The most in depth tutorial on the Internet | plastering over ARTEX

There's Not another Video Like This On The Internet...
I Genuinely hope you enjoy watching this video.
I believe this is the ultimate guide to plaster over artex.
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
if you enjoyed that video and would like to buy me a cold one then you can do that here.
👇👇👇👇
www.buymeacoff...
if you would like to join one of my courses, take a look at my merchandise store, connect with me on other social media or reach out for collaborations and sponsorship then you can do all of that here.
👇👇👇👇
kirkjohnstone....

[@jimgeelan5949]

Haya mate, because of skill builder I’m here, you are the most natural person behind the camera ive seen in years, thanks for all your time and tips

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks mate, that's a nice compliment, I appreciate it.

[@markwebster8515]

What plastering trowel are you using and why? 👍🏻👍🏻

[@waterboy8999]

Well said, he should be on telly, Saturday night Celebrity sciming.

[@nigelbarton8350]

I am self taught after a local guy did a ceiling for me as a tutorial, have done my whole house a room at a time. I’m slow, but results are good. I skimmed over artex in one room with great results. Full of confidence I started to do the same in the next room. After the first coat went on it became clear this room was actually textured paper with many coats of paint covering the joins and not artex…yeah that didn’t go so well!

[@Onthetrowel]

Hope you had a laugh at the intro, my daughters always tell me my vids are boring... they were glued to the intro on this one 😂😂 they started laughing their heads of at the plastering nerds screenshot 😂

[@joeypriestman6783]

Love it! 🤣

[@roberttemple358]

It's excellent intro...entice the American audience with some country and western music 🎉

[@keithgravestock3905]

It is an absolute joy watching a true craftsman at work, but it did crack me up when your commentary came out with "stick a rocket up your arse". Your videos have given me the inspiration to cover an artex ceiling. I don't think you probably want to travel to Essex for a job!

[@BirdsEyeView72]

Sand and plaster i'v used for years when filling in around plug sockets much much better than bonding..my dad's old trick that i still do today... good old dad the best plasterer i have ever seen.. no longer with us.❤

[@SunnyvaleTrailerParkSupervisor]

Interesting what ratio do you use?

[@BirdsEyeView72]

@@SunnyvaleTrailerParkSupervisor just a few hand full in each mix. Depends on how much you need.👍

[@MrJimtimslim]

Why is it 'much much better' when bonding is absolutely fine? Sand contaminates the buckets, tools etc when you're skimming after.

[@BirdsEyeView72]

@@MrJimtimslim a lot cheaper if you have a bag of sand hanging around in the van when you have plaster there to start with plus it does nothing to the buckets and tools...🤔

[@lyricaljudge]

The way you talk brother its like we're listening to wise words from your Father.. he must have been a legend to be around.. 💯🙏

[@BrianCostello-vp7yw]

One day all of the artex ceilings will be skimmed over in the uk.. who will be the one doing the final honours is the question 😂 great informative video as usual Kirk 👍

[@mafg9372]

Yes bro, I'm part of the anti artex army. Covering artex since 03

[@NextGenScout]

Not me sat watching this video thinking I could give it a go on my artex ceilings 😂. We have had 2 rooms done by a plasterer in our house and we are really happy with his work but we are struggling to get hold of him now to complete the rest of the house. Must be a nightmare customer. 👀 Love the videos Kirk I wish you could do some work for me. 👍🏻

[@waterboy8999]

You're a class act big man, as an earlier coment said you are a natural on camera. As joiner who does a bit of home scimming these videos are a great help, thanks a million!

[@lindawithani]

Brought back so many memories of my late plasterer partner. He was very much like you in the style of his workmanship. Quality, every time. Loved watching, as I used to do him, for many years. He was 'on the tools' for 30+ years. Thank you for your time and effort bringing this informative vlog to so many. Top job, btw.👍🙂

[@DavesKoiPond]

Thanks for making skimming over artex ceilings do-able for an old pipefitter.👍 It's still damned hard work at my age, but the last quote I got for a 10m2 skim over was £350. P.S. dropped a bit @ 12:19 😄 ...not that i can talk, i get more on the floor than the ceiliing 🤣

[@matthewmellor3526]

I always like to throw some masking tape on the sockets Kirk, especially if they're brand new! Takes a couple of mins but i keep the screws in the socket front, held in with the tape so i cant lose them!

