Structo-Lite base-coat with a lime plaster finish

[@norlander7835]

Your entire channel videos warm my heart. My house, ~1875'ish, has some water damaged ceiling holes and am learning much here. Live long and plaster...man after my own heart.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you for those kind words my friend.😉

[@wendellbradley5032]

Much Respect to you Kirk! Family is so important. You’ve used this Plastering Building Trade to enhance yours. May True Values, continue to be with , your younger generations~Sola Architectural Coating

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@wendellbradley5032 Thank you Wendell, my sons do happen to enjoy working and learning, plus keeps us all out of mischief.

[@wallacehl]

I been Plastering for 47 years. I always cover the wood lath with metal lath. I like you started in the union.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Wallace Dude, my fellow plasterer, I'm glad someone has more time than me in this sport, I feel better about myself now. BTW, I have many videos where I do cover the joists and wood lath with 3.4 metal stucco mesh and even 3/8 rib lath, this ceiling it would have been overkill. Live long and plaster teaching you how to repair your number 1 investment

[@wallacehl]

Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. this dude is about done with plastering. Never liked it. If you would have asked me when I started if I'd be doing it 47 years later I would have said your nuts! That being said I made a good living at it (still do) I like the guys I worked with all are dead now. Only way to get a plaster is go to the grave yard and dig them up. I'm just 64 but I think this is my last year.

[@SnickasBah]

So glad there are people that appreciate this over drywall.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy UC Grad Dude, usually only the informed folks will request this plaster for all the added benefits, most folks have no clue theres an alternative to sheetrock, that's my mission in life to alert folks of options that have many benefits. Live long and plaster teaching those interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@imchris5000]

hey thanks for making these videos really helped me out learning a somewhat lost art. I have a 4 floor 100+ year old building and dragging drywall up the stairs to go over the plaster was way more work than carrying bags of plaster up. that old horse hair plaster has amazing hold for being on the walls for 100 years. I used to knock all the plaster off and strip everything to the studs but now this saves so much work in just hauling stuff up and down stairs

[@StuccoPlastering]

You’re welcome my friend.

[@clintprice2123]

Kirk and Jay another excellent video as usual. I have another use for structolite, it was given to me by an old time master plumber. I put new bathrooms in my house and used fiberglass tubs, to make it feel more solid and not sound hollow, I mixed and put strutcolite on the sub floor and set the tub into it. The tub is as solid feeling as a cast iron tub and when using as a shower doesn't have that hollow sound. So besides being a good sound absorber as you used it, it has another non plaster use. And yes, I will see you on the next one.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Clint Price Dude, that's just too cool, excellent tip, Live long and plaster teaching anyone who cares how to repair their number 1 investment

[@Tunagates22]

And your videos are rad man... you should have a show on nat geo or history channel. I watch this like American Pickers now. Learning a ton.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Dave, thank you, I'm guessing you have a stucco home.🤔 Our unique plastering Tip: all subscribers or anyone who stumbles on our channel with a question, type it into our Stucco/Plastering channel, and like magic, a video will appear to explain how it's done. This feature is miles ahead of any plastering forum. 🥳 www.stuccoPlastering.com

[@muvs32pap]

Just a pointer on using a milky white bonding agent that dried clear on me, thus making it hard to know if I'd hit everything. I used some acrylic ink (yellow) as admix to give it a dried color haze. Watering down acrylic paint of any type would probably work as well and not compromise the adhesion of the bond agent.

[@manjubhatti9110]

Felt tired just watching you work. Don't know what you must have felt after all that hard work. God bless

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Manju, we felt great, as it's fun seeing a job well done. however, on a different note, fighting Lyme and maliaria, ofetn kicks my arse. Live long and plaster Do’s and don’t of plastering’s leading expert

[@ronwatkins754]

Very very professional like always thank you for your time

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Ron, thank you Live long and plaster teaching you how to repair your number 1 investment

[@gfc62]

Kirk, Thanks for this video. I was hoping to see more tips on mixing Structolight. Do you just mix it be feel? Can you give some tips for novice mixers? I found myself having to add water or plaster on nearly every batch. It would be good to hear the problems caused by a too-stiff or too-wet mix. I've watched many of your other videos and they gave me the confidence to finally repair plaster instead of replacing it with drywall. I should have learned this years ago. I just finished a 1945 house with water-damaged rock lath on several exterior walls. I replaced the damaged lath with wire lath and used Structolight for the base coat. Even counting the time and materials I wasted learning, the repair was cheaper and looked better than those I did in the past trying to patch in drywall to match the plaster. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and skill.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning 62 Dude, atta boy, in the description, there is a link to a video about mixing structo-lite Jason did a fews years ago. Live long and plaster teaching you how to repair your number 1 investment

[@franklempka2159]

Hey Kirk, nice work old man, put structo lite on a 1740 chimney about 22 years ago and still good!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Frank Lempka, if it's good enough for hospitals and schools there's a good reason for its use, thank you.😉 Our unique plastering Tip: all subscribers or anyone who stumbles on our channel with a question, type it into our Stucco/Plastering channel, and like magic, a video will appear to explain how it's done. This feature is miles ahead of any plastering forum. www.stuccoPlastering.com www.bayareaplastering.com

[@constantout]

Kirk, this information is priceless. Got me some essential oil turpentine in the mail.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good afternoon Marius Dude, cool beans, On the oil stuff, tried it had no good effects, bummer Live long and plaster teaching anyone who’s interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@frednowicki7355]

Thank you Kirk ! Love all your informative lessons !

