Ive used one coat on plasterboard and and all sympathetic backgrounds for the last 21 years and NEVER had a problem from any client. I use 2 coat with float and set only. My finish is always excellent due to my experience with the medium. Plasterboard was designed for plastering (the clue is in the title). Always bear in mind your main objective. Preparation for decoration. Its not to provide structural strength or fireproofing. These things are taken into account at the building design stage. If they were'nt tape and joint would be obsolete. 2 coat work is a hangover from days gone by when most backgrounds were sand and cement scratch coats and demanded 2 coat work. As in the above video as long as you apply the muck thick enough its not a problem and should be encouraged. Whenever I see a experienced spread doing 2 coat work on plasterboard I think WTF.. all these years plastering and you still have'nt figured out its a waste of time. Wake up and focus on the objective not the herd mentality..
You are amazing and I love your videos. Tried the sponge but never worked for me. I do one thick coat for plasterboard and 2 coats for anything else as old walls are not levelled. The first thing I do is to fill the joints as it will be my thickness guide. This is how I have been taught. Thanks again for everything.
Just looked at this video and your comment which makes total sense. Question: What plaster should I use for small area of plasterboard cut in on existing ceiling? There are so many on the market - MultiFinish / Board Finish / Finishing PLaster and even one called 'One Coat'. Thanks
@Gary Wright.. could you give quick timings between toweling etc when one coat sponge process. Would be a great help for me.. thanks mate and thanks for the honest comment!!!!
One coat plastering I was taught at college is the difference between’ plastering and skimming’. Rough backgrounds need 2 coats and flat backgrounds usually only need 1. If a flat wall has cracks and needs scrim, then I 2 coat the scrim and 1 coat the rest. If I’m 1 coating a flat wall, as soon as I reach the end of the wall, I immediately go back to the beginning and flatten off with my 30” plastic trowel.
I use both single and double skim and have not had an issue with either. For me it which one I go with entirely depends on the wall condition/wall situation/surface prep etc. Never used a sponge or spatula (may try one soon though). For either method I only use a regular stainless trowel, a superflex trowel and a sprayer and get the same good quality finish with both double and single. Doing the single doesn't save me much on trowel work as I find myself working the wall more but it does save me doing an extra mix and washing out as many buckets etc (which for some reason I really hate doing) I learned how to get the best from a single skim by starting out fully expecting to do a double and trying to get the first layer as good as I could, before long I was getting it so good (in certain situations) that I realised I didn't need a second. Great video's btw. Keep up the good work!
You must be a good plasterer,a totally agree with you ,been doing this trade 17 years , and your comment on washing buckets out , true a hate having to do that ,but straight walls and plaster board only need one coat .
Another interesting point is when I’m plastering new build property’s, the architects working drawings state “3mm skim coat on boarded walls”. Good luck trying to get 2 lots of finish at 1.5mm depth on each coat.
Hi Blane, you got it spot on doing one coat as you are so skilled. I was shown this method when I first started years ago by an old school teacher as thats how they always used to do it, and only with the steel trowel. Two coats are definitely easier to work with and with the speed skim its a game changer. Thank you for your videos and "plastering blue print" which I bought into. It has changed my plastering ability to another level and I do land surveying as my job, completely unrelated. I'd recommend your course to anyone wanting to learn plastering but my wife says I am a very messy worker! Regards Dom
Hi pal! Thanks for watching - it sounds like you have a bit of experience in plastering and I really appreciate you getting the Blueprint. I hope you're enjoying it...we're all messy at the beginning by the way...me included haha! Thanks again mate. You're a legend.
a good few years ago i was learning plastering in college. one coat was heavily frowned upon as it was considered a cheat and crude and not used so we learned bonding then skimming and only using 1 trowel for everything and a feather edge and it was considered bad luck if you got the smallest trowel handed to you by requisition. Only did 1 plastering job after college and basically bottled it and havent done plastering since. Saw your videos pop up while browsing UA-cam the other day and now i really want to try plastering again. I just gotta remember how i did things then and hopefully find a small easy job to do first. Keep up the Good Work Blaine your a pro!!
That's crazy...I suppose things have changed a lot since then! It's never too late my friend. I would just start at friends and family and start for free. It's the best way to get experience...I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time pal! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate and good luck with it all
I did plastering for 2 years I always learned two coats and tbh I e never paid anyone todo my homes but this last week I had a guy in doing a big room for me as my shoulder is actually ruined nowadays, He did one coat.. didn’t put it on thick enough and plastic troweled it he’s made a massive mess in my £1 mill pound home and it’s all cracked and egg shelled, proper pissed off he’s coming back to try fix it but now I’m thinking it’s going to be a skip and sds chisel job and start again… the wife’s paid him as well. If you want to make a video your welcome to come and see this nightmare job he’s leaving. Due too my shoulder I’ll have to try lvl 5 it to save the room.(living room too). Some people shouldn’t be allowed in the public.
Best explaining Plasterer on UA-cam am a follow of you and I have learnt alot from you over the past year and made a good income from you doing jobs. I started off with short 5 day training course which was basic but then after watching lots of videos I come across yours and ever since I've been on jobs fully confident plastering. Without you I couldn't had done it god bless you brother thank will always continue watching you video's
Mate... What a lovely comment! Thanks a lot for this. It's great to hear that it's working out for you and well done for learning to such a high standard! It's great to hear comments like this so thank you! Keep up the good work my friend 👍
Hi mate, a plasterer worked for me in London, he did 3 x 45 m2 ceilings in 5 hours, he worked on scaffolding but only had enough for one ceiling so had to move the scaffolding afer completing each ceiling he one coated all of em, he had 2 labourers the finish was spot on, he only used a trowel hes the fastest plasterer ive seen in my 22 years as a plastering contractor. I can one coat but prefer laying it down with the second coat. The trick is put it on thicker and dont leave it long between each stage and sponge float it, you were spot on in your video, great videos mate, keep it up 👍
Useful vid thanks very much for your time and effort, me and plenty others really appreciate it 👍🏻. Also, as a spread 25 years plus I thought the ox plastic spats were a gimmick but after watching your vids I eventually thought why not, maybe worth a punt. I had the refina 550 steel with a pole for years which is great on ceilings but OMG ox 900 plastic and metal absolutely smash it, a total game changer for me mate! So much better for my poor elbows and shoulders, what a relief as I hate having the Cortizone injections! 😵💫😫. So, you’ve changed the way I work, more efficient and a lot less wear and tear on the body I’m very grateful to you for that friend I’ve subbed and you’ve got a viewer for life and I’ve recommended your channel to the lads who no doubt will sub too 👍🏻😁 💪🏻
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate this comment and I'm glad it's helped - especially with your joints! The Speedskim's are a game changer so I'm happy to hear it's helping you. Thanks again...you're a legend. Cheers
Been plastering for 1 year on my own and i always done one coat system. I learned it all by watching and laboring 2 years for a plasterer whom has done the coat system for 15 years. You said it all in you conclusion: Saves Time and effort, result is perfect when you master it... hence make more money, getting home earlier. To be honest I have not learned the two coats system, I have tried it for few month but i have gone back to one coat. The key is the timing for spraying water and sponging, the earlier after flattening the better. And also apply the right thickness on dips...as you say you only got one chance. So it's good to have a proper look at the wall flatness before... If you master these elements there is no issues.