[@johannaturner2821]

First time plaster here, and yes, going in big and trying this first 🙈. Expect I'll have to get a professional in to rectify my mess 😂, but i really want to have go. Your videos have given me the confidence and tips to have a crack. Thank you! P.s. this video is brilliant 😂

[@sionwyn1275]

Wish I had watched this video before trying to plaster over my artex ceiling!! Thought that blue grit alone would seal the dusty lime wash paint… until all the plaster started peeling off! Thanks for the great video!!

[@lukecopping5509]

Nice to see different techniques on artex working. I personally put bonding in with multi on my first hit to reduce suction and shrinking. 2nd hit is a standard multi spread and skim

[@karlsklips3268]

What ratio of bonding do you put into 1st mix please

[@lukecopping5509]

@karlsklips3268 depends on the depth of the artex. Normally more a bit more multi than bond

[@stihl3826]

Fab stuff and you should never be out of work with quality like that.

[@jono_young]

I miss the smell of Bonding in the morning🤤, love your content mate! Im medically retired now, but i watch your tube and your realness is everything i miss about the game. 🤘

[@2icelollys1goat]

Well said. I like watching Kirk and his vids

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers guys, genuinely means alot. Thankyou

[@Law-h6r]

Keep a bag of bonding in the kitchen and put a spoonful in your tea 😅

[@armoris66]

Multi trader here (specialist tiler 20yrs), loved it! I initially wondered why Brian Shaw has gone into plastering and clicked out of curiosity 🤣. New sub mate! 👍🏿

[@seancurwen4484]

You make it look too easy kirk lol love watching a real pro who knows what he's doing

[@markhannan4712]

Don’t know why but watching you plaster is very relaxing you make it look so easy and I know it isn’t thanks keep up the vids

[@Onthetrowel]

Thanks mate

[@MarcusT86]

So happy as an early sub to see you’ve grown to the level you have Kirk. I just regret I’m so busy working on my own house at the minute I don’t have as much time to watch. But one day it’ll be done and I can watch all my favourite channels again! Class plastering as always!

[@darthvalkyr]

Mixing by hand. Did that for my first attempt at wall skimming. Bought a skimming paddle and used it in an old stanley hand drill. Wasn't too bad to be fair but you knew about it as the mix got firmer. Battery drill came out for the next job; old textured ceiling from the 80s or earlier. Played it safe and skimmed it like this.

[@francomyring1729]

Love your videos pal your the only plasterer i watch and enjoy and still learn from you to this day been plastering and rendering for 6 years and at the end of the day every days a learning day cheers kirk 👍

[@michaelgriffiths4518]

One word, great! Keep them coming

[@assadsalah4927]

Top man best plastering video & tips starting skimmed my renovation came out lovely!

[@joshuafuryon7874]

Great vid, good knowledge!

[@freeky909]

Please be safe with electrics! Make sure you turn off the consumer board on either the circuit your dealing with ie (sockets bedroom 1)OR you turn off the main switch on the consumer board, if in doubt consult a professional electrician, try LOLYS (lock off leave yourself safe) this will mean switching off and locking the consumer board. This Master Plasterer is very experienced and knows his way around the systems so please be careful. A great video with excellent tutoriol , i will use to great effect on my own house, thank you so much.

[@lorrainehoulden1141]

Skilled craftsmen make the job they’re doing very easy.

[@dannygreer1]

Used to hate reskimming over artex ceilings, quite enjoy them now mate with your little technique 👌🏼

[@Cluedup2399]

Great work mate I always use febond blue grit, or even better on the market now is bond it pre grit it's finer, too prep my artex ceilings gives it a great key and me peace of mind it's not gonna fall off ha. Great channel mate 👍

[@alanturner-xj2zs]

Thanks

[@Onthetrowel]

Thank you mate. Thank you very much 🙏

[@petergreen86]

I don't have a trade, but love watching your videos. Very satisfying watching someone skilled do a good job. A wireless lav microphone would take the overall video quality to the next level

[@Onthetrowel]

I'll look into this mate

[@mgleeds3834]

Like the new intro but prefer you in front of the van. Another good video full of good information and tips.

