the metal flexi blade to finish. Looks brilliant everytime. But I use the refina ones. They're far superior to ox.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Great stuff! Which Refina Spat do you use to flatten then pal?

[@Ravenclaw86]

@@PlasteringForBeginners got the 1.2m roll handle one and the 900 metal one with the poles and stuff obviously. I only ouse them on the ceilings, I don't really put them on my walls but if I'm skimming a full room out, once the ceiling is on you only have to worry about the walls if you get me cos it's 5 minutes of a job to just walk up and down to flatten the ceiling off. It turns a big gauge into a small gauge once the pink is on the ceiling. I wouldn't be without mine now and I've had that ox one with the black blade that I used for just finishing, it was absolutely beautiful to use and the plaster looked mint but they were breaking a lot with it being a thin plastic blade so I got tired of buying new ones. Love your channel Blaine, long time subscriber and plasterer of 20 years. Keep up the good work fella.

[@jonjonesongasstationdickpi6179]

Guaranteed it doesn't look great once it's painted and the lights are on, I wish you guys that skim just using speedskims lived close to me, I could literally just make a living putting your work right

[@Ravenclaw86]

Mate, I'd use the metal one to trowel off then the black plastic one to polish. I've done it, it leaves a beautiful eggshell finish.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thanks for sharing mate - I'm going to be looking into the Refina ones you mentioned too. Thanks for watching and respect for your time served...cheers 👍

[@Guda6]

I wish my dad was alive to see this he just had an 11” steel MT and a wooden Darby plus a bit of skirting board as a straight edge. He could float and set sac all day and drop a floor screed and render all day long outside without these plastic spats. How did they ever win the

[@MrTurboSAAB1]

what is the brown orange plaster-is it clay based?thanks

[@lukebarrett2025]

I’ve lost the end cap for my ox speedskim any idea where to get them ?

[@fatihakbudak7073]

How much time do you leave between the coats please?

[@nobbystyles4807]

i accidentally walked into a tool shop that stocks ox and refina, they have everything so i treated myself to a 600 speedskim for tight jobs where i cant fit my 1200. i bought the plasiflex and really like it but i wrecked the blade already lol. gonna try the metal flexi trowel next.

[@user-dz1ly4vi3z]

Blaine, you are an awesome spread and have skills that sadly I will never posess, but, don't you think that you might be saving your elbow using this speedskim system, but in the long term, you will be adding more 'wear' to both your wrists instead? I use 240 grit 'wet n dry to add artificial wear to a trowel's edge

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Thank you mate. Maybe…I don’t really know what the answer is to be honest. But I do believe that spreading the load will help with RSI on one particular part of the body.

[@michaelzammutt6563]

I have tennis elbow and I think this will probably help with lots of respect 😊

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I think it would mate. Tennis elbow is a real killer…hope it gets better soon pal 👍

[@benwilkinson5457]

Hi Blaine great video as ever mate. What do you do about little nicks in plastic blades/towels. Do you replace or sand with wet and dry? As soon as you go over where 2 angle beads meet you get small cuts and nicks to the blade I find.

[@ryokan9120]

Yeah, considering how expensive they are, they do get nicks very easily. It was only a few years ago that plasterers did the whole process with just a single rigid steel trowel, though that will wear out your joints sooner or later.

[@CaptianGaming1]

What trowel are you using please Thanks

[@farleyshaw7018]

Can the plaster your using be purchased in U.S.??

[@robjonson629]

I’m going to try this thanks - it’s got to be easier than begging a plasterer to take my money.

[@pcno2832]

Do you round both corners of the speed skim? Leaving one corner square might make it easier to get into corners, although it would require flipping the thing over once in a while to do both left and right corners.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I round them both off mate. I just found it was better this way but try it - would be interesting to hear how it went!

[@Sjf542]

Had my Speedskims a couple of years and they all came with rounded corners out of the box 🤔 Do you put more of a radius on than already there?

[@arturasd570]

From where i can buy speedskim plastic ends im lost my 😪

[@R9K7]

Hi mate, never used any spats yet just been happy flattening with my 18” superflex. However I think times right to get into them. I’ve got a job starting soon for covering artex throughout a house and would like to invest in one before? Which one do you recommend with pole attachment most? Should I go Refina?? Cheers dude 👌👌👍

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Good man. they are good. The handles are better on the Refina spats but the blades are very flexible so it's not great for flattening. The Refina is the better finishing tool but the Ox SPeedskim ST is the better choice for flattening in my opinion. Hope this helps and good luck with your choice!