@@pauldolton9118 here is a step by step video from the guy who taught me. Let me know if you want more details of a step... The video is quite well explanatory. ua-cam.com/video/n3ttHRMf5uo/v-deo.html
2 Coats are stronger, like plywood is made if many different layers, it adds strength. On a new build the house has got to settle, The Chances are 1 coat will crack. 1 coats fine for plasterboard though as theres more flex in the stud wall.
@@jezlanejlI think thickness give the strength. I apply one coat thicker (5mm) from the start then I play with it. In the end I get the same thickness as a two coater who will a 3mm coat then a 2mm coat so same strength in the end. Plywood is strong because of the glue in between the coats of ply. Plaster is different as there's no glue to make it stronger between the two coats . In the end one coat Vs two coats is down to what you prefer. I prefer the one coat less time, less efforts.👍
One coating if you're new #1 lay in scrim tape #2 minimum 3mm Gage #3 Sponge float #4 Speed Skim.... Great video on plastering most controversial topic.👍👌👏
Blaine, this guy i worked for truly made tightness into an art form. That was the reason for one coat plastering, that & obviously time. i stuck with him for 11 years building loft conversions & we did every trade between us. Boarding them, doing every trade soaking up all that knowledge. I really honestly thought that that was the proper way to plaster. He never used a sponge float. The walls were pretty good, not the best i've seen but definitely good enough. Its only through watching your video's i'm learning where i've been going wrong all these years.
The steel blade Ox is a brilliant bit of kit! I use the ultraflex to finish the set, lovely trowel, I mostley 2 coat but my second coat is what's left of the first mix , watered down, it obviously goes off a lot quicker but if the experience is there, it will save you at least an hour and a half on each set. I've done quite a few one coats in my 35 years of plastering and I've never had an issue with them 👍👍keep up the good work pal. Eric
Hi mate!! Great hearing from you pal! Yeah it's a great but of kit - definately makes the job a lot easier. Ok...I know a few plasterers who do it that way and it always looks good. I usually mix 2 seperate costs but it does waste time. I'll give you way a go. Great hearing from you and thanks for the comment. Hope you're well 👍
One coat is similar to rendering. Most renders nowadays are one coat, albeit with prep work. But if the prep is sound and the finish is good; then there no reason it’s not viable. Strength, in my opinion, isn’t a worry, as I’ve done second coats with what’s left in the bucket and mixed it up again with the new coat. Great vid and keep up the good work 😊
I had my first go at plastering having watched every one of your videos. I boxed in a fireplace and skimmed it afterwards - turned out not half bad. Thanks for the videos!
So far only reason I use 2nd coat is when I mess up 1st one :D. Sometimes when you on your own rushing large surfaces you may loose some quality, then second coat can safe a day. Otherwise single coat only! You trowel work at the end was a mistake. Use long, as long as possible soft edge blade to finish your work... sponge + water + long soft blade... smaller trowel will only produce dents! I havent seen many long soft edge blades in UK. You can get them form Europe (up to 2500mm!)... or make one yourself, thin stainless steel sheet attached to piece of wood will do amazing job!
Hi mate, I have been doing one coat plastering for some years plastering for around 14/15 years probs why I get away with it tbh. I do use pva in my skim mix, also I apply a quite tought thick double cream on the one coat I apply which means its usually 2-3 mm thick anyways which is how I get away with 1 coat plasterin but like you say I think for beginners this can be quite tough initially but those more experienced will find this better as theres less work involved. Also mixing one batch is more unified than two batches then appying it so againnfor me 1 coat always win must apply 2-3 mm thick perhaps more 3 mm thickish to begin with if you are going to sponge float the wall as the sponge floating will take about 1 mm out of the wall if you sponge float too early tbh. Theres a lot to think about but ultimately it does come to experience as well as the skill in applying the plaster tbh. We have skimmed walls over 5-6 years ago using one coat skim and it has no cracks so my opinion would be 1 coat not 2 but the layer you mox and use must be 2-3 mm thick and more 3 mm thick if you are going to sponge float. Its hard work paying on that thick and that smooth plus I add pva to my mix to stop it causing cracks on the wall for my customers but yes a lot of hard work tbh. Experience is key, I dont like putting newbies of as i like newboes to lear and try but those who are inexperienced may find 2 coats much easier to apply than one.
I dont mean to be off topic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost my password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Edwin Daxton i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
Nice to see all the comments for other people not been plastering for too long so I have always done two coats. Great video mate it's really good to see all the different actions 👍
When I was a plasterer, after the first coat , I used to think it was spot on. Problem putting second coat on was, I could miss a tiny area as it was the same shade. Many a jobs I did one coat and it was a brilliant finish. No idea if it lasted though. Only every used a standard trowel and a larger trowel to flatten. Speed skims weren't invented. I was always told to do 2 coats and the second coat must be a fresh mix. SO many use the first mix. Always to NEVER use additives, but now we have some to make the mix last longer. Boy I could have done with that many a times. Its when you rush and panic when the job is stress instead of pleasure
I have always applied the first coat and second coat with the same mix...providing I mix enough ha. But the second coat is kind of my first smooth in, just using enough to give a thin coat and fill any holes or dips and even though the plaster is the same shade I find using the same mix it goes on a lot smoother than the first so is easy to see where has been second coated. I dont use sponges ir spatulas very often either.
Depends what I'm going on. Plasterboard, on coat all day long. No reason for the 2 coat for the afore mentioned reasons. However sponge is a must. If it's a reskim, artex, bonding etc, then 2 coat all the way. Nice video, enjoyed it, my technique for one cost is a little different, and I tend to reply on the plastic more, mainly because I want it to go off faster. 👍👍 go home quicker. Lol
This seems to be the case for a lot of people mate and I suppose it all depends on the background your working on. Very good point - great hearing from you! Cheers
On flat plaster board they why not 🤷🏻♂️ long as the scrim is covered as normal I wouldn’t do it on domestic walls because the first coat has to do more filling for bumps etc plus doing an old domestic wall could have 5 different materials on it (different suctions) etc Can’t trust it like you would with fresh plaster board
Excellent job on a very controversial subject , tried it once before sponge floating became popular and it didn’t turn out well. It is definitely frowned upon, but if you think about when your laying on 2 coats the chemical reaction between the first and second coat becomes one taking into consideration that you put the second coat on at the right time and not left it too long . I think personally as long as your sure you have 3mm thickness and the end quality is as good then all should be ok . It’s not for me though , I would be too worried about not getting it flat enough . Good work matey
Hi mate! Great hearing from you again and thanks again for your constant support pal! I totally agree. If the thickness is the same then surely there can't really be many issues! I suppose it's just breaking the mould and trying something new isn't it!