[@andywilkie1986]

Lovely chatting with you and Leyton today mate top fellas hope the k rend goes on nice and easy for you

[@Onthetrowel]

Was a pleasure, speak soon Andy... top man. P.s. cheers for the drink mate

[@andywilkie1986]

@@Onthetrowel bloody weather hope your k rend has rubbed up ok

[@antsfur]

Excellent video glad i found your channel, thanks

[@neilchadwick15]

Well done Kirk excellent trades man

[@billkingham8943]

Your work is all about quality not quantity. You seem to take your time to get the best finish. Always as sign of a good tradesman. 👍👍👌👌🇬🇧

[@Onthetrowel]

I appreciate that!

[@The_Shadow_Returns]

Came straight from skill builder channel with your video with Roger

[@Onthetrowel]

I'm glad to have you here. I hope you enjoy the content

[@payne02000]

Put a dash of food coluring in the SBR can see easily where you glued up already then 👌

[@stevep9739]

I remember rubbing up near a socket and the plaster was peeling away so I pushed it back in with my fingers. I thought I was having a heart attack as the electricity ran up my arm to my chest and everything was numb I managedto pull away but it doesn't arf grab you😂😂 Make sure the electric is off,up or down stairs and run extensions for power. Don't forget the customers fridge 😂

[@AC-gm6bq]

Superb video. Extremely watchable. Nice guy 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Improveng1]

Nice one Kirk, thank you sir 😄😄👍👍

[@CMizzi7589]

Quick question you put an accelerator to make the plaster go off quicker, if you didn’t seal the seal the ceiling would it have had the same effect as making the plaster going off quicker great video Chris

[@trevwaters1]

21.49 plasters assistant enters room. The kettle's boiled and tea in on the table. Lol

[@waynehendry9782]

24 inch fan from Argos or DIY. Cut the drying time of PVA or SBR buy half. Bit of a lump to carry but if you need it one day it pays for itself. Who wants to wait. Great video as always. Packed full of information. I'll also add the ox rubber mixer will work in a diy 18v battery dril and mix plaster in a standard bucket. Always carry one for small mixes. Get some bank from ox to promote. It's the best thing they make. Ha

[@terry4144]

I never wait for pva to dry my mate pvas in front of me

[@hoog111]

Can’t seem to find ox rubber mixing paddle. Not available anywhere.

[@riptiz]

Great video Kirk, love the additions in the background, I guess it’s not your dad with the comments. lol. Regards, Dave

[@deptheocd1982]

You can drop a bit of food colouring into the sbr to see where you have been. Handy on dull dark cloudy days. Everyday in the uk 😂

[@stuarttoomey703]

great video - always a good watch, so many good tips. Random question - why the line of scrim tape across the middle of the ceiling?

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Nice video mate, appreciating all those tips!

[@bockerwright4132]

I'm gonna have to come back to this one. You should see the artex we have on the living room walls. It's like running candle wax, awful.

[@Rooben65]

Such a genuine bloke. Thanks for all your content! Maybe an idea for a future video if it's viable... I've done a bit of plastering as a DIYer and renovating an old cottage. One job coming up this year for me is a large ceiling. I know it's beyond my skill/speed to do it myself in one shot but is there a way/proper technique for doing a large area in sections? At the moment I'm looking to get a pro in but feel like I could give it a bash with advice. Thanks again!

