Tommy's Trade Secrets - How To Render A Blockwork Wall Part 2

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Rendering a block wall can be messy and there's a massive amount of skill needed to carry out the job correctly. Follow our step by step guided video to learn some tricks of the trade.

[@chrisridley3957]

I just rendered a bricked up doorway. This is the first time I've ever rendered and I found this video extremely useful. I followed the instructions exactly and it has turned out perfectly acceptable. Thanks very much for the help.

[@ivemeister]

I'm reading some of the comments below. The reason he scratched the 2nd coat up is because it's a key for the 3rd coat. The skim coat.

[@edpannewyork]

I learned a bit from it.. thanks..

[@robertmathews6001]

the feathering straight edge is actually called a feather edge. it is thick on one side and almost like a knife edge on the other side. it can be used to even rendering as he is doing in the video but most people would use a darby, it's very similar to a feather edge but it has handles on the back so you have more control over the tool and for ease of use. I use my feather edge for cutting plasterboard, it saves running a blade along your spirit level.

[@jackieheybourne5582]

I thought it was a good instruction, I wonder if some of the commentators below have ever even mixed mortar or plaster, let alone used it ! Regarding the surface not being polished...didn't he say it was prepared for plastering. Well done Tommy for inspiring these DIY vids by people talking in simple English that anyone can understand.

[@TheDiggadan]

@MrJakeb4 hi thanks for your advice. but do you have any advice on hot to render to a drip bead above a window? thanks a lot.

[@barflairer]

The finish on the render is really grainy so it's not fit for painting. How do you get the finish so you can paint on it? Do you have to add a cement layer?

[@ron1martens]

Whats the name of that feathering straight edge? I also like the scratcher can you buy those tools online? I think I have see the site. I have bought marshalltown tools for U.S which I don't get here. When they play that music you move so fast how do you do that?

[@robertmathews6001]

the scratcher is called a scarifier or a plastering comb, even though it is used for rendering and not plastering. as for the music, it was used in old english comedy films during chase scenes. I'm sure it's known as benny hill music but I can't be too sure.

[@85schranzboy]

why on the second coat he didnt use a straigh edge ???

[@TheDiggadan]

Can anybody please give me some advice on how to get a professional finish on a drip bead above a window. I have rendered flat Walls but never had to render a drip bead. Thanks.

[@ibnaljazera691]

guess what I am from Holland and we start on TOP of the wall going down but I guess the britts start from the bottom!

[@dandamankilla]

this guy makes it hars for himself listen to these other guys who commented!

[@timmian85]

The finish is too rough.. You waited too long

[@johndoe-zy4ts]

How can it be plaster work if he is not using plaster. He is using sand and cement the application of which is called RENDERING.

[@adamandeve2006]

with all due respect mate,why in gods name are you starting at the bottom?myself and everybody else in the world starts at the top ,each consecutive trowel will lay into your last thus enabling you to gauge the depth correctly ,also most of it will stay on the wall..oh and try laying up with a smaller trowel on a small wall you can use a bigger one to darby it after.

[@terry4144]

not a clue

[@COLEEN322]

we're just damn lazy!

[@BenPeckover]

that music was so flopping annoying and speeding it up took away from getting a feel for his technique!!

[@johndoe-zy4ts]

No you wouldnt . That is pure BS. Sand and cement is a long process of two coats and floating the finish. That is why it has been mostly superseded by dry wall and a skim.

[@ANDYCHAT500]

Thats not rendering - thats plaster work ! Plaster inside - render outside simples !!!!

[@MrEverthere]

why is this called tommys trade secrets? i didnt see him engaged in the work in fact ive never seen him do much on ground force either all the real work is carried out off camera, by trained skilled people. it would seem he knows as much about rendering walls as kylie minnogue or victoria beckham know about perfume making no offence ment tom