The Easiest Way to SKIM COAT A CEILING!!!

[@amycyclenut]

I've watched so many of your drywall videos that as I am mudding, I literally say to myself, in your voice, "feather my edges".... LOL

[@mikejayers]

Same here!!

[@btd-cf2000]

I do the same! Hallmark of a good teacher is when the students are repeating their mantras. 🙂

[@anthonywilson1754]

I'm new to drywalling which is only some of what I'm learning in the construction. I'm age 20 and trying to learn a lot. You are the best instructor I've seen for doing drywalling (or other things too). You explain things well and what to expect. Thanks. Anton

[@johnvetter6222]

He's enjoyable to watch and listen to , makes you feel like you can do it too. Most DYI teachers have no sense of humor, he's easy on the eyes, ears and brain. Time to tackle my horrible ceiling Thanks Vancouver

[@steverude7386]

Just finished a remodel of my son's living room fireplace wall and 2 alcove on either side. There was much patchwork from removed electrical and architectural shelving original contractor installed. With your videos giving me confidence I was able to create a great result. Taped and skin coated old work to new with the hawk and trowel method you prefer. Keep creating this great content for all of us who are profiting from your knowledge

[@pmny3423]

skin coated...like silence of the lambs?

[@bralgon63]

@@pmny3423 "Ready when you are Sgt Pembry....."

[@trickyricky12147]

​@@pmny3423nah like Jeffrey Dahmer with his skin obsession bro.😭

[@rochlapointe8903]

I do a lot of drywall/taping/plaster repair work. So when people ask me for tips and tricks on how to... now I just refer them to your site. Thanks for sharing your skills. I work very similarly to you but I don’t have to ability to explain and teach and you do 👍🏻😁

[@jsnow2007]

One tip when using a roller to spread the compound is to slightly moisten the sleeve before dunking. This helps with the initial adhesion to the new knap.

[@joenowak7212]

Also you can prime a ceiling before rolling on texture it makes it wayyy easier to spread but you dont have to.

[@MangoOverthere]

​@@joenowak7212 priming how exactly? With paint primer?

[@carolyn8728]

Success! This video was very timely. I always feel braver after watching you deal with something I'm afraid I'm going to screw up. Finally, finish my bathroom ceiling- Level 5!

[@tompet76]

Absolutely brilliant video Ben! Showing the entire process of an efficient technique incl. mud consistency, tool characteristics, tool variation, trowel "maneuvering" and sanding advice! Keep up the great work! 👍🏼🍁

[@als1023]

Same thoughts exactly, excellent video !

[@uhenoalvarez3480]

I just watched the video and I have to say its the very best video on skim coating Iv'e seen. I took off the popcorn texture in my home about 200 sqtft, then re shot it with knock down. I came out real good ,but your method is quicker and better. I will use your method on my next project! BIG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! I'm always willing to learn new ways.

[@Grizzleback07]

You make it look so much easier than it really is for the average joe. Keep them coming! 🤙

[@rogerjohnston4952]

Thank you. As a landlord dyi learning from scratch I appreciate your videos thank you. I'm also finding I enjoy doing this is fun

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🙂

[@neildrachlen9149]

This is my NEW FAVORITE DRY WALLERY CARPENTER GUY

[@davidbosco9314]

Using a roller to apply the mud. Thats actually super creative. I am resheeting an entire upstairs. For the bedrooms i am going to try skim coating the popcorn ceiling with a roller! Seriously genius. I hope it works well for me. Thanks for the tip!!!!

[@efemdesign]

Did the ceiling come out well?

[@robertperkins8636]

Thank you, this saved me so much time and neck pain! I noticed after trying it a couple times on different projects that if you do a final roll over the entire section in in the direction you plan to skim, it wont get nearly as many bubbles as, "going against the grain" so to speak

[@msbutterfly714]

I just scrapped all the popcorn ceiling off in my Mom n Dads house bathroom, dear Lord, what a wet mess and now my back hurts. Although this looks easy enough I am considering a professional for the small job. I am glad I found this video with great instructions. Thank you.

[@MuahMan]

I have a feeling this is going to be waaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy harder to do for me than how easy he is making it look. FML.