[@Chunkychops514]

Do a rolling gauge mate this guy done a vid I think explaining the process . Simply put treat your ceiling like 3 or 4 small areas

[@terrypatton103]

U need to wear a Mike sometimes it's hard to hear your voice

[@marktelfer6654]

Trying to think what saying is you more. Stay away from the edge. Take a little bit, or take it in neat ha 😂honestly cracks me up. Love the content Kirk keep it coming.👍🔥

[@Uncleal29]

Fair play ,plastering for time now ,seen your van in bagillt start of the year ,class Kirk ,love the shop gonna get me and my trainee a t shirt jumper set pal ,we don't stop till jobs done 😂😂😂love that bro

[@Onthetrowel]

Should of popped in and said hello mate

[@Uncleal29]

@@Onthetrowel got stage fright Kirk celebrity status 🤣,class and learnt loads of you cheers dude ,good to see ,stay well 🙏

[@Onthetrowel]

@Uncleal29 🤣🤣 we ended up having a pint in that pub at the bottom of the hill. I like bagillt, good people. Take it easy mate 👍👍

[@Uncleal29]

@@Onthetrowel 🤣🤣🤣🤣blossom inn class and you hope our paths cross again 🙏👍

[@deanryan8533]

I spent this week plastering over 4 Artex ceiling, all in the same property. Pre grit, bonding coat and finally a skim coat. 3 of the ceilings seem fine, but the final one completely fell off! I was about to go over one final time to get the air bubbles out and my trowel cratered through the plaster and the whole lots rained down. I can't figure out why this happened.. This particular ceiling had been patched in several areas where the client said it'd had some leaks in the past. Maybe the ceiling was damp from the previous leaks which caused the aster to fail to adhere? Is it worth replastering and hoping for the best?

[@granty4955]

Might be a silly question Kirk, if you are doing a larger ceiling, would you complete it in 2 separate stints as half the ceiling would be setting & ready for 2nd skim while you are still coating the other half with the 1st.

[@jordanhill2046]

Fantastic video as always Kirk 👏 been with you since day 1 when you only had 27 subscribers now look your smashing it mate keep up the great content 👍 😁 would love too see you do a video on internal float & set one day 👍

[@Onthetrowel]

Cheers mate and I will do 🙂👍👍

[@JCLIPSZTV]

Smashing video Kirk

[@robinford4037]

Great videos. Have ever had to repair a SPECKLED interior wall? With either air tool or a box that flicks speckles or a system you have developed. Any advice on this would be helpful.

[@davidharding3058]

Hi kirk Good morning hope your well. What a video I can relate to this as I had a lime wash ceiling in my house and artex crap not good stuff. unlike most of the 60s regards to the music scene quality. It was a change from old to modern building methods and a lot of crap was Invented as well And some good like the 70s that followed 👌 😅. And we are here now 80s tapped and bonded joints another crap idea. Best is pink stuff in a bag it's supper stuff... love it I'm wondering how many people that have contacted you as regards to seeing your videos and thought they could do it and completely fu-kEd it up. 😭😩🍻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@user-ym1ff1vg8c]

Awesome Kirk Learnt alot again

[@poohpot4462]

Brilliant video... I was just waiting for "starring 3 time oscar winner kirk johnstone".

[@Onthetrowel]

🤣🤣 glad you liked it mate, just a bit of fun

[@Taterviewer76]

You want to be careful using SBR kirk, it totally kills suction, as you know PVA re-emulsifies when finish hits it, but that's good cos it forms that grip. Speaking from experience, I SBR'D the exact same pattern as that. It held for 4 months, then the customer rang to say some had come down, I ended up taking the lot down and it looked like it had never been plastered at all! It just came down in huge sheets. I ended up using bostik grit coat , that did it. I'm very wary of SBR, I'm not using it anymore. And if you're doing the vids for beginners maybe you should explain the suction/no suction issues with PVA and SBR .

[@Onthetrowel]

Did you see the video where we tested the primers/sealers

[@adampickett1634]

Great video there mate…loads of information 👊🏼

[@chrisbebbington1900]

What a nice person

[@genericuser8157]

Kirk bud my ceiling is chalky its fan pattern and the house is early 1900 what would you recommend SBR or BLUE GRIT before skimming

[@markwebster8515]

What plastering trowel are you useing and why and what is your recommendation for every day plastering trowel to use

[@LiamD24]

Hi mate Love the videos they have given me the confidence to give it a go Im on the hunt for a decent trowl now 😂 any recommendations on one? What should i look at size wise too? Thanks

[@assadsalah4927]

Can you do a video on cleaning up efficiently please

[@MarkyinUK]

It would be interesting video

[@NAFO_Badger_Brigade]

Any thoughts on using plaster adhesive for rapid filling of channels before finishing with plaster?? It goes off so quickly, I've used it a few times on jobs for family and all seems good but daren't try it out with customers! I'm just a general handyman so only do small jobs mainly repairs for current customers.