[@R9K7]

Cheers mate 👍👍👌👌

[@bradleyoliver575]

Personally i feel a speedskim tiger stripes. You can tell this on your wall too. Cant beat a trowel from start to finish

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

The ST can do this to be fair - this is the point where the trowel needs to come in. Flatten the rough texture left behind. But if you get on it fast enough then easily get rid of it.

[@steved6472]

The Ox trowel would be my firs choice over Marshalltown if they just sorted the handle out ! It’s far too thick! The blade is good the spine is strong and easy to break in! Plus it’s much cheaper! Tell them now you on the payroll Blaine👊🤣

[@jus5810]

I'm a bricky and ox trowel handles again too thick

[@bexcpfc]

Hi Blaine, please could you answer. I 2 skim coated a plasterboard wall two days ago (for the first time ever!) And upon drying the finish is a bit smooth but full of 'grazes' and 'pin hole' type blemishes. Are the grazes over trowelling and the pin holes too much moisture in either the wall or the plaster? The plasterboard had been up for 3 months with no pva coating. Can it be rectified with a thin coat of multifinish again? Would appreciate your answer, thanks.

[@MT_T991]

Hi buddy, just poor troweling. You need really good lighting to highlight all the faults. Fill in the holes as you go

[@alantippett7602]

If you have a trade we all should be mindful of wear and tear on our bodies over the years, I have tennis elbow and now at times my knees are playing up, I'm 57.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Very true and sorry to hear about that. Hope it’s not too bad my friend - thanks for watching 👍

[@jonertime9249]

Love your vids mate. Not sure on this method tho.. wer all about perfect ( sexy) walls...imo you cant beat the traditional method 1 dry 2 wet towels, then a quick flex trowel.. I've started at looking at ways to prolong my elbow medically instead.

[@martindonaton3603]

Alright Blaine I’ve recently bought a carbon steel trowel and it’s leaving terrible lines when I’m throwing on I’ve a bad feeling it’s out of shape any ideas on how I can straighten it out

[@lukedruggan6839]

If its out of shape throw it away

[@martindonaton3603]

@@lukedruggan6839 it has a slight bend on one corner it’s been sorted

[@hazza4566]

Hi Blaine do you go over with the speedskim on both coats or just the 1st coat ?

[@websurfer1585]

I'm surprised thay haven't designed a straight edge with a built in spirit level, to make getting walls plastered plumb easier?

[@jonmeineck5583]

How long did that all take to put on 2 coats and flatern and finish. I find speedskim easier on arms generally but not any quicker?!!!!

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I didn't even check to be honest but it would be a good comparison idea. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll look into that. Cheers

[@nicolososimple]

More you use it easier it becomes , nobody picked a trowel up for the first time and got a perfect finish … st if the timing is spot on you can finish with it but for me there’s nothing out there that beats a trowel at the moment. Unfortunately 😂

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I know what you're saying - no trowel is amazing out of the box. But we'll see...I'll keep testing ha. Thanks for the feedback mate!

[@BiodunOnipede]

been using speedskim for years, but sadly we need a way to apply plaster easier. A cheap machine that can spray on Multifinish

[@gdr88]

no chance

[@kevocos]

Put it on with a roller. UK seems to be the only country in the dark ages not doing this

[@BiodunOnipede]

@@kevocos oh yeah, forgot Blaine did a video on it, just did a week plastering old skool trowel and hawk. must buy the plastering roller and keep beside my speedskim so i don't forget rollering again

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

I think Spray Plastering would be great to be fair - but only if we can use British Gypsum products or products that could be finished the same way

[@kevm2951]

The pft ritmo has a skim setup, sprays easy, and trowels up lovely

[@slyteen2197]

Speedskim is great but the pole clamp lets it down.

[@spencersanford5384]

Great video bud and been watching for a while, but after seeing the colour of that tea, may have to stop! Run out of tea bags up that way have you? Despicable! Sorry if I missed it in the video - but with this way, seems to be hardly any use of water at the latter stages?

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hahaha that's brilliant. I'll try and do better next time, I promise 🤣 It doesn't need a lot which is good but I was constantly cleaning the blade. That's where the water comes in. Thanks for watching my friend...don't judge my tea choice. Lifes expensive down south ha!