[@pcjplasterer5661]

Literally noone and I mean noone could do that first time or even the first year of doing it. But I appreciate the finish you get because you UNDERSTAND the material

[@dazzhan9826]

I use an 18 inch x 4 inch concrete finishing towel for ceilings. Covers a lot of area. I don't like larger taping knives as they flex a little too much. Personal preference. :)

[@sammydadz]

Great video and tips. Never thought of rolling the mud. So much easier and faster. Keep it going. Also it’s so relaxing watching your vids. Cheers!

[@jb_90265]

swimming pool trowel will help alleviate some lines as you spread. A bucket of water and a light wet sponge float will help you smooth so you can avoid sanding all together.on the final coat. sanding is no fun .. neither is the dust. USG DIAMOND VENEER BASECOAT is a great economical two-coat drywall finishing plaster that mixes easily and offers superior coverage. You could also use a bonding agent to coat the drywall first to provide MAX adherence .. like larson's plaster weld. Thanks for sharing your technique !!

[@dr.micastewartphd9960]

Thanks for these típs, JB!

[@jimcahoon9436]

Wish I had watched this before skin coating my garage ceiling. Thanks for your videos.

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

I'm a plasterer in England, but also live part time in Canada, so am interested in your techniques and materials for skimming a ceiling. I was curious as to that little motion you were doing along the edge. I'll give it a try. Normally I just firmly press the trowel up into the edges/corners, then afterwards run the narrow edge of the trowel along the lengths of the corners to ensure a straight and true corner.

[@ismu34]

I was doing a similar sized patch today, it was pretty hot outside and mud was drying almost before I could trowel it in. This would have worked really well with thinner mud

[@briansullivan1927]

this video is to coincidental as I just did this today at my work...it turned out ok as I have learned so much from watching your other videos. thanks for your channel.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@javapaceable]

“I don’t know what you wanna make sure of. Make sure of something.”

[@rkrolikow]

Oh I forgot to say that I have been a welder, fabricator forever. I now am a building inspector . I am amazed every time I see some one do a skim coat. I have tried in this house . you would fire me.

[@danjenlilyful]

what works better not sure if the trick made it up to u guys in Canada yet but here in Oregon I mix a bag of 45 with topping then throw the mud on the ceilings and walls, use a 2 foot and 3 foot floor squeegee. keep that rubber wet and it will be like glass and keep it wider then 2 foot or wider and ull have the flattest ceilings and walls with no sanding . I use the 3/4 in + nap like u but then smooth and even with a 3/8 nap and i keep it in a bucket of water with the paint pan that fits in the bucket..

[@drummergrl1000]

@Danny B I'm very intrigued to try your method as I hate sanding and especially ceilings. How much topping compound with with 1 bag of 45, equal amounts? You say you throw it on but then say you use a 3/4" nap and a 3/8" nap, so do you roll it on or trowel it on? I looked at rubber floor squeegees and saw several kinds. Can you show a link to the one you use or tell me more, flat, curved ? Thanks.

[@dr.micastewartphd9960]

Hi, DannyB, Like Drummergrl, I’d also love more info. This sounds Like a great idea!

[@rigidrebel8781]

You just SAVED MY LIFE! OK, well not really, but you definitely saved me a lot of time, shoulder and back pain! 😂 YOU ROCK!

[@pcassarino]

I skim coated all my popcorn ceilings by hand without the roller method...nightmare. wish I saw this video earlier. Great work!

[@TLOYA1]

Probably wouldn't have worked very well anyways. You did it the right way. Sometimes, with certain jobs, there is no easy way. Just the hard way.

[@jstame2221]

You got the right idea! Just need to fine-tune it a little bit. 5 gallon roller screen in the bucket would help control the mess and allow you to spread the mud more evenly. It may take an extra dip or two but it will be a lot cleaner.

[@jstame2221]

I'm about to skim some ceilings in a three-bedroom two-story house using this method. Thinner rolling nap because I'm basically just floating them out. I am on my way there right now and was watching videos for tips! Thanks for the share.... Next time mud those joints first like you mentioned. 😉 😆

[@80Ragincajun]

I will definitely try this. But i like how the guy paul puts a paint grate in the bucket to get the excess off the roller first. Not as messy.