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Fred, no worries my friend. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@gunnardavid8427]

I guess it is pretty off topic but does anybody know of a good site to stream newly released series online?

[@parkerabraham7272]

@Gunnar David meh atm I've been using flixportal. just search on google after it:D -parker

[@gunnardavid8427]

@Parker Abraham thanks, signed up and it seems to work =) Appreciate it!!

[@parkerabraham7272]

@Gunnar David Happy to help :D

[@mikekhalil3113]

Kirk....great video. Ive emailed you a few times in the past about how we use structolite in the movie business to stand in for anything thats supposed to be concrete. I've even sent you some pictures of our work. My team and I usually, depending on how much time we have, throw a quart cup of portland cement into our mixes so it hardens faster. Have you ever done that while using this product? If not, and you're pressed for time on a job you should consider it. Half a bag of structo in the bucket, quart of portland, and water and you'll have about 45 minutes before it starts to harden. Its a good method....

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Mike Dude, excellent tip, as a rule I don't like to add portland to gypsum based products on my jobs for your movie props great idea. i usually have some gypsum accelerators on my truck, this time we didn't so we got a cleaner truck while waiting. Love to see some of your movie set props, Live long and plaster teaching repairing your number 1 investment, your home

[@SgtAMYNTAS]

I done a bit of rendering today... on a block wall I built for a customer. I prefer lath eml over Browning coats. I prefer just to do one coat, used white cement with alot of sbr+ in the mix and on the wall. Cleaned the wall before I rendered it thoroughly. Floated it up a few hours later as I was doing final finishes to the decking and slab work I also done 😊

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good afternoon Sargent Dude, atta buy, just get her done Live long and plaster teaching anyone who’s interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@SgtAMYNTAS]

Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. You make it seem so easy! I've been watching your videos a while now. It's all in the prep I'd say. A bad prep is a bad finish. Learned That earlier as well left old cement residue in the mixer before the colour coat/white cement and it began to lump 😔 thrown it out brick acid in the drum got it spotless used vinegar and water to lower the ph and made a new batch no lumps and dried even made two passes and the wall was flat. Floated and job done. Keep up the videos, my brother has started watching your videos also as he wanted another trade behind him, he's starting a level 2 in plastering course this year while I do my level 3 plumbing and gas works. I'm a bricky by trade but I've put my hand to a lot of trades and got the certs to go with it.

[@hutstudios1851]

How long can the Structolite sit before you would have to use a bonding agent before putting on the Diamond? How long should you wait after applying the Structolite base before applying the Diamond finish?

[@StuccoPlastering]

As soon as it’s set you can finish over it.

[@yousefaltaleb8028]

hi kirk i love your job and the way you do it , i have an idea in this job but i learnt more by watching this .yousef

[@StuccoPlastering]

Atta boy dude, thats what I'm here for. Best wishes, Professional answers on plastering projects with issues

[@titoburrito2287]

You should do a video plastering indoors with structo-lite! Love the videos Kirk!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Tito, just type in how to apply structo-lite plaster, we have at least ten videos's on how-to, cheers.😉

[@kiwibird8441]

Love your vids man always a good watch

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Vegan Stains, Dude thank you, just having fun on site Live long and plaster teaching anyone who’s interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@mojo3004]

Hey man, i watched a few of your videos, and liked them i am an auto tech by trade and thanks for the basics.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Dan, no worries my friend. Live long and plaster Teaching do’s and don’t of plastering and stucco work

[@ChristopherHillenbrand]

Hey Kirk! Thanks for making all these great videos. I've got a question for you--apparently, USG recommends that Diamond finish not be applied over Structo-Lite. Now, I know that plaster wizards such as yourself can do it without any problems, but I wonder if regular people would run into trouble. Any thoughts?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@ChristopherHillenbrand Hi Christopher, there are many so- called rules that companies suggest we follow and for good reason, such as don’t apply a lime finish coat without a base coat. Have I applied a finish without a base coat, sure. But I know the reasons behind this rule. Structure lit is a mill-mixed gypsum plaster while their Diamond finish plaster is a lime plaster, two different minerals. You could always apply a bonding agent over the Structo-Lite and now your golden.

[@ChristopherHillenbrand]

@@StuccoPlastering Thanks for your help!! :)

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@ChristopherHillenbrand No problemo

[@spooky_hausintrees]

I was wondering that too. 1825 plaster walls here. I'm going to use bonding agent on lathe , then struto lite, then bonding agent then lime putty mix ratio ???? To sharp builders sand? A few ceiling spots are drywall to plaster, should I also tape those edges after I put down the struto? Thanks for all your knowledge. I can do this!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@ChristopherHillenbrand Morning, you can always use a bonding agent such as quikrete bonding agent sold at Home Depot for about 10 bucks for a pint, just paint it over the Structo-lite.😉

[@CheckFred]

Hi Kirk; Back in the day In the #UK we had 112lb bags of plaster/cement (Now 56lb-ers) .... On site - (no forklifts) - just us - and with 16 ton deliveries at a time x 2 blokes = that was a day's work in itself as we usually had to 'walk' each bag to a designated 'dry area' and often under 'Too-Low' scaffolding ..... Those were the days EH?? ;-)

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Peter dude, my fellow plasterer from the UK. Been there a few time in days long past, they delivered one hundred and twenty 94 pound bags of cement plaster on top of a hill as they said the folks lift could not go down but they did drop the 20 yards of sand below at the house, Me and my pal drove a truck to the top lifted and tossed 40 bags at a time onto my truck then drove down to our mixer and unloaded, 3 times then worked about 10 hours that day, the next day we both had to take the day off as using muscles that have laid dormant so long took a day to heal, learned a great lesson that day, make certain materials are where they are supposed to be before bringing a crew to start a project. Live long and plaster teaching anyone who’s interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@timc460]

How come your structolite looks white and fluffy and mine was grey and more like the consistency of thinset?