I think since speed skims have made one coat much more doable...but your right when you say you need experience...very easy to dig into thicker work with your trowel...
Eight times out of ten, I tend to second coat with the same mix as I like to attack the walls while there still abit wet so I can control the set better and they pull in at the same time,I do tend to use a fresh mix if I have bigger hits to do but people say I 1 coat by laying in with the same mix I think it's 2 but it's all swings and roundabouts
Hi mate! I've often plastered the way you've said and it does work well because it pulls in at the same time. There's no division between the 2 coats is there! Totally agree. Cheers man!
Thats exactly how i plaster. Double back with the same mix, while laying in second, you are actually flattening in the first. I once had a subbie i was working for for months with no complaints, was plastering a ceiling and watched me double back with the same batch on the second coat, and accused me of cheating, well i said to him, you been paying me without complaining all this time so whats the problem? He believed in flattening in te first, mixing a second coat and then waiting. Like someone said earlier, the whole 2 coat system goes bacl to sand and cement and hessian scrim. 2 coats, but with the same mix. You can shave off up to 45 mins +. Nice videos. Do one on multi v board and 2 interal angles.
The correct way to one coat is No1 fill out the joints and doorfame No2 lay on your coat about 3mm No3 flatten in No4 wet trowel No5 wet trowel Love your channel bud
I new...but im was thinking many times why i myst do 2cond...gonna crack or what lol....now i red all.here and finally UNDERSTAND 😊 i srarted plastering watch thus channel... thx
My mate does one coat now and then I feel you can see it’s streaky but that just me I guess I’ve been taught the old school way what’s been tried and tested for years it works I won’t change. But each to there own informative video tho mate
I totally agree mate. I'm not a one coat plasterer but it was interesting to see how well the finish came up (which is the only reason I followed it up), but I agree... I'm still 2 coating. It feels right 👍
Yes Yes hope all are happy n well 👊🏾👳🏾♂️ awesome work 👌🏾 I'm probably gonna get shot for this but hey......... it works for me. I actually apply two coats of plaster while laying on my first set. Upto a two bag mix dependant on size of the wall. I lay on sideways from top left to right getting as close to the top & bottom as possible. Once half way across the wall I then go back to the start then lay vertically from top left to waist height , then from the bottom up. Continue this till the mix is done. Spray up the plaster with a nice haze. The more water you use , the longer it takes to go off which then gives you a chance to get the other 2 walls on & plenty of time tocover the little shitty bits. The tools I use is a 15 year old 14"MT to lay on. 1200 speedskim plastic rule. 14" Nela gold. Thank me later 👊🏾👳🏾♂️
being a self-taught plasterer I have always done one coat using multi finish plaster and I can happily say I have never had any problems. no cracks or anything out of the ordinary as long as the backing you going on too. is solid and not moving that much and have been doing this for about 11yrs now on my own properties and friends and families. I have always known this is not the right way to do it but because I have success every time I have been reluctant to make more work for myself by going over what I have already done.
For nearly 35 years I’ve been plastering. Always , well 90% of the time only one coat plastered, only use two coats on pva walls , this is because the plaster moves around on the on the pva . I’ve never had a fail , I see guys two coat plaster but all I see is most of the mix in the skip , . A question why would you two coat plaster board ? I fined it hard to get board finished these days it’s all multi, which is gritty. When I started plastering nobody two coated , is it now a thing
Germany early 80s I used a machine to spray apply, flatten off with aluminium straight edges and sponge floated, always only 1 coat and great results. Good days.
Thank you Blaine. I am new to this and helping our daughter, who is on a tight budget. Based on the manufacturer's recommendation, US Heritage Group, we are putting only one coat of NHL 3.5 on our new Comfort Block walls. Then we are applying two coats of their Shelter Coat. They said we should brush on the first coat and trowel the second coat of Shelter Coat. Will this last do you think? We will apply a bonding agent to the rough concrete wall before we start but they said we won't need the plastic mesh. I am getting nervous. They said we can always add the brown coat later when we have the funds.
To be honest I’ve done one coat plastering,like you i put the plaster on slightly thicker,it turned out fine,i think using the speed skim is the secret, The reason i think one coat is scorned upon is because of sagging,but your system ie sponge float,and speed skim seems superb👌,by the way,I’m off to buy a steel blade speed skim.👍
I asked you about one coat not being in your plaster types video a few days ago and now you have a video about it, neat :) I used some white one-coat plaster at my plastering course at college a few weeks ago, it is thick and sticky but i liked it a lot. I had way longer to get it smooth as you could just wet the wall a lot to get more fat to fill in any divets whereas plaster dries much faster so less time to collect fat to get it smooth.
When u apply one coat only it doesn't matter how much plaster u put on the wall it will shrink on the joint of the plasterboards(tapered edge only) and it will show under the light. Even with 2 coats it will still be visible if u look for it.
3.50 a m2 on my site I’m never two coating get in and out , painters love my work 🤗 I think it’s low suction background we’re you need the second coat , on board 1 is enough
Did a 35m gauge yesterday one coated it . It was much harder going from then on finished up ok but just harder work. Not for me mate 2 coat works out easier to do in the long run.
I’m a carpenter and do a bit of plastering I’ve always struggled getting two coats on in time. Always seemed to be chasing my tail. I always seemed to put it on a bit too thick anyway so gave the sponge a go. Again I’m not a plasterer but Ifind this a much better way.
As DIY'ey I did a single coat on a small area.... It worked out ok. I did go on a plastering course and so learnt some of the basics to get a smooth finish. I did notice somme hairline cracks once it dried but wasn't too bad. Cheers for the videos!
I don't and won't ever 1 coat but always use a bottle and sponge probably for the past 2 years. Definitely makes life easier and turns out the best work I've ever done
Cool spatula, I had to invent my own tool about 18 years ago. It takes more skill to one coat. It's a bodge but on flat walls and when the cite manager is paying attention. New builds were fare game. But never did one coat on a normal domestic customer.
Seriously lol, fill out your tapered edge board joints without leaving thick lips then just put a good coat on ,if u can't do that as a time served plasterer,well
I am a complete novice and haven't got a clue. I want to plaster a wall but I was wondering is there a beading that can be used that would allow one to run the spatula across a section, plaster it, level it and then move on to the next section? So there would be a series of beads across the wall and each section would be plastered.
Omg, shouldn't even be a question. I've been plastering 26 years, the main reason for 2 coats is for wall finish strength. Ie, stronger wall and joints. But hey, what do i know!