[@doconnor1354]

I am glad I found you video since I am not ready to redo skim coat a soffit. Just in time. I subscribed to your channel since your "fixes" are items I am battling with now. Thanks for information and great technique hints. From way down in southern New Jersey. YO !

[@Steve-dr8rw]

Question for you. Not so much related to this video. I’m doing my first room after buying a new to me house built in the 70s. Replacing wood paneling with drywall. Drywall is installed and I’m working through taping. The bottom edge of the drywall at the floor is the tapered side. Will this present a problem when installing baseboard? There will be a gap at the bottom that may make the baseboard trim not sit right or at least hard to install. Second question. Do you have a website or blog to ask these questions. Last question. Would this technique in this vendor work over popcorn that’s been painted over a few dozen times? Your videos are really helping me realize my dream of renovating this house with my own two hands. Thanks, Steve

[@richardpellis]

Bottom taper is that way in all homes. It won't be a problem. Don't forget you will have carpet and pad, or wood floor or tile. Most baseboard is at least 3 inches. If the baseboard does want to tip inward at the btm, I saw a trick to run screws in the btm board, behind the trim, to provide support. Also, when installing the trim you should not rest it on the floor. You should put a spacer under it to raise it up before fastening it.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

If the popcorn is a lighter one you can do it. It might take 3 coats to cover. It's usually best to mist it with a garden sprayer and scrape it. But be sure to have it tested first!

[@MischiefGlowworm]

I've recently been doing drywall a d taping, these are very helpful. Your tips and tricks save me so much time and you're a fantastic teacher. Wish the guy who taught me was half as good. haha

[@johnschutt9187]

Great work. Thanks for showing us how to do it. You're the master!

[@wadehemrica8035]

Purchased some sponge back sand paper!! It really works well. Thanks for the suggestion. So smooth!!

[@JennySk-t2k]

You make this look so easy! I tried 3 times with the roller and gave up. I’m 5’0 and not strong. Ultra beginner DIYer. All I did was make a mess everywhere. Some mud got on the ceiling, heavy in 1 spot, but too light in others. Maybe I didn’t thin the compound enough? I just got on my step stool and slapped it on by hand. Maybe I’ll try again in the next room. 1100 sq ft of popcorn ceiling to coat.

[@docjohnson3980]

Your videos have help me make my home look more beautiful and enjoyable. Thanks homie.

[@tuckerhoog9609]

Liked the video so much I decided to try your process and ended up in the ER. Don't stand on a chair to scrape off the excess. A chair leg could break and you could land on your head and BLEED ALL OVER. Now that I have about a 3x3 section of this stuff just rolled on and dried.....it looks like a textured or popcorn ceiling. I guess I just have to sand it down?

[@thechyctech5636]

If you get it wet with a spray bottle you might be able to scrape it off.

[@dr.micastewartphd9960]

How scary, Tucker! I’m glad you are ok.

[@Nikonik66]

Skimming my entire 4 story house over popcorn texture. I wound have blown out my shoulder if I hadn't seen this. Thank you.

[@rodneytrawick2202]

Why didn’t you just scrape/ sand it?

[@Nikonik66]

@@rodneytrawick2202 because the texture had been painted over. After scraping, what was left was unsandable.

[@chains6558]

I have a concrete ceiling with popcorn texture I’d like to eliminate with skim coating instead of scraping it off . Thanks for the video

[@mattb4885]

I had never seen the slide method with a knife or trowel, and ever since I started wathing your videos I wondered why you did this. But now that you explained it, it makes perfect sense! I'm never going to fight with pesky corners again! haha Keep up the good work man! Love your videos!

[@tim18846]

Yeah it's called cutting in. It makes the pass a lot more smoother

[@kyleforpresident77]

My shoulders burn just watching this...

[@amishdrywall2383]

Roll one direction then opposite . Mud consistency is user preference. Roller talk to you when it even . Wiping down is all about feeling in hands and fingers ....good kamera stream

[@zip19145]

Great work!! Nice to see someone who cares about their work!!