[@journey0057]

Kirk. Thanks for continuing with the videos. Do you have any videos on trying to match a small patch to the existing concrete? I have an existing porch where near the top step where the weather hits, the aggregate shows and a section blew out and it's right where everyone can see,otherwise the rest of the porch is in really good shape.I'd like to patch that without it sticking out like a sore thumb. Is it possible or is it possible for the average guy? Id send you a picture if i could

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good afternoon journey dude, I belive so, type in the keywords on our channel a video should appear. Live long and plaster Sharing the plastering knowledge for those interested

[@jaybartow5306]

Hi Kirk - thanks for posting these videos. I have to patch some plaster and the texture looks very similar to what you described at 12:30 or so, the "grainy" look. When you were wiping with the green trowel, was that over the structo-lite base coat still (that had some time to setup)? I would assume that the veneer coats would not have the aggregate to expose like a base. Is this correct? Thanks for your help

[@StuccoPlastering]

Structo-Lite base coat is what I was floating with the green sponge. It brings out the fine sand.

[@yrulooknatme]

we would lay a screen on the board throw down the lime, make a little well in the center, add water and a little gauging and mix blend with trowels, jerk screen the mix and rock and roll... you still toit that way kirk? that was fun!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Looking at me Dude my fellow plasterer, it's been awhile like 3 weeks since I did this, the reason I did indeed mix on a board with a water in the center of the wall of plaster was it was too much trouble to find extension cords, outlets dig through my truck for a clean bucket and such. I think I'll do a video on this old but often still used method of waiting until the water absorbed into the surrounding gypsum then mixed with my hawk and trowel. Live long and plaster teaching anyone who cares how to repair their number 1 investment

[@josephmclafferty4987]

Hey there kirk, just wanted to add a little info about StructoLite, that is directly from USG, that I haven't heard or read you mention. StructoLite, being a lightweight aggregated base coat is not nearly as strong as a standard sanded base coat made from a standard high strength plaster aggregated with sand. USG's StructoBase product is the strongest gypsum basecoat they offer, it is just much harder to find than the pre aggregated structolite, and also requires jobsite addition of sand. Because the lightweight aggregate, perlite, produces a bit weaker coat, structolite has several limitations that USG mentions directly on the back of the bag, and in their overall plastering literature. They recommend it not be used for three coat work over metal lath, when a standard smooth coat plaster is being applied, as it is not strong enough to prevent cracking of the finish. The reason we get away with using it like this, is because I am almost always applying a smooth finish that is a high strength veneer plaster, instead of gauging a white coat out of lime putty and gauging plaster. I see you also using the high strength veneer for your smooth finishes in your videos too. As I have mentioned in previous comments, these veneer white coats are many times stronger than a standard lime and gauging finish. If you read the information about the veneer finishes closely, it is apparent that the veneer finishes do have a very fine quartz sand added as an aggregate, which is what gives them their extreme strength and ability to be applied in a single thin coat, which a standard white coat could never do. The sand is so fine though that it spreads and feels like a sand less putty finish. Because the veneer finishes are so strong like this, it allows us to bypass the normal limitations of StructoLite not being strong enough for a standard putty coat, when applied as a two coat base over a non ridgid lath. This of course does not apply when doing one coat over a rigid base such as gypsum lath, or block, etc.. I just thought it is important to note these limitations of StructoLite, as USG is sure to mention them clearly in several locations, and the fact that most people don't mix up a lime and gauging finish, doesn't mean that someone may not try at some point and if they do its important to know it may not result in an issue free finish over two coat bases like the high strength veneers allow us to get away with. Bottom line, is the lightweight aggregate provides insulating, fire dampening, sound proofing, etc, but is in no way a stronger base coat than a standard sanded base and there are differences in applications due to this.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Joseph Dude all true thank you, I try and give as many details as I can remember when showing how to use products, I thought I gave the basics well, but there's no way to explain every detail of any of the products we show in video's plus I forget more details than most folks learn in a lifetime. Live long and plaster Teaching how to repair your home

[@croboy751]

Nice video kirk! Old school plastering...love it. Im in the northeast and never seen anyone go back over the wood plaster lathe. Why didnt you put up blue board and 2 coat it? Anyway nice job.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening my brother, here is the U.S. when they call a plastering contractor they wish the repair to be re-created in plaster. if a homeowner wants blue board sheetrock, they call a sheetrock company. As a rule anyway. Best wishes Kirk Giordano's professional plastering advice

[@crochetcomfort1654]

Thanks mr. Giordano. We need to fix dry rot around windows in plastered house, got any tips?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Crochet Dude, you will have to start with explorations to see what needs repairing. Best advice I could give is get help, remove, replace wood rot and lastly replaster Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@DiSVINCENNES]

bravo master kirk :))