Iv one coated for years, along as joints are filled out you should be fine, i put on with stiff trowel, speedskim as I go, one more trowel with stiff trowel then one wet trowel (crossed) then 2 dry finishing trowels (crossed). I never get tiger stripes and in 15 years iv never had my work pulled and I'm on site. I would never one coat re skims though. Oh and make sure beads are filled out lol
@@PlasteringForBeginnersI build recording studios now so not picked my trowel up in anger for about 8 years. Done some big plastering jobs over the years including strangeways prison after the riots, (3 coats of sand and cement with hardener in ) this was spread over welded mesh on the ceilings and walls of the cells.great trade and good memorys
"Never 2 coate it's shite", muiltfinish & boardfinish is down to 2mm thinkness per bag over 10m coverage that's crap bags used to be 3mm thicknesses unless it's perfectly done at the start you are screwed. Also in real terms you're putting nothing on the walls or ceiling so in few years when building starts to move you will get cracks everywhere fibertape or not it just won't last.. The bear minimum should be 3-6mm. At least then you got some internal strength to your finished product. What's more important get finished quicker or your Reputation.. Fair play to trying it fella👍
I hear you mate. Ask very valid points here and to be fair the plaster is getting thinner and thinner now. I just wanted to test it out - I was surprised by the results but not convinced! Thank you for watching mate. I really appreciate it 👍
Nice to here your thoughts on this 1 mate and how it works today with plastering my dad was a house repairer (builder) back in the day when he plastered it was always 1 heavy coat then floated up he was old school so interesting to think nowadays that would be a bad way to learn plastering? Been liking your videos a lot mate thanks for taking the time to do them 👍🏻👍🏻
It's interesting to hear how your dad did it - thanks for the insight there mate! It's a massive topic and I want to friend into it! Thanks for your support I really appreciate it. Cheers 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners Absolutely love your videos, after searching many videos in order to learn plastering, yours are the ones that keep cropping up that are explained in a way that i understand.
@@PlasteringForBeginners I'll need it! Im a bricklayer by trade😅 im on my 5th room, every room i do gets better, the first two are not the best, the 3rd room was tricky with angled walls and a vaulted ceiling and the only bit that im not overly happy with is the curved vault, i decided to curve it because the truss line wasnt perfect which reflected in the plasterboard, the 4th and 5th room i am really happy with but i did manage to get some ripples one side of a window where i got cocky and took on too much at once, i cant wait to try the next room
Done some single coat recently the finish wasn’t to bad although I found it drying out real quick around the corner beads and pulling when I was trying to flatten in also some cracking appeared when it had dried out ( but that may be because the house was occupied and the heating was on ) apart from them two issues it went well didn’t use the sponge though
If the old plaster applied to brick was a total of roughly an inch thick, could I use two coats of One Coat, or two coats of Bonding, then one coat of multifinish? Would that work? Would I scratch in between?
Hi mate, I've seen alot of new build sites hit in one coat on plaster boards and always looked a good job. If you don't mind me asking, what size are your speed skims. Looking to invest in one
If for example you were to use a knauf drywall screw on a British gypsum stud partition BG’s guarantee becomes invalid….have used inferior base coat renders in the past for a sto acrylic finish had to hide the bags coz it’s a no-no….if you can get away with one coat plastering…..fair play….but be careful….. never know whos watching 😂👍
I'm quite sure British Gypsum won't guarantee 1 coat and if you use a sponge. British Gypsum won't be this too Doing 2 coats is stronger. Using a new mix . None of this using the same mix .
Hi mate! You are right my friend - they definately wouldn't guarantee this method but it's fails on 2 counts ha! It was just an experiment to see which results I'd get. I must admit, I was surprised though!
To be honest this trade is so hard that it is eventually gona brake our backs and lead us to an early grave so doing 1 coat if u can get the same finish is a no brainer especially as plasterers dont get paid enough for the effort and skill this job requires . Ive been a plasterer for 17 years and always stuck to traditional 2 coats for 17 of those years . Last year i started sponging and realised what a fool i have been . My name is Jimmy Spread and i aprove of the one coat / sponge after seing this video
Great to hear from a professional like yourself and it's always good to hear opinions from the trade! I agree mate. The sponge is revolutionary and it definately makes the job easier on the body. Thanks for the comment - great hearing from you my friend! Cheers 🍻
The state the building trade is in nowadays i can see why people one coat, and i can see why people sponge. If it makes the job easier and faster then why not. If the wall is flat then why not! Ive seen some of the prices on metre some skimmers get and its soul destroying. Some boarders are on better money tacking on metre than skimmers skimming! Site work is quantity over quality in this day and age and to be fair sometimes you cant blame the tradesmen. As long as the plaster is flat its fine, it dusnt matter how shiny it is.. if something makes the job easier do it! Its bad enough getting a mortgage nowadays. Aslong as your work is FLAT and looks sound when painted then thats all what matters.
These are all good points mate and like you said, you can see why people start to drop their standards! It's tough keeping up with the site prices I must say! Thanks for you comment pal!
Well i really wish the warning was at the beginning. Was doing ths step by step and bosh! "dont do this as a beginner". Friggin hours spent trying to make this thick plaster go flat. The sponge and spatulas were not bought as i started doing this at 6pm. By the time i realised i needed them the shop was shut.
I stopped at midnight last night. I overcame the lack of sponge and giant spatula through sheer force of will. A final thing I realised was that I was just short on plaster. When it came to the final trowel stage I didnt have anything left to fill gaps. I woke up this morning and the wall is totally flat and smooth but there are holes. Because the rest of the wall is good I can fill them and it will pass. All in all, I give myself 2/10 for prep, 10/10 for stubbornness and a 6.5/10 for the wall.
The difference is a bit academic, but I can tell you from an Engineering perspective a two coat wall will definitely be stronger. Read on if you want to understand why. Layered structures are stronger. Plywood has layers of wood having the grain in each layer running at right angles. Fibreglass & carbon fibre composites also use layering to build up strength, in this case with layers of fibre mat, sometimes run in different directions depending on the type of mat. Whilst it may not seem like it, you guys are effectively doing the same thing with a two-coat plaster finish. Think about what you see happening when you trowel plaster, by applying pressure with your trowel you compact the grains together, pushing them deeper into the mix and leaving only the fat on the surface. The plaster nearest the wall will be compacted less because the pressure is less, so will be closer to its 'raw' state. If you could cross section a one-coat wall and put a sample of it under a microscope you would see 3 layers, from wall outwards: raw, compacted, then fat. On a two coat wall you would see 6 layers, from wall outwards: raw, compacted, fat, raw, compacted, fat. Since the fat is weaker (in the same way that mortar is weaker than concrete), you don’t want to be seeing too much fat after applying the first coat. To understand the strength, imagine bending a flat sheet of plaster. Untrowelled plaster will have the same strength whatever direction you bend it. Trowelled plaster puts a grain into it in the direction that you trowel. Trowelled plaster will be stronger with the bend line across the grain, that is at right angles to the direction of trowelling. On a wall, if you trowelled the first layer vertically, then the second layer horizontally you would gain strength equally in both direction. Obviously you can’t do that on a one-coat wall. In a new building with settlement, a two-coat wall is less likely to crack. In buildings with plaster straight onto blockwork, or rendered blockwork, the plaster is well coupled to the stresses produced by settlement in the building, so a two-coat wall is the best choice. In buildings with plasterboard attached to battens or by dot & dab, the plaster is less well coupled to these stresses.. so one-coat becomes a viable option. Add to this other factors people have mentioned, like the improvement in trowels, speedskim, better tape, even better quality plaster… then for professional Plasterers, where time is money, it is worth considering when a one-coat finish is acceptable.