[@vinetari]

Nice of the Vancouver Carpenter to share his channel with the Vancouver Drywaller

[@vancouvercarpenter]

🙂

[@catcolbert9044]

Nice work!! What kind of mud you are applying to the ceiling? You didn't say in the video or notes. Thank you.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Light all purpose

[@vasvarvar4847]

What kind of mud you use for the skim coat? I am scraping popcorn ceiling and skimming it. Should I use synko classic finish red or classic all purpose blue or other one? Thnx

[@justinmiller7422]

Asbestos.. wish I knew before I demo’d my textured ceiling. Thanks for the PSA. More people need to know about it

[@travisk5589]

It's pre 1980 in the USA. If it's a popcorn ceiling in the USA, it's probably asbestos. Popcorn went out of style right about the same time. I do miss them though. They were so much quieter

[@justinmiller7422]

Travis k welp! I know what I’m gonna die from

[@travisk5589]

@@justinmiller7422 lol. Only pussies die from asbestos. Just saying😉

[@keithcumber9830]

it's full circle in the 80's and 90's people paid me for spray there ceilings now they pay me to get rid of it

[@keithcumber9830]

@Bill Williams right them and the dust mites hate to see me coming 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jimheumann]

Thanks very much. I appreciate your content and your attitude. I've learned a lot.

[@erichogan9769]

all i gotta say is that he makes this look easy

[@ByHulk1]

Skim coat takes time, but it fills in little scratches and pin holes. It’s worth it to do this because you’ll get a smooth finish ceiling. Then prime and paint it.

[@tillmansr2002]

The video is GREAT. I'm attempting to do a ceiling. What type of mud do you use for the ceiling. In your other videos you mention the desire for 'hot' mud. Is this loose hot 'setting type' or some other type of mud?

[@cdean3140]

The easiest way? Hire you! Also the best way 👏👏👏

[@btd-cf2000]

In terms of prep for the textured portion of the ceiling, did you de-grease and/or de-gloss, sand, and/or prime that area before applying the mud? Great video as always.

[@renesantander3503]

Great tips thank you! I wish I would have found this video before I did my kitchen ceiling....which has some shadowing in certain lighting...so I'm thinking I will have to skim coat it and re-prime and paint. If you have any suggestions for me please let me know. Thanks again for the handy tips!!

[@dennishassler605]

Rollers with the plastic rollers holds on to the cartridge much tighter, so you don't have the cartridge sliding around as you paint or skim coat.

[@rogsolaris7411]

For removing textures, I also see people using motorized drywall sanders. I don't know if I should use a motorized sander or just this skim coat method? Are they used together? Or is skim coating enough?

[@jkm3297]

I dip my knife in some water when things may start to dry out. It's real nice

[@mariad4183]

Beautifully done! LOVE! ...and a good arm workout

[@marmorinovenetianplaster9207]

Very nice, I always use lights as I apply. Lots of lights!!! its amazing how you can miss many areas.....

[@AlanColePhotography]

Hi Ben, Countless thanks for taking your time to make these super instructional videos. I used a lot of your technique for repairing a peeling ceiling; I'll send you a photo of it looks as good after priming and painting as it does after the mud. That light against the ceiling tells on you, doesn't it?!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

It sure does!

[@andyfc1114]

@@vancouvercarpenter Hey man, awesome video. Rookie question; what type of mud you advise to use? Would it do the job to use All purpose? Thanks again

[@vancouvercarpenter]

@@andyfc1114 You could use AP for the whole job. AP light sands easier though but has less adhesion for tape.

[@JoshGray1]

Thanks so much for your videos! It's really helped me a lot with my home projects.

[@content-mu8bo]

It's eyes open to watch such rolling technique for skim. It makes the job looks easy! Would you recommend this method for a larger ceiling size 6mx6m?

[@aservant2287]

Also, I learned the hard way about adding water to the premixed mudd. You go to use it it's full of mold.

[@travisk5589]

It's not the water that causes mold. It's digging around in it. I have a buddy that spits in his little tub of Crawfords spackle to loosen it up. That tub gets nasty after a few days. But that's just a gross story.