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Vincennes my fellow plasterer, thank you Live long and plaster teaching repairing your number 1 investment, your home

[@melissalentija4425]

What a great instructional video i have stumbled across while trying to find a solution for our ceiling. Can this be used on hard compressed straw/seaweed to cover? Thanks

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Melissa, yes, but it's too much work for just a patch, instead buy a bag of 20 minutes drwall compound instead, about 15 bucks, bags weigh about 20 pounds, mix just what you think you need and apply, need more, mix more, the bags say the time it sets for example 20 minute mud sets in 20 minutes. You can purchase these bags at Lowes or Home Depot. Live long and plaster Mastering Plastering by Kirk and Jason Giordano

[@melissalentija4425]

Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Thank you. Our entire ceiling from the 70's is a product called woodtex, is this suitable to be plastered over? I am in Australia so we don't have home depot here. Thank you any advice is highly appreciated.

[@FarmerG]

Every time I hear the word structo-lite I remember the first time I used it. Dumped a wheelbarrow load from the mixer. Took it 40 ft to the mud board and the entire load went off in the wheelbarrow. Full wheelbarrow worth of mud hardened solid in seconds.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Farmer Dude, that happens often if the bucks, drills are dirty, this plaster usually take between 90 minutes to 5 hours to set, but when dirty or contaminated will set immediately plus the wheel barrel sides sucked the moisture out too, Life and time of stucco dude. Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@rigobertomendoza7248]

Yes sr. Happen to me too can even believe it, mix all different kind of mud before but structo lite man, that is a different story if you add dirty water or dirty tools.

[@hatzlmike1]

Excellent. This is very important

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Mike, thank you, happy to be of assistance. The complete plastering encyclopedia with more than 800 videos by the plastering messengers of KZbin. Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.

[@grantryan9591]

Fan-bloody-tastic kirk.thanks , I will re watch this one. Have you ever done a marble render video? I only know marble sheen ,used on swimming pools in Sydney,Australia. Grant

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Grant dude, thank you and yes I have applied a couple finishes with crushed marble mixed with gypsums. Live long, and plaster Plastering tips and techniques

[@atkgrl]

3:30 the directions are still for the 80lb bags even though they don’t offer 80lbs now only the 50lbs.

[@StuccoPlastering]

We must then improvise.

[@nonn4562]

question ? ken you make a cros section of the laht ? so wi ken see the muhsroom wiht the biger and the small trowell?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning nonn dude, below is a video that explains how and why plaster keys above or behind wood or metal lath kzbin.info/www/bejne/ram2fpyNi6iAnqs Live long and plaster teaching you how to repair your number 1 investment

[@brendamann6106]

I am making a wetroom from a tub, vanity enclosure. It will be a large tiled shower and tub area. I have a drywall ceiling that will need patched. I would like to put mesh tape over the seams, paint a waterproofing on it then veneer plaster it. I would think it might hold up better than paint or drywall joint compound. Should I use a bonding agent on top of the waterproofing, then plaster or am I up the wrong creek altogether? I am good at drywalling so I figure I can plaster a 10x6 ceiling.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Brenda, I'd recommend if you have a top quality exhaust fan to use veneer base coat then finish with veneer. No exhaust fan, use tile or you will get mold every year. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@briansardelis4774]

kirk ive always wonderd if you can finish with a round trowell ive been using a 16' inch curry trowell for years recentley ive swithched to a NELA mediflex for finish its incredible but i learned you cant throw on with it only finish

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Brian, things that make you go hmmm. I feel I can use some trowel better than others that's why my truck has about 30 different trowels. I'd recommend you use whatever trowel you're comfortable with my friend. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@andybrown7881]

Hey Kirk I'm in The Uk England We have a total different method of work than you guys in the US I would love to come over and give you hand and learnt the American way

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Andy my fellow plasterer from the UK, I never turn down help or food as a rule. Live long and plaster teaching anyone who’s interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@NicholasHardeman]

Hi Kirk, Thank you for all of the great, informative videos. I was hoping you could provide some insight into an issue I encountered today. I plaster welded some blue board and then did a base coat of structo lite. I let it dry overnight and it appeared to be dry and was hard to the touch. I tried doing the diamond veneer and when I did, it made a crackling sound like rice crispies. I troweled through it and ultimately it had what appeared to be bubbles, roughly the size of peas. The bubbles were not holes, but raised like little hills. When it was almost dry I scraped it with the side of the trowel to make it a bit smoother. Any idea why this may have happened or how to avoid it in the future? I was thinking of doing plaster weld before applying the diamond to help slow the suction. Thank you! Nick

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Nick, of course, I know why this happened, you needed to wet the structo-lite or you could have applied a bonding agent to that surface, this video below is for your future projects. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrUq3WXbrKIbbs/Truth of Veneer Lime Plaster, not what you think. Kirk Giordano plastering

[@NicholasHardeman]

@@StuccoPlastering thank you! My inexperience got the best of me. The video you referenced answers all my questions 😊

[@Tacoma-kd7rb]