Skimming is not for structural strength, its for decoration ...otherwise tape and joint would be obsolete... Have a good think about that. 20+ years in the trade
@@garryfwright, I don't doubt for one minute you are right when you say that is what it was invented 'for'. My comment was about the Science of what it will 'achieve'. Smoothness/decoration is one thing. People are also interested in strength, thermal insulation, water resistance and more. In layman's terms layered structures are stronger, especially when you can layer the grain of the material in different directions in each layer. Obvious to me as a Scientist/Engineer, but maybe less so to Plasterers, so I made the point to get people thinking. Gypsum has a bit of a grain to it: ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0950061816312120-gr11.jpg That pic is from an article looking at the properties of recycled plaster. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061816312120
Thank you very much for getting me started on plastering. I did a hallway ceiling with a one coat plaster and it looks fairly good. The sponge was really a good advice.
After nearly 30 years I’m still undecided .Bloke who taught me years ago showed me one coat on boards and hessian Skyrim cloth 😁he was good at it and I did for a time but saw a job when it dried and went to two coat and carried on doing it sponge seems essential for it but using a sponge seems unnatural to me like your ruining your wall so never tried,also seems to be a lot of trowelling going on as opposed to the old two coats and two /three trowels over and a polish with steel and get down pub .good vids though mate,interesting 👍
Hi mate! Great hearing from you. I think you're right and the sponge is definately essential if you're one coat plastering. I still think 2 coats is best (it has to be), but it was just an interesting test to run and I must admit I'll probably do it again but I'll be 2 coating for the majority. I haven't gone to the dark side yet lol! Great hearing from you and thank you for watching 👍
Hi mate thanx for getting back to me about the internal angles using scim stop bead but i will still try it with a scim stop both sides of the angle and butt them together, as for one coat ive never done it and never will do I am old school stuck in my ways cheers Kev keep on spreading, ps have you ever fabricated an arch yourself ?.
Sounds good! Let me know how you get on because I'm intrigued to hear how you do! We've rendered curved archways above Windows before by cutting curves in timber and using it as a template to form the render with. Other than that... No matey 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners Yes that is how to do it but on an interior arch you must fix some old scrap bits of wood to the corners and fix plasterboard to it to create a base then shape your arch with some board both sides then using some left over bonding fill it in, next day just fill the sides, once dry coat the lot with finish using bead and flexi bead, I know there are arch laths but to me that's cheating with this you can create many shapes even Victorian or Georgian styles I hope this helps and please I don't mean to tell you your job just ideas and help, you do a great job so rock on buddy ill let you know how the angle goes. Kev
When you say it’s better to use two coats for skimming, presumably this is only onto an old plastered wall or plasterboard? If you’re starting from brick/block, do you advocate two coats (browning/bonding and finish plaster) or three coats (browning/bonding & two coats of finishing plaster)?
Hi mate! Yeah that's right, I just mean 2 coats onto either backing plaster or plasterboard! They have actually stopped making Browning now but the product to use would be BG Hardwall. Apply a thick coat of this to your masonary background (roughly 12.5mm) and finish with Multi Finish about 3 hours later. That's the winning ticket pal 👍
I've never plastered a wall in my life and i'm about to take the plunge using this method. Having read some of the comments on this and other videos, I do believe there is a bit of "traditional method snobbery" that makes you believe different tools and methods that have come around more recently are only there for cowboys. I've seen this thinking in my own industry, they're wrong as well
You have to understand the snobbery! The issue with skimming is not so much about new methods but plasterers who do not understand why you have to start from the top and lay on half trowel over last sweep and quarter trowel second closing in coat do not get the finish flat first go. If learn this skill you will lay on close in first trowel second trowel cross trowel ✅ job done . Don’t forget that sponge floating has been around for many years I was using one in Ipswich during the eighties
Your meant to go over your tapes first ,and 2 mm first coat,1 mm second , with fresh mix , with one coat ,coat it wait a bit and close it in twice , two polishes and a dry rub when at the end of the day ,the sponge float is no go or the speed skim ,use your trowels in the right ways and you can't go wrong, been doing this trade 17 years
Ive used one coat on plasterboard and and all sympathetic backgrounds for the last 21 years and NEVER had a problem from any client. I use 2 coat with float and set only. My finish is always excellent due to my experience with the medium. Plasterboard was designed for plastering (the clue is in the title). Always bear in mind your main objective. Preparation for decoration. Its not to provide structural strength or fireproofing. These things are taken into account at the building design stage. If they were'nt tape and joint would be obsolete. 2 coat work is a hangover from days gone by when most backgrounds were sand and cement scratch coats and demanded 2 coat work. As in the above video as long as you apply the muck thick enough its not a problem and should be encouraged. Whenever I see a experienced spread doing 2 coat work on plasterboard I think WTF.. all these years plastering and you still have'nt figured out its a waste of time. Wake up and focus on the objective not the herd mentality..
Yes Gary you’re one I could learn from. Good mentality.
This makes complete sense - very well formulated argument. You've convinced me ha!
You are amazing and I love your videos. Tried the sponge but never worked for me. I do one thick coat for plasterboard and 2 coats for anything else as old walls are not levelled. The first thing I do is to fill the joints as it will be my thickness guide. This is how I have been taught. Thanks again for everything.
Just looked at this video and your comment which makes total sense. Question: What plaster should I use for small area of plasterboard cut in on existing ceiling? There are so many on the market - MultiFinish / Board Finish / Finishing PLaster and even one called 'One Coat'. Thanks
@Gary Wright.. could you give quick timings between toweling etc when one coat sponge process. Would be a great help for me.. thanks mate and thanks for the honest comment!!!!
One coat plastering I was taught at college is the difference between’ plastering and skimming’. Rough backgrounds need 2 coats and flat backgrounds usually only need 1. If a flat wall has cracks and needs scrim, then I 2 coat the scrim and 1 coat the rest. If I’m 1 coating a flat wall, as soon as I reach the end of the wall, I immediately go back to the beginning and flatten off with my 30” plastic trowel.
I use both single and double skim and have not had an issue with either. For me it which one I go with entirely depends on the wall condition/wall situation/surface prep etc. Never used a sponge or spatula (may try one soon though). For either method I only use a regular stainless trowel, a superflex trowel and a sprayer and get the same good quality finish with both double and single.