[@aservant2287]

@@travisk5589 lol. It's when you leave it mixed with water longer than 1 weak or so. I just did a popcorn removal and skim on a ceiling and used it. Lol oh man, not good. Had to oil based primer it then skim again.

[@travisk5589]

@@aservant2287 Agreed. I always think it smells like rotten pussy

[@VC-Toronto]

I have a couple of pails of premix that might not be used for a while, so I'm going to experiment with getting the mud level, cleaning off the sides, and then floating an inch or so of Windshield Washer Anti Freeze over the top. This will lock any moisture out, and will hopefully stop any mold that may want to grow on the surface.

[@hansjensen7823]

Maybe I missed it, what is your reason for skim coating new Sheetrock?

[@莫言-l7b]

very good illustration and big thanks

[@dennishassler605]

Where there are multiple repairs between ceiling panels of drywall, should fiberglass mesh be laid under the skim coat to provide more support or is it best to rely on the plaster?

[@marcredgate7288]

What type of mud do you recommend for the skim coat?

[@jjangler3518]

Is it the norm to skim coat the entire surface of new drywall installations or just for resurfacing textured wall surfaces or bad walls?

[@cribbsprojects]

Yes, it is better to skim new drywall...

[@kates5528]

What kind of product are you using on the ceiling for mud and I see it’s over brown paper soyou put any sort of primer on Like you do for the ripped paper and drywall? And also what do you prime that with Before you paint?

[@ds61821]

How best to tape around a replacement ventilation fan when there are some larger gaps to cover (due to larger older fan) around the edges? Gaps are some places about 1" and not regular.

[@thomasflynn6307]

I think you are a character but very good at what you do is like teach others and that’s what’s awesome. Feed someone once but teach them how to fish now that’s something else. I’ve done most of this kind of work myself but not for a living. But I firmly believe that I could watch your vids and buy some tools and with a little practice I believe you could have a trade under ur belt and get a job no problem cause all you can do is get better and with expertise of VC there’s not much you couldn’t good tapers are hard to find

[@francesnelson9746]

Hi, love your videos! Easy to follow. Have to redo my bathroom ceiling. Had to scrape off peeling paint. I already painted it with BIN. What kind of mud do you use? I will be doing a small 6x9 section. How much should I buy for that?

[@prenumenumedefamilie3418]

Hy !Have you encounter a very bulky drywall silling in your cariera?how you dell it ?i ve strugle on a house a week by now on a upper floor multiple coats .where getting humidity and with a help of a inflated isolation on a tight space upper !i even afraid to use much primer do not wet them to much !i just wonder if you had that problem !i am a kind profesional in this but never happend to me to work on such iregulated surfaces on drywall since that s the mains puprpose using this plake method to be kind farily straight from the beganing right?

[@Nikonik66]

Where do you get your popcorn ceiling tested to see if it has aspestose?

[@kellystevens-comstock2841]

You make that look easy. Like scary easy.

[@ytctrb]

Thanks for these great instructional videos! So if a wall is already painted, but has imperfections like painted over ridges where patches of paint were peeled off, patches that were not done as professionally as here and look bumpy, and everything is already covered again with paint, can you still use the same method? Or does the fact that there's paint on the wall change matters? It looks like skimming over the entire wall would be much less work and cheaper than pulling out the drywall and re-doing everything from scratch, but I am concerned the skim mud might not hold up well on the paint. I have a few of these walls in my house and debating what to do with them.

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

It totally is a viable option. 2 light skimms once you know that all peeling has been corrected and you should have some gorgeous walls. I recommend a thick nap like 1.25 inches and a 14 inch knife for walls.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Don't tear it out. So wasteful. Just fix all the loose stuff and give it a couple of skims👍🙂

[@frankpinmtl]

Ben, what size area would you NOT use this technique on? Thanks.

[@timrich6755]

@frankpinmtl I have done this method on large ceilings. Now I would use larger tools, but these tools and methods work for DIY first timers. He has a video on a much larger area using similar techniques. Best wishes in your endeavors.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

This was too small for me to do it this way but I did it for the video. It works great on large ceilings. I usually work in about 4 foot by 6 foot sections.