Howdy Kirk, I've watched a bunch of your plaster videos as I have a 200 year old house and need to learn how to plaster. I came to this video from a link on your "Teaching Internal rendering, plaster ceiling repairs" video. I went thru all the comments to hopefully find answers to my questions but did not see any. I'm taking off a 300 square foot ceiling, as much of it has become separated from the lathe, and want to use the method, and products you show in this video to do the repair. My old ceiling plaster is 3/8 inch thick, so as you mention I'm not going to make the new ceiling much, if at all thicker than that. You only mention Structo-Lite in this video but also mention you are doing 3 coats. I also hear you mention Diamond/Veneer final coat. I know you are using Structo-Lite for the base coat. But I don't hear you mention what you are using for the second and third coat and don't want to assume anything. I know Home Depot carries Structo-Lite so I'm hoping whatever you are using for the second and third coat I can also get there. Questions: 1) What product(s) are you using for the second and third coats? 2) How many square feet would you guess you can get out of 1 bag of Structo-Lite? 3) Or in other words, how many bags of each product would you guess I would need to redo a 300 square foot ceiling 3/8 inch thick? Thanks so Much Kevin

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good Morning Kevin dude, I applied two coats of structo-lite than a finish coat of veneer plaster, sorry for the confusion, happy holidays Live long and plaster Kirk and Jason Giordano plastering tips

[@vicz8899]

Is any veneer plaster okay on top of structo lite? I have a bag of Imperial.

[@mduar1000]

Kirk can you make a video explaining why plastering with a trowel is better than using a red sponge(applying stucco)? Your videos are great btw.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning K Woosh Dude, a red sponge sponge float is usually for concrete or cleaning grout lines from bricks, while a green float is mainly used for bringing out the sand in the base coat. I have not heard of anyone trying to apply plaster with a red or green float, but I guess it's just as possible as using a frying pan to apply stucco it can be done, but is the wrong tools for plaster or stucco applications. Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@petrtikhonov3791]

Good day sir. I want to ask you if you applied structo-lite by machine? I saw you have one (ToughTek S340e Stucco Sprayer).Thanks.

[@briancarney3124]

You do a great job. My only question would be.. the whole ceiling is out.. why not just put drywall up at this point

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Brian, the owner asked specifically for new plaster, not sheetrock. I do as asked, as a rule. Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering. With over 800 educational and free KZbin videos, by your favorite plaster geek, “me,” and Jason, my son, the bearded plasterer.

[@ThePlockets]

Plaster is superior to drywall as a building material in most regards, except for time and money. If you can spare the time and money, plaster is more durable, insulates against sound and temperature better, doesn't promote mold growth, and actually "heals" from water damage to some degree (provided the leak is corrected in time).

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

Kirk, can you tell me what would happen if you just used 20 minute mud on ceiling in the video?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Ralph, easy peasy lemon squeezy, we would have been completed an hour sooner. It was Jason's job he gave the homeowner the alternatives, they choose to go back to originality. Live long and plaster Sharing the plastering knowledge for those interested

[@ralphgreenwood5857]

Thanks Kirk!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

No worries, kirk giordano plastering

[@gilesneeson3135]

Great trowel what size is that 1 Kirk great for ceilings

[@StuccoPlastering]

Greetings Giles, I prefer an 18 X 5 for all my plastering.😉 Our unique plastering Tip: all subscribers or anyone who stumbles on our channel with a question, type it into our Stucco/Plastering channel, and like magic, a video will appear to explain how it's done. This feature is miles ahead of any plastering forum. 🥳 Kirk & Jason Giordano Plastering

[@sibelozgenc4575]

Hey Kirk! Thank you for all the informative videos. I want to understand that the cedar ceiling in the video is suspended, right? I'm asking this, because i've a cedar ceiling which isn't suspended, it's an open wooden ceiling in between the wooden floor beams. I mean when you walk above this ceiling, i guess it'll shake eventually. Do you think does it ruin the plaster in time? I'll use fiberglass mesh and bonding agent to bind the plaster to the wood, but i'm still worried. Thank you so much! Sibel

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Sibel, not really, the wood furring strips are nailed the ceiling joist. Bringing peace, love, and harmony to plastering Sound advice from the plastering messengers of KZbin

[@insantiago798]

To my understanding structolite is a base coat for plaster of Paris or diamond

[@chrisbreese1542]

I just used some structolite today! So 2 coats of base coat over wood lath and 1 finish coat?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Chris Dude, as a rule yes, depends on what you wish to achieve. I have applid one fat skim coat many times on basement walls which serve as bedrooms where the owners didn't like the look of concrete cinder blocks or bricks. Live long and plaster teaching those interested how to repair their number 1 investment

[@gala_boro]

Hi, Kirk! Mi name is Michael. Watching your videos is a sort of discovery channel for me here. )) Helps a lot! Recently I started plastering a wall, made of foam concrete blocks (closed cell type). Cement-sand mixture, wire-mesh, prewetted walls, almost indoors (that is not exposed to direct weather conditions), 2 layers (3 rd will be a finishing one). Now, after a couple of weeks, I can hear that there are voids beneath plaster layer. No too much, but not nice. So, I guess, it's a problem with adherance. Do you ever use any primers, adherance improvers or smt to avoid such toubles (if you ever have any)--especialy for this kind of surfaces? Or maybe I'm just wrong with technology (technique)? P.S. Hi from South Urals, Russia.)