Doing the single doesn't save me much on trowel work as I find myself working the wall more but it does save me doing an extra mix and washing out as many buckets etc (which for some reason I really hate doing)
I learned how to get the best from a single skim by starting out fully expecting to do a double and trying to get the first layer as good as I could, before long I was getting it so good (in certain situations) that I realised I didn't need a second.
Great video's btw. Keep up the good work!
You must be a good plasterer,a totally agree with you ,been doing this trade 17 years , and your comment on washing buckets out , true a hate having to do that ,but straight walls and plaster board only need one coat .
Another interesting point is when I’m plastering new build property’s, the architects working drawings state “3mm skim coat on boarded walls”. Good luck trying to get 2 lots of finish at 1.5mm depth on each coat.
Bag now states 2mm
Hi Blane, you got it spot on doing one coat as you are so skilled. I was shown this method when I first started years ago by an old school teacher as thats how they always used to do it, and only with the steel trowel. Two coats are definitely easier to work with and with the speed skim its a game changer. Thank you for your videos and "plastering blue print" which I bought into. It has changed my plastering ability to another level and I do land surveying as my job, completely unrelated. I'd recommend your course to anyone wanting to learn plastering but my wife says I am a very messy worker! Regards Dom
Hi pal! Thanks for watching - it sounds like you have a bit of experience in plastering and I really appreciate you getting the Blueprint. I hope you're enjoying it...we're all messy at the beginning by the way...me included haha! Thanks again mate. You're a legend.
a good few years ago i was learning plastering in college. one coat was heavily frowned upon as it was considered a cheat and crude and not used so we learned bonding then skimming and only using 1 trowel for everything and a feather edge and it was considered bad luck if you got the smallest trowel handed to you by requisition. Only did 1 plastering job after college and basically bottled it and havent done plastering since. Saw your videos pop up while browsing UA-cam the other day and now i really want to try plastering again. I just gotta remember how i did things then and hopefully find a small easy job to do first. Keep up the Good Work Blaine your a pro!!
That's crazy...I suppose things have changed a lot since then! It's never too late my friend. I would just start at friends and family and start for free. It's the best way to get experience...I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time pal!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate and good luck with it all
I did plastering for 2 years I always learned two coats and tbh I e never paid anyone todo my homes but this last week I had a guy in doing a big room for me as my shoulder is actually ruined nowadays, He did one coat.. didn’t put it on thick enough and plastic troweled it he’s made a massive mess in my £1 mill pound home and it’s all cracked and egg shelled, proper pissed off he’s coming back to try fix it but now I’m thinking it’s going to be a skip and sds chisel job and start again… the wife’s paid him as well. If you want to make a video your welcome to come and see this nightmare job he’s leaving. Due too my shoulder I’ll have to try lvl 5 it to save the room.(living room too). Some people shouldn’t be allowed in the public.
Best explaining Plasterer on UA-cam am a follow of you and I have learnt alot from you over the past year and made a good income from you doing jobs. I started off with short 5 day training course which was basic but then after watching lots of videos I come across yours and ever since I've been on jobs fully confident plastering. Without you I couldn't had done it god bless you brother thank will always continue watching you video's
Mate... What a lovely comment! Thanks a lot for this. It's great to hear that it's working out for you and well done for learning to such a high standard! It's great to hear comments like this so thank you! Keep up the good work my friend 👍
I also follow to better my skills, excellent guy with great help and tips... we’ll done mate and thanks for you vids and inspiration 👍🏻💪🏻🤙🏻
Hi mate, a plasterer worked for me in London, he did 3 x 45 m2 ceilings in 5 hours, he worked on scaffolding but only had enough for one ceiling so had to move the scaffolding afer completing each ceiling he one coated all of em, he had 2 labourers the finish was spot on, he only used a trowel hes the fastest plasterer ive seen in my 22 years as a plastering contractor. I can one coat but prefer laying it down with the second coat. The trick is put it on thicker and dont leave it long between each stage and sponge float it, you were spot on in your video, great videos mate, keep it up 👍
Useful vid thanks very much for your time and effort, me and plenty others really appreciate it 👍🏻.
Also, as a spread 25 years plus I thought the ox plastic spats were a gimmick but after watching your vids I eventually thought why not, maybe worth a punt. I had the refina 550 steel with a pole for years which is great on ceilings but OMG ox 900 plastic and metal absolutely smash it, a total game changer for me mate! So much better for my poor elbows and shoulders, what a relief as I hate having the Cortizone injections! 😵💫😫.
So, you’ve changed the way I work, more efficient and a lot less wear and tear on the body I’m very grateful to you for that friend
I’ve subbed and you’ve got a viewer for life and I’ve recommended your channel to the lads who no doubt will sub too 👍🏻😁 💪🏻
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate this comment and I'm glad it's helped - especially with your joints! The Speedskim's are a game changer so I'm happy to hear it's helping you. Thanks again...you're a legend. Cheers
Been plastering for 1 year on my own and i always done one coat system. I learned it all by watching and laboring 2 years for a plasterer whom has done the coat system for 15 years. You said it all in you conclusion: Saves Time and effort, result is perfect when you master it... hence make more money, getting home earlier. To be honest I have not learned the two coats system, I have tried it for few month but i have gone back to one coat. The key is the timing for spraying water and sponging, the earlier after flattening the better. And also apply the right thickness on dips...as you say you only got one chance. So it's good to have a proper look at the wall flatness before... If you master these elements there is no issues.
whats your technique for one coat plastering
@@pauldolton9118 here is a step by step video from the guy who taught me. Let me know if you want more details of a step... The video is quite well explanatory. ua-cam.com/video/n3ttHRMf5uo/v-deo.html
@@tomjw5027 thank you
2 Coats are stronger, like plywood is made if many different layers, it adds strength. On a new build the house has got to settle, The Chances are 1 coat will crack. 1 coats fine for plasterboard though as theres more flex in the stud wall.
@@jezlanejlI think thickness give the strength. I apply one coat thicker (5mm) from the start then I play with it. In the end I get the same thickness as a two coater who will a 3mm coat then a 2mm coat so same strength in the end. Plywood is strong because of the glue in between the coats of ply. Plaster is different as there's no glue to make it stronger between the two coats . In the end one coat Vs two coats is down to what you prefer. I prefer the one coat less time, less efforts.👍
One coating if you're new #1 lay in scrim tape #2 minimum 3mm Gage #3 Sponge float #4 Speed Skim.... Great video on plastering most controversial topic.👍👌👏
1 coat for site and fresh boards
2 coat for old walls
Blaine, this guy i worked for truly made tightness into an art form.
That was the reason for one coat plastering, that & obviously time. i stuck with him for 11 years building loft conversions & we did every trade between us. Boarding them, doing every trade soaking up all that knowledge.