[@shanemothershaw3922]

Top video from a top man 👍🏻

[@ericc9850]

Always great 👍 👌

[@neilchadwick15]

40 years spreading and that is exactly how I would go about that job without the accelerator mind ,to old for that

[@richardwilliams8953]

Kirk, great vids mate - I have a question.......when skimming over a bonding coat, what causes the tiny air bubbles that sometimes form in the finish coat? I've had this on occasion and I'm thinking that I've gone on to the bonding too quickly? (Not a plasterer by trade but do have to do it from time to time)....cheers mate!

[@mytempah8952]

Hi mate what’s best way of getting into this trade love your content buddy

[@lmilne4859]

In neat and tidy bigman 😁 wee change with the wooden handle buddy

[@Onthetrowel]

Breaking in new trowels mate

[@richardpaulkirk3500]

Yer that intro good fun that 👍🏻

[@gavinwilliams2240]

Hi mate just wondering do you ever do anything to remove wallpaper glue or just sbr over it

[@MatthewHopla]

Hi love video Question im looking at doing a 6 week plastering course with gold trowel My question is would you expect me to be able to plaster to a nice Finnish all be it slowly Could I do small private jobs after this 6 week course Please be honest if I am wasting my time Thanks

[@richardpaulkirk3500]

The trick is that . Way I explain it is if my first coat is actually flattening out picking up so that it's no longer following the shape of the background your on for your second coat 👍🏻 timing everytime and working to your own timing 👍🏻

[@johnwarwick4105]

Great video

[@steejayk]

Great video as always but could you maybe tone the music down a bit?

[@billyt9921]

I always get the sockets off, wago the ring back together and tuck the wires in out the way. You make it look way too easy plastering around them 😂..... but for those watchin, trust me, its alot more faff than it looks. Its deffo easier with them out the way. Same with that light fitting. If youre less skilled than kirk (all of us), then make youre life easier and get them wires inside the patress boxes.... but make sure theyre safe with wago clips.

[@weebinniec]

Is there a situation you would need to use pva instead of sbr or is sbr just better to use all the time. Good vid 👍🏻

[@Onthetrowel]

When patching, blending in is easier on pva

[@weebinniec]

@@Onthetrowel it tried to find the answer in previous vids before asking so thank you for the reply 👍🏻. I’d like to be able to fix internal damage once Ive fixed a leaking roof. 😎 maybe this is too much power for a mere mortal to obtain 🤣 thanks again

[@colingoode3702]

I've got Artex & coving throughout the whole of my house! (built in 1986). However, I've got the icicle type of Artex with a very pronounced & deep textured finish. Some bits look just like icicles. Questions is can this type of finish be scraped & plastered over without having to resort to over boarding & creating issues with the existing coving.

[@Onthetrowel]

Yes, it may need de-nibbing but it may contain asbestos

[@colingoode3702]

@@Onthetrowel 👍

[@cglees]

Great video!

[@davidworks7758]

That's not very easy, thanks for the lesson, I'd be much happier hiring you. Great job!

[@PhillBrasier]

Just out of curiosity Kirk. How long from start to finish did this take you. I’m a part time plasterer amongst other things and struggle to gauge timings on different areas. With you from the start mate cracking content. Cheers

[@Onthetrowel]

Because of filming it took about 4.5 hour's. Could of done it in 2.5 mate

[@stephenleitch7542]

Quality job kirk 👏 was the scrim tape over a crack in the artex? Just wondering 🤔 my Mrs wants me to plaster over my livingroom ceiling. The ceiling has exact same fan texture.