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening my Russian friend, this is a main reason why I never attach wire mesh to cinderblock walls with the 3.4 stucco mesh or ang other stucco gauge netting, it does more damage than good plus, it has little to no benefits, A properly prepped cinderblock, brick, terra cotta or in your case foam concrete block wall, will be best if cleaned well of all dust dirt and grime, (as nothing adheres to dust) then what we do is wet or mist the walls as even as possible depending on the weather and apply stucco directly to the surface, thus achieving a natural and permanent mechanical bond stronger than if mesh wire were to be attached as this wire impedes the natural absorption of suction of the two cementitious materials. Most folks feel wire makes the walls superior, it does not! Type in how to apply stucco over cinder blocks on this channel to view at least 10 videos on the subject, if you wish. FYI, there's very little difference between the blocks you used as to cinderblock, one has sand for extra strength your has foam for lightweight blocks, both are porous. Live long and plaster Sharing the plastering knowledge for those interested

[@gala_boro]

Well... discoveries hurt sometimes. Thank you for your swift and detailed explanation. I should have been more attentive to your channel and less self-assured. on FYI. I dont know if they use this technology in the US but we have two types of foamcrete: autoclave steam treated open cell ('ytong') type and time matured closed cell type (practically doesn't absorb water)--my, way chipper, case. It appeares, that closed cell impedes suction and makes adherance much worse than that of cinderblocks. This is why I started thinking of adherance improvers. And a classical silly question: now, as I'm at the very beginning of (inevitable) separation process, what can I do (if any) to maximally possible postpone the result? I'd say that voids are roughly up to (say) 5% (didnt make precise estimates)

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning me Russian friend, if I told you how many times I have learned from not my mistakes but mainly from experimenting as I do have a wild imagination or had, you would laugh, that's life. in my opinion, your walls should last a few hundred years even with a bit of separating as most will hold tight, now if it were wood walls the rain would get in and expand the wood, thus push the stucco further and further until some separates. I see this often, in fact I have a job right now that the stucco is roughly 4 inches from the wood do to water penetrating behind the fascia boards of course the building took 100 years to get to this stage. Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@gala_boro]

Thank you for your time and advice!

[@michaelpanorias6692]

Question Kirk . Do you recommend a three coat system for lath. 2 coats structo lite and your finish or can you get away with one coat of structo light and than your finish ?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Michael, two coats. Structo-lite, for the first coat, then whatever product you prefer for your second or finish coat. I prefer Diamond veneer if I'm already using Structo-Lite. The complete plastering encyclopedia with more than 800 videos by the plastering messengers of KZbin. Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.

[@Tunagates22]

Hey Kirk - im patching a hole... couldnt find the plaster weld, went to 2 home depots. I did find “henry self stick tile primer” .. would that work??

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Dave, you can use Quickrete bonding agent, this bonding agent is sold at all HD stores. 🤔 It's white and sold in gallons or pints. Our unique plastering Tip: all subscribers or anyone who stumbles on our channel with a question, type it into our Stucco/Plastering channel, and like magic, a video will appear to explain how it's done. This feature is miles ahead of any plastering forum. 🥳 www.stuccoPlastering.com

[@Tunagates22]

I appreciate the response - yes sir, i have 1907 house in NJ, plaster walls, popcorn ceilings that im in the process or skimcoating... spinning my wheels to find a better way. Also, replacing moulding, and cracks etc in the walls.... Going with structolite for base, then sand 40, then skim coat w all purpose joint compound.. i book marked the link you sent, im going to submit some things through there. Huge help, thanks again!

[@renemurrieta2369]

I wonder if you could do that with Durock

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Rene, no, it would not be practical. Have you ever tried to hang durock overhead? Too heavy, plus this would make for a scary ceiling, as gravity does come into play. Best wishes Kirk Giordano's professional plastering advice

[@petrtikhonov3791]

Hello sir.I want to ask your advice.I am a renovator ,and field of my activity is renewing apartments and condos.Usually I have to straightening walls and ceiling and i usually do it with structo-lite like basecoat and next layers with compound. The thicknes of first coat may vary from 1/2" to 2".Because of it basecoat is very laboriously if do it by hands. Could you give me advice by what machine I can use to apply structo-lite in my case? The are a lot of machines in Europe for these specializations, but not in USA. I will be very pleasent to hear your answer.Thanks.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good afternoon Peter dude, the best and fastest most accurate and least time-consuming machine I have used in all my years of plaster is my arm, without a doubt the quickest and the cleanest by far. You can use hand hoppers for a dash finish or even the Graco pumps, but unless your spraying large buildings and have at least ten journeymen who understand what they are doing, stick with your arm. Live long and plaster Sharing the plastering knowledge

[@michelelanni9205]

Hey kirk quick question What kind of interior plaster can i use for my home without painting the walls

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Michele, veneer plastering, you can add the color in the top coat, this takes practice, and more than likely the color wont be an exact match. best wishes, Live long and plaster Sharing plastering information

[@michelelanni9205]

Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Thanks kirk Im a taper and I use to be a plasterer in italy up untill 2012 then i moved here in montreal canada and theres not really a big demand as REAL plasterers so i went in the closes field wich is taping But the veneer you use i use to use them in italy and last time i used veneer plaster was arround 6 years ago so i hope its like riding a bycicle

[@alplaster7793]

Hello, what is the difference in use, strength, hardness or appearance between using Diamond Finish Coat (over Structolite) OR instead, using a bag of lime (like Ivory Finish Lime)(hydrated in water for while) mixed with a gauging plaster (and then put over structolite)?