I really honestly thought that that was the proper way to plaster. He never used a sponge float.
The walls were pretty good, not the best i've seen but definitely good enough.
Its only through watching your video's i'm learning where i've been going wrong all these years.
This is like watching art, I’d be happy with the finish you did with the plastic blade!
The steel blade Ox is a brilliant bit of kit! I use the ultraflex to finish the set, lovely trowel, I mostley 2 coat but my second coat is what's left of the first mix , watered down, it obviously goes off a lot quicker but if the experience is there, it will save you at least an hour and a half on each set. I've done quite a few one coats in my 35 years of plastering and I've never had an issue with them 👍👍keep up the good work pal.
Eric
Ps you're a very good plasterer 👍
Hi mate!! Great hearing from you pal! Yeah it's a great but of kit - definately makes the job a lot easier. Ok...I know a few plasterers who do it that way and it always looks good. I usually mix 2 seperate costs but it does waste time. I'll give you way a go. Great hearing from you and thanks for the comment. Hope you're well 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners go for it! All good this end thanks mate, I think the plaster stock seems to be improving, but I wont count on it
One coat is similar to rendering. Most renders nowadays are one coat, albeit with prep work. But if the prep is sound and the finish is good; then there no reason it’s not viable. Strength, in my opinion, isn’t a worry, as I’ve done second coats with what’s left in the bucket and mixed it up again with the new coat. Great vid and keep up the good work 😊
I'm old school mate...scratch coat.....let it set then top coat...same with skimming...two coats....!!!
I had my first go at plastering having watched every one of your videos. I boxed in a fireplace and skimmed it afterwards - turned out not half bad. Thanks for the videos!
David Lowe Nothing a smidge of ready mix filler with a light sand here and there won’t sort.
Thanks David I'm glad it's working out mate and you might have a point Slashley 😂
So far only reason I use 2nd coat is when I mess up 1st one :D. Sometimes when you on your own rushing large surfaces you may loose some quality, then second coat can safe a day. Otherwise single coat only!
You trowel work at the end was a mistake. Use long, as long as possible soft edge blade to finish your work... sponge + water + long soft blade... smaller trowel will only produce dents!
I havent seen many long soft edge blades in UK. You can get them form Europe (up to 2500mm!)... or make one yourself, thin stainless steel sheet attached to piece of wood will do amazing job!
Hi mate, I have been doing one coat plastering for some years plastering for around 14/15 years probs why I get away with it tbh. I do use pva in my skim mix, also I apply a quite tought thick double cream on the one coat I apply which means its usually 2-3 mm thick anyways which is how I get away with 1 coat plasterin but like you say I think for beginners this can be quite tough initially but those more experienced will find this better as theres less work involved. Also mixing one batch is more unified than two batches then appying it so againnfor me 1 coat always win must apply 2-3 mm thick perhaps more 3 mm thickish to begin with if you are going to sponge float the wall as the sponge floating will take about 1 mm out of the wall if you sponge float too early tbh. Theres a lot to think about but ultimately it does come to experience as well as the skill in applying the plaster tbh. We have skimmed walls over 5-6 years ago using one coat skim and it has no cracks so my opinion would be 1 coat not 2 but the layer you mox and use must be 2-3 mm thick and more 3 mm thick if you are going to sponge float. Its hard work paying on that thick and that smooth plus I add pva to my mix to stop it causing cracks on the wall for my customers but yes a lot of hard work tbh. Experience is key, I dont like putting newbies of as i like newboes to lear and try but those who are inexperienced may find 2 coats much easier to apply than one.
I dont mean to be off topic but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost my password. I would love any help you can offer me!
@Bronson Vance instablaster ;)
@Edwin Daxton i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm.
Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Edwin Daxton it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my account!
@Bronson Vance Glad I could help =)
Nice to see all the comments for other people not been plastering for too long so I have always done two coats. Great video mate it's really good to see all the different actions 👍
Thank you Will. I appreciate the support my friend! Cheers 👍
Stick doing 2 coats. It gives a better finish . It's stronger. And less shrinking. It will last alot longer on the joints.
When I was a plasterer, after the first coat , I used to think it was spot on. Problem putting second coat on was, I could miss a tiny area as it was the same shade. Many a jobs I did one coat and it was a brilliant finish. No idea if it lasted though. Only every used a standard trowel and a larger trowel to flatten. Speed skims weren't invented. I was always told to do 2 coats and the second coat must be a fresh mix. SO many use the first mix. Always to NEVER use additives, but now we have some to make the mix last longer. Boy I could have done with that many a times. Its when you rush and panic when the job is stress instead of pleasure
I have always applied the first coat and second coat with the same mix...providing I mix enough ha. But the second coat is kind of my first smooth in, just using enough to give a thin coat and fill any holes or dips and even though the plaster is the same shade I find using the same mix it goes on a lot smoother than the first so is easy to see where has been second coated.
I dont use sponges ir spatulas very often either.
I did one coat plastering on my living room 10 years ago and it still looks fine.
Depends what I'm going on.
Plasterboard, on coat all day long. No reason for the 2 coat for the afore mentioned reasons. However sponge is a must.
If it's a reskim, artex, bonding etc, then 2 coat all the way.
Nice video, enjoyed it, my technique for one cost is a little different, and I tend to reply on the plastic more, mainly because I want it to go off faster. 👍👍 go home quicker. Lol
This seems to be the case for a lot of people mate and I suppose it all depends on the background your working on. Very good point - great hearing from you! Cheers
On flat plaster board they why not 🤷🏻♂️ long as the scrim is covered as normal
I wouldn’t do it on domestic walls because the first coat has to do more filling for bumps etc plus doing an old domestic wall could have 5 different materials on it (different suctions) etc
Can’t trust it like you would with fresh plaster board
Excellent job on a very controversial subject , tried it once before sponge floating became popular and it didn’t turn out well. It is definitely frowned upon, but if you think about when your laying on 2 coats the chemical reaction between the first and second coat becomes one taking into consideration that you put the second coat on at the right time and not left it too long . I think personally as long as your sure you have 3mm thickness and the end quality is as good then all should be ok . It’s not for me though , I would be too worried about not getting it flat enough . Good work matey
Hi mate! Great hearing from you again and thanks again for your constant support pal! I totally agree. If the thickness is the same then surely there can't really be many issues! I suppose it's just breaking the mould and trying something new isn't it!
2 coats for show , 1 coat for dough .
Haha brilliant!
😂👍👌
👌
Sound bout right for some.me I'd go with show obviously, just starting out but had the skill awhile back transition from p&d great vids cheers👌👍👊💪💪
I can't see a problem if you are tiling over it , keep making the videos and please do one about plasterer around sockets and light switches
Good suggestion!! Cheers mate 👍
and how to plaster in tght angles and between decorative coving
I think since speed skims have made one coat much more doable...but your right when you say you need experience...very easy to dig into thicker work with your trowel...