[@nopriors]

If you are a beginner doing a 10 by 12 room, would you do say 4 -5 foot areas at a time? Thanks Greg

[@mairimackenzie2122]

Love your tutorials, thank you. But does the filler/mud not go hard on roller while you’re skimming a section? Thanks again ❤️

[@toddmoriarty97]

Since you're in a bathroom here, if the ceiling and walls were pre-painted with semi-gloss paint, how would you prep the surface before skim coating? To ensure proper adhesion to the paint.

[@melindabell1477]

Scrape then sand entire surface, completely dusting walls before applying any material

[@monav4062]

So you actually did three coats on this ceiling in the video??? I hope that I'll be as successful as you. I've never done this sort of thing before. I can roll paint on walls, patch holes and paint trim, baseboards and doors. But, I've never skimmed coated a wall or a ceiling before! I hope that I can do it as well as you. Thanks for making this video! I really appreciate it !!!

[@gbmwp]

after the 1st application, we have to clean the ceiling before the 2nd application?

[@jeffersonsaborio5996]

hi nice job. any tip to match texture when you repair a ceilling thanks

[@juantrejo2277]

Love it man, your whole channel is on point with great tips and tricks!

[@asinger261]

You can probably apply your tape like this as well! Obviously not so much mud, just enough to embed the tap maybe a 3in microfiber heavy nap roller

[@charitytorrence331]

Can I use joint compound to put a skim coat over plaster walls? I have a 13'x14' bedroom with a lot of hairline cracks in the ceiling and walls. I'm getting ready to repair them. Do I need to skim coat all the walls and ceilings?

[@HannahMattox]

This was great and all, but can I take a moment to mention the audio on the new camera is amazing? 😂 I heard every grunt, but I'll never forget the sound of you rolling that mud across the ceiling 😂😂😂

[@vancouvercarpenter]

😂 too bad about the echo though. It's so hard to reduce it but I stop noticing it part way through editing which means it's not sooooo bad.

[@HannahMattox]

Vancouver Carpenter I heard every single inch of it go on 😂🤣😂🤣 omg, I died laughing watching it 🤣

[@thebhut3446]

Dummy question, it seems like you need a heavy nap to apply, but would a roller with a smoother nap smooth it out, leaving just the very edges to hit with the knife?

[@gssuper1438]

I'll make sure I thumbs up the video 👍

[@clutch5sp989]

For hot steaming bathrooms, is the non textured ceiling surface preferred?

[@frangiew9076]

Mister Vancouver You say “Mud” but what exactly are you using …Seems like different guys use different materials such as Plaster or Joint compound or other stuff.

[@GB-go6gp]

You do beautiful work, and I'm wondering if you have the time to answer questions or requests. A mistake I made in my living room drywall stares at me every time I sit on the sofa, andyou're the man with the skills, eh.

[@jamesbeasley]

This guy is awesome. Makes it look soo easy. I say feather the edge while I'm mudding also. He should Patten that saying😂

[@mikesgarage5066]

What’s the maximum size room you would do this to?

[@pheelingoode1646]

On a ceiling that small I usually just hang a sheet of quarter inch drywall over the whole thing. Avoids the asbestos issue too.

[@VC-Toronto]

Then you need to tape the inside corners etc. Pick your poison.

[@WayPastCrazy2525]

I've debated this with myself: Put 1/4" drywall up or skim coat my stamped/stippled ceilings. With putting up drywall, you have to tape and mud the joints and corners, you have to measure and cut, and you have to locate joists (not easy with the stipple and some sagging old drywall). With skim coating, it's a massive p.i.t.a.! No other way to put it.

[@AtikurTalukder-z8r]

Im wondering what the reason for skim coating the ceiling and not the rest of the walls?

[@rontech1671]

Do you ever use a veneer plaster for the texture instead of drywall mud?

[@jameswilliams5428]

is skim coating always necessary? for walls and ceilings? and what type of mud?

[@Jerdejong14]

You said 12" knife at 15:07.....I was expecting a correction in captions. Lol. Ceiling looks great!

[@fizixx]

👍