[@croboy751]

Lime and gauging is better....you can knock it down better, meaning you can work it easier for smooth finish. Its more friendly to a plasterer and a good product. Diamond is good but it isnt as forgiving as lime gauging. When it sets you dont get no cream and it better be rite and diamond veneer finish gets hard and i mean hard!

[@rebicul]

@@croboy751 what are some manufacturers or brands of lime and gaging? Having trouble finding them in the south

[@croboy751]

@@rebicul USG and Goldbond are the most popular plaster manufacturers. It’s getting extremely hard to find these products anymore also. Many people are leaning towards drywall/joint compound cause find people skilled in plaster is getting harder every year. Any good builder supply place should let you order if material isn’t in stock.

[@striker851]

Can you use plaster of Paris as a veneer coat? What generic alternative is there?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Striker dude, I would not as plaster of Paris is great for many things such as casts for broken bones and interior patching, but it's pure gypsum. I would advise a lime based product such as USG,s diamond or imperial veener finish. Live long and plaster Sharing plastering information, as the world can use more teachers.

[@Ashroyer86]

Kirk, I'm the same way with dust. If someone who never cleans their house tries to hide the fact and vacuums before I show up my senses tell on them.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Ashroyer, I'm kind of partial to the home dust I inhale,😉 Outside dirt on a farm, no problem. In fact, that's healthy, but the stuff in some homes, downright toxic.🤔 Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family

[@Ashroyer86]

@@StuccoPlastering happy holidays to you and your family.

[@josecanisales3491]

Hey Kirk, that Diamond veneer 3rd coat finish, was that "base or finish veneer"? Did I just answer my own question? You are PRO sir.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Jose, Diamond is a finish coat.😉 Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family

[@Sarahann1993]

Hey Kirk! Great video! I have a question and its probably a stupid one...anyways on the walls of that room, why were there yellow and brown spots? Is it mold or does interior finishes just discolor like that with age? Love your vidoes! Hope you and your family is well!

[@randalrioux]

In my situation, and most I assume, that is wallpaper glue left over from removing old wallpaper. A good steamer can get most of the glue off, but the color remains. When painting, use a primer with stain blocker.

[@Sarahann1993]

Randal Rioux thanks!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Sarah, hope all is well, the fella below is on the ball, it did indeed have walls paper on the walls at first, Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Randal Dude, exzackory Live long and plaster Plastering tips for your information

[@robre6840]

do you sell live long and plaster apparel would be genius jmo

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Rob, LOL, no we don't sell anything but our services. Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family

[@josecanisales3491]

So you put 2 coats on. The Base and the veener, I'm I correct?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Jose yes, structo-lite can take up to 3 to 6 hours to dry, here a monster tip, add a handful of Portland cement the structo-lite it will set as fast as you want it to. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@freddysanchez6500]

@@StuccoPlastering Can I put 20 min mud to make it dry faster as well .??

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@freddysanchez6500 no use calcium formate sold at plastering yards.

[@therealoxitsworththeart9637]

Show love to Jay‼️🤙

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Real Ox Dude, thats th easiest thing in the world as I love all my kids, FYI, Jason is my firstborn. Bringing peace, love, and harmony to plastering Sound advice from the plastering messengers of KZbin

[@stillsmallvoice4785]

Btw, Home Depot will stop selling structolite in their stores. I wonder why.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Small voice, just google Plastering yards near me. You may find a yard closer to you than HD.😏 Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family

[@jeet7320]

Wow, you make it look so easy. ? My dad had interior plaster done with structo-lite over a mortar base coat in metal lath over board. He was told SL could be used as a finish coat product and how he came to do mortar and lath inside is beyond me. Well... it is super rough and dusty (I guess due to the mortar base coat that had sand in it) and obviously not a nice finish coat. I call the whole thing the 'plaster disaster'. I have trowel scraped all the walls down and to clean the sand off and then sponged them with to deal with the dusting. What would your recommendations be to finish coat over this? I did call USG and they said USG plaster bonder (can not find it anywhere) then red top gauging plaster with pearlite aggregate.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Hi Jeet, one can finish structo-lite plaster but it takes the know-how. I have applied it and used it as a smooth finish many times. One must use a wet trowel once it starts to set then simply keep the trowel wet in order to do so. Buy some Quikrete bonding agent at HD or lowes then paint the area in question, then, "google plastering yards near me" to buy some Diamond or Imperial finish coat plaster as these plasters are not sold at the hardware stores. Another simpler option is to apply the bonding agent and use a drywall compound over your existing finish. Your dad actually did know what he was doing but didn't understand that structo-lite can indeed be smooth troweled as long as the trowel is kept wet when finishing. 🍾

[@greyday3859]

Here in d.c we usually use slacked lime and gauging i dont like veneer but i disagree that there all the same i like syder-crete the best

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening Grey day, you guys have access to quality slaked lime in the UK, our stuff comes dry in bags, I recommend your choice as the materials there, are the real deal. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@josecanisales3491]

Good video Kirk, can I drink beer with you guys?

[@StuccoPlastering]

It's a cardinal sin to turn down beers, Stella or Loganitas my friend.😉

[@ajmpainting]

How soon can this be painted?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Evening pater dude I'd wait at least 3 weeks myself. I have said this to contractors and noticed they paint after a few days personally. The plaster should cure properly. Another day at the office for us, Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense plastering tips

[@evid1000]

@@StuccoPlastering Can you add colorant to the top coat veneer?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@evid1000, Of course, you can.