[@kukullen_8546]

I've tried it but it doesn't work in the real world.... When you have sockets with wires out, window sills, light wires.... The main and only benefit I get is for flattening in the first and second coat to get out any lines... Especially if the walls are going off on S & C or if your doing a big guage.... After that it's still onto the trowels.... Honestly I think there a waste of money... Called speed skim... I don't see any time being saved... Helps a little that's all.... I haven't tried refina though....

[@lksf9820]

I think we're in danger of over complicating things. A lot of very good plasterers turn up with a basic trowel and get a good finish, I can see a market for crap plasterers or DIYers here though. You could train yourself to use your left hand, that would equal out the toll on your body.

[@kevwarner2978]

The original white speedskim was better than the ox one. As ribs went upto the handle and not just 30mm in

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Never tried it to be fair pal. Interesting…cheers

[@richardwalden4618]

How much did ox pay you to promote their tools in every video?

[@stephenhamilton9791]

Does anyone else just use the steel version?

[@MegaProstreet1]

all due reapects but i would have done it quicker and neater with my trowel

[@matthewtaylor13]

The whole reason we use steel trowels is so the plaster follows the trowel not the wall. You trowel up with plastic/flexi trowels wait till the sun comes across the wall or when it’s painted will look like a fat women’s ass

[@peterlumper5376]

The wall didn't look too great behind you at the end.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

No, admittedly it needs work and I think a trowel still needs to be involved, (especially after the ST blade). But it would be good to see if I can break the blades in a bit more and use it more often. It’s a lot easier on the body so let’s see. I’m working on it so I’ll keep you so posted

[@RadDougall]

Title is a bit misleading... since you are using trowels aswell

[@derickarchibald7174]

The wall is a mess

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Yeah, it needs work. It was a test and I’ll still need a trowel - but it would be good to use them more often. I used them again recently (with the trowel inbetween) and got much better results. It’s a work in progress - just thought I’d try using it all the way though 👍

[@kevinsmith3638]

I use a refina st speedskim just for flattening 1st & 2nd coats then Marshall town till finished maybe plaziflex for final polish but trying to use s speedskim from start to finish is going to be a disaster once painted.

[@ramunaszemaitaitis]

Hi Blaine, I disagree with you.. I've been using speedskim for almost 6 years and I don't recommend rounding the corners. This means that the wall or ceiling is not flat. Work on it and make it flat but don't break the tools. Thank you.

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Fair enough mate 👍

[@stevengordon2145]

I'm sorry but that's Total rubbish buddy.. I've been a plasterer for 20+ years. I bought my speedskims from the bloke that owned the original pattern to the tool. Before OX took over.. I also use the 1.8m version. Tools work My work is Flat when I'm done.. I used cavity closers before that. Knocking the corners off doesn't hurt the use of the tool. use your trowle to sharpen the edges of your work. What works for Blaine, does not work for you...I use 4 bag tubs..some blokes use even bigger some a one tub jobs. Each to his own.

[@jasontombleson7057]

Keep putting coats of plaster on that wall mate you won't be able to open that roller shutter 🤣🤣🤣🤣✌️

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Hahaha I think I’ve reached the limit now! It’s getting thick 😂

[@pstanyer1]

The big problem with your videos is you don't explain surface conditions. You need to spend a bit more time explaining what the condition of the plaster is, how long its been applied what the temperature and humidity is, show the actual plaster by touching and pressing it. Otherwise total newbies are going to be making a right mess.

[@cloudyeastside]

Better without the goatie

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Ha thanks. I'll tell the wife 🤣

[@hardeepsingh7686]

Hallo sir can i talk with you please

[@kennyvisick9574]

Totally disagree with using spats,sponges,flexi’s on skimming-bad bad practice 👎🏼

[@OGDadAverage]

Nothing wrong with using a speed skim to flatten first and second coat

[@truebro77]

utter nonsense about not using another speedskim. The ox speedskims are just as flexible as the ones you're against and there is no issue with using them in skimming. Just lies Blaine

[@brimplas1]

I agree, every time i touch the wall i want it to get better.. the wall definitely doesn't after using the st..

[@PlasteringForBeginners]

Fair point mate. Hope your tennis elbows getting better

[@MsPaulsf]

waste of time

[@plipertyplap4899]

Great video really good explanation.......its unfortunate that the speed skim wont save your knees neck and sanity ....... 😉