[@Onthetrowel]

There as a very slight hairline crack mate yes

[@halstirrup]

Morning. Need a trowel like that. Could you put a link to your Amazon for this Trowel please . If you can’t write the code for the Trowel if you can please. Cheers. Great video! Top Notch content

[@danfenton89]

Anthor top job again mate 🧱👌

[@dangeach180]

Good video

[@donaldmackay8439]

Hi. A quick question. For some time now the plaster has been coming in a new form which dries faster, indicated by a green triangle on the bag telling you of this. Is it possible to get plaster that doesn't have this additive? Once upon a time, depending on the size of the room, I could get two walls on the go. Sadly, my knee joints are starting to let me down and I find it difficult to keep up with the plaster, the result being I can only cover one wall at a time. Ceilings now have to be done in 'half's' and feathered in. Can you offer any advice regarding this, please? Thanks

[@m.c.SHoppIng.cenTrE]

haha, when i first started, it was my job to bond in around the sockets whilst the power was still on, i learned to be careful very early as not only did i blow a chunk out of my filling knife but it shot out of my hand and buried itself in the ceiling, lol ... 🤭

[@Onthetrowel]

🤣🤣 how you doing mate

[@m.c.SHoppIng.cenTrE]

@@Onthetrowel all good bud!🙂

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

Hi Kirk, completely unrelated to this vid, but hopefully you could help me, I’ve gone to a job today with damp issues, and the previous builder has dot and dabbed 65mm insulation board onto a single skin brick wall. Very old house in Kingston, London. I’ve take off all the insulation boards which had all lifted off the dabs due to the damp, which had seemingly re activated the dabs as they were soft and easy to manipulate. How would you attack this job? Ideally I’ve got to work to the existing skirting line, which now is 75mm or so off the wall, rather than taking the skirting off. I was thinking of using insulated board but sticking it on with foam adhesive, after sbr’ing the brick of course. Or framing the wall and trying to keep it to the skirting depth. Cheers mate

[@Onthetrowel]

This will be much easier to explain on the phone mate. Can you hit the link on my channel description and shoot me an email with your number nik

[@NiktheEnglishGreekCypriot]

@@Onthetrowel cheers Kirk, you’re a diamond mate, will send it over after work tonight. No rish with the answer bud, the job isn’t being done for a couple of months Cheers mate

[@douggraves4482]

If after removing the socket face plate, you can screw the screws back into the holes in the back box and you won't lose the screws!

[@justinwalker5237]

But then you risk getting plaster on the screws

[@douggraves4482]

@@justinwalker5237 You can clean the plaster off of the screws, it's not concrete and you won't lose the screws.

[@ThriveTalesTV]

like . very informative

[@cannontrodder]

It's worth testing for artex before skimming because you'll never know unless you go disturbing your lovely flat skimmed ceilings. My 1981 built house had it but my 'new' 1930s house which has had it boarded over does NOT. Got a few samples taken by a local bloke who sent it away and provided a report. So now, as much as it is messy, I have no issue with drilling or cutting anywhere in the house. Given the hundreds I have saved by watching Kirk's videos and doing my own plastering, I can afford it!!!

[@damstv8717]

Hi kirk have you ever used pure finish plaster it is absolute amazing stuff I have swapped over to it now and use it all the time

[@Onthetrowel]

I've seen it but not had the pleasure of using it mate, nowhere sells it near me

[@damstv8717]

@Onthetrowel I had a chat with the manager of my local travis perkins and he got me a platter in. It is really good mate

[@Onthetrowel]

@damstv8717 I'll see if I can get some, cheers mate. P.s enjoyed your last video. Take it easy mate 🙂👍

[@Iynez]

what if they have painted someting like a satin gloss paint on it?

[@reecevaughan4225]

We had ours done recently (1999 build) and the plasterers scraped the ceilings off then sealed then plastered - they didn't do a great job. Any benefits of scraping vs not scraping? Everyone I spoke to said not scraping would cause issues further down the line

[@Onthetrowel]

Just depends how thick it is mate. I've scraped hundreds but I try not to if I can

[@reecevaughan4225]

@@Onthetrowel Cheers mate, it was pretty much exactly the same as in this video - not very thick