[@ThiagoHenrique-zk4mp]

De qual país ?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Thiago, we are in the US, in the California area. Live long and plaster Teaching do’s and don’t of plastering and stucco work

[@greyday3859]

Kirky im in washington d.c i would say USA. But its more like the DSA nowadays us 2 poweder lime we slack it ourselves

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good evening Grey day, I stay away from politics as I'm too busy trying to keep food on the table. Lime plaster is the real deal. Bringing peace, love, and harmony to plastering Sound advice from the plastering messengers of KZbin

[@lemonz1769]

If the Structo-Lite is left to fully dry over 1-2 weeks do you think the Diamond will still adhere or is it best to finish with Diamond on the same day?

[@StuccoPlastering]

It can be left on ten years, the finish coat will still adhere if prepped with a bonding agent.😉

[@GilBatesLovesyou]

Hey, would you say it's safe to use Structolite as a basecoat over Quikrete bonding agent on sheetrock? I have Diamond finish, but it's very hard to get Diamond or Imperial basecoats where I live. Would you say it's best to aim for 1/4" as a base coat with Structolite, then 1/16" to an 1/8" or so with Diamond? Would it be superfluous to use the bonding agent on the Structolite basecoat? I've read of some people doing that when using Structolite as a base coat. Will you likely be OK with not using it as long as you don't trowel it too smooth? It's in a bathroom, so humidity will be high, so I want everything to last as long as possible. Thanks very much for your videos, you're like a plastering Bob Ross! :) EDIT: Would it be superfluous/not needed to prefill any seams with Durabond 90 before Structolite?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Bates dude, yes you can apply structo-lite over Quikret bonding agent, and a veneer plaster over the basecoat structo-lite. I would not advise the 90-minute mud as it's a sheetrock compound for joints as it's not compatable with the plasters you will use such as structo-lite or the venners. Best wishes, Professional answers on plastering projects with issues

[@Dustpuuppy]

Are you mixing the lime into the structolite or were you talking about a lime coat over the structo?

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Dust Puppy, no, I don't add real lime to any products as the ones I prefer have Lime or what they call plastic's already inserted in the bags. They say plastic's works the same as lime, the truth it is it's less expensive to buy and add, however, i'm not the stucco police, I use what's available. And yes I applied a veneer plaster over ( either Diamond or Imperial) the base coat which crushed limestone and gypsum premixed we just add water. Live long and plaster Mastering Plastering for the beginner

[@Dustpuuppy]

I hadn't found those products. I had come to the conclusion that they just didn't exist. I guess I need to look harder. I thought I was going to have to mix the lime in by hand.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy dude, depens on where your located, In the UK, they have the same produts by differt companies. Live long and plaster Mastering Plastering for the beginner

[@Dustpuuppy]

I'm in Alabama. That's about the same as being in another country, though. I have finally found a local source for most products. Including Weldcrete. I didn't ask about premixed lime cement, as I had come to the conclusion that I'd have to mix it by hand. I had done web searches and couldn't find the premixed stuff. That's why I had thought it didn't exist. Nobody at the home stores knew anything about any of this stuff and the local material yards don't sell in small quantities. I finally found a place that bridged the gap, called Ram Tools. I"m trying to do some repairs on an old house that has been patched with stucco, taping mud, pieces of drywall and something that bears a disturbing resemblance to bubble gum. Probably nothing you haven't seen before but until now I've only done drywall. Hell of a learning curve and I'm thankful for your videos and your replies to my questions.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Dust Dude, no noubt there a lot of confusing out there, as it take awhlie to understand stucco appliucations. Live long and Plaster Teaching the world how to plaster one Video at a time.

[@austinjay5915]

Every time I watch your videos I swear that trowel gets bigger and bigger lol

[@StuccoPlastering]

lol, I use a 16, 18, or 20 inch most of the time, depends on what were doing.

[@famouspaints1012]

🏆

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@famouspaints1012 Thank you kind sir.

[@NoreastWhips]

There is a difference between all the plasters in how they skim, how they feel, look, smell, spread and cure. I will not use Diamond veneer again, as the last 7 or 8 bags I've purchased have had rocks in the mix. For me, Unikal is the best. Steve.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Noreast, one never knows how long a bag has set in a material yard or if it got wet.😡 All plasters like food and even explosives have a shelf life. In fact, so do we.🕺🏻 Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family

[@jm11740]

KIRK, Please Ease up with the plaster weld, WHY? It make plaster bond 30 years plus! With out plaster weld it will need repair again in 10 years or less. MORE WORK FOR EVERYONE ON FUTURE PLASTER JOBS!!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Howdy Joseph dude, great tip brother, we'll strat sabtoging our work from now on, Live long and Plaster Teaching the world how to plaster one Video at a time.

[@hcfvgfghg991]

أحسنت النشر

[@StuccoPlastering]

Good morning Hcfgb, thank you my friend Live long and plaster teaching you how to repair your number 1 investment

[@irvinhawkeswood7856]

Don't pull to you ,push and load the trowel from the backside !! Better on the shoulder !! You can last all day !!!

[@buddhudd1054]

Why . It's Hot ! About 95° in here . Home Depot Portland cement because I can . Guys Why.

[@StuccoPlastering]

Atta boy Budd dude, you've been paying attention. Cheers. 😉 Here’s wishing you and yours a happy holiday season. From the entire plastering Giordano Family