Eight times out of ten, I tend to second coat with the same mix as I like to attack the walls while there still abit wet so I can control the set better and they pull in at the same time,I do tend to use a fresh mix if I have bigger hits to do but people say I 1 coat by laying in with the same mix I think it's 2 but it's all swings and roundabouts
Hi mate! I've often plastered the way you've said and it does work well because it pulls in at the same time. There's no division between the 2 coats is there! Totally agree. Cheers man!
Thats exactly how i plaster. Double back with the same mix, while laying in second, you are actually flattening in the first. I once had a subbie i was working for for months with no complaints, was plastering a ceiling and watched me double back with the same batch on the second coat, and accused me of cheating, well i said to him, you been paying me without complaining all this time so whats the problem? He believed in flattening in te first, mixing a second coat and then waiting. Like someone said earlier, the whole 2 coat system goes bacl to sand and cement and hessian scrim. 2 coats, but with the same mix. You can shave off up to 45 mins +. Nice videos. Do one on multi v board and 2 interal angles.
Stewie.spot on.2nd coat with same mix.thats the way forward& cuts set time down..
That’s the way to go, at least on small walls
I'm not a plasterer now but I still do bits and that's the way I was taught, my teacher never gets complaints and nor have I.
The correct way to one coat is
No1 fill out the joints and doorfame
No2 lay on your coat about 3mm
No3 flatten in
No4 wet trowel
No5 wet trowel
Love your channel bud
Thank you so much for your insight! Me and the viewers appreciate it so thanks! Hope you're well pal.
I new...but im was thinking many times why i myst do 2cond...gonna crack or what lol....now i red all.here and finally UNDERSTAND 😊 i srarted plastering watch thus channel... thx
What people fail to understand is that if it’s British gypsum, knauf etc….each manafacturer has its own specs and must’s which you need to stick to
My mate does one coat now and then I feel you can see it’s streaky but that just me I guess I’ve been taught the old school way what’s been tried and tested for years it works I won’t change. But each to there own informative video tho mate
I totally agree mate. I'm not a one coat plasterer but it was interesting to see how well the finish came up (which is the only reason I followed it up), but I agree... I'm still 2 coating. It feels right 👍
Yes Yes hope all are happy n well 👊🏾👳🏾♂️ awesome work 👌🏾
I'm probably gonna get shot for this but hey......... it works for me.
I actually apply two coats of plaster while laying on my first set. Upto a two bag mix dependant on size of the wall.
I lay on sideways from top left to right getting as close to the top & bottom as possible.
Once half way across the wall I then go back to the start then lay vertically from top left to waist height , then from the bottom up. Continue this till the mix is done.
Spray up the plaster with a nice haze. The more water you use , the longer it takes to go off which then gives you a chance to get the other 2 walls on & plenty of time tocover the little shitty bits.
The tools I use is a 15 year old 14"MT to lay on. 1200 speedskim plastic rule. 14" Nela gold.
Thank me later 👊🏾👳🏾♂️
Looks great Blain, doing the dining room today! 😅
Always on board but 1 coat. Flatten .sponge .flatten steel trowel. Then 1 wet and 1 dry gob done😊
being a self-taught plasterer I have always done one coat using multi finish plaster and I can happily say I have never had any problems. no cracks or anything out of the ordinary as long as the backing you going on too. is solid and not moving that much and have been doing this for about 11yrs now on my own properties and friends and families. I have always known this is not the right way to do it but because I have success every time I have been reluctant to make more work for myself by going over what I have already done.
For nearly 35 years I’ve been plastering. Always , well 90% of the time only one coat plastered, only use two coats on pva walls , this is because the plaster moves around on the on the pva . I’ve never had a fail , I see guys two coat plaster but all I see is most of the mix in the skip , . A question why would you two coat plaster board ? I fined it hard to get board finished these days it’s all multi, which is gritty. When I started plastering nobody two coated , is it now a thing
Surely British gypsum say to use two coats because it uses more plaster so they sell more ?
It's just better with 2 coats mate!
Germany early 80s I used a machine to spray apply, flatten off with aluminium straight edges and sponge floated, always only 1 coat and great results. Good days.
Thank you Blaine. I am new to this and helping our daughter, who is on a tight budget. Based on the manufacturer's recommendation, US Heritage Group, we are putting only one coat of NHL 3.5 on our new Comfort Block walls. Then we are applying two coats of their Shelter Coat. They said we should brush on the first coat and trowel the second coat of Shelter Coat. Will this last do you think? We will apply a bonding agent to the rough concrete wall before we start but they said we won't need the plastic mesh. I am getting nervous. They said we can always add the brown coat later when we have the funds.
To be honest I’ve done one coat plastering,like you i put the plaster on slightly thicker,it turned out fine,i think using the speed skim is the secret,
The reason i think one coat is scorned upon is because of sagging,but your system ie sponge float,and speed skim seems superb👌,by the way,I’m off to buy a steel blade speed skim.👍
I asked you about one coat not being in your plaster types video a few days ago and now you have a video about it, neat :) I used some white one-coat plaster at my plastering course at college a few weeks ago, it is thick and sticky but i liked it a lot. I had way longer to get it smooth as you could just wet the wall a lot to get more fat to fill in any divets whereas plaster dries much faster so less time to collect fat to get it smooth.
Haha I do listen my friend! Oh ok... I'll have to give it a go. I've never used it to be fair but I'll definately try it! Cheers pal
White one coat plaster is a backing and finish in the same bag not to skim one coat its good for chases and patches you still two coat it
I flattern with my second coat use about 2 handboards for a 2 bag gauge and trowel up with a steel refina speed skim
When u apply one coat only it doesn't matter how much plaster u put on the wall it will shrink on the joint of the plasterboards(tapered edge only) and it will show under the light. Even with 2 coats it will still be visible if u look for it.
Fair point mate! It's makes sense 👍
3.50 a m2 on my site I’m never two coating get in and out , painters love my work 🤗
I think it’s low suction background we’re you need the second coat , on board 1 is enough
£3.50 ???
just got on site me self will be one coating we're on £3.25
blimey you can come and plaster my house for 3.50 a m2
Did a 35m gauge yesterday one coated it . It was much harder going from then on finished up ok but just harder work. Not for me mate 2 coat works out easier to do in the long run.
It is easier to get right with 2 coating and you are correct in saying that 1 coating can be a struggle if tackled the wrong way! 2 coat is the one!
Couldn't agree with you more mate
I fill the taper in the board in then one coat it all.speed skim it and it looks mint
I’m a carpenter and do a bit of plastering I’ve always struggled getting two coats on in time. Always seemed to be chasing my tail.
I always seemed to put it on a bit too thick anyway so gave the sponge a go.
Again I’m not a plasterer but Ifind this a much better way.
I must admit, it is easier! I just prefer 2 coats but if one looks good then what’s the problem?? Fair play pal
You never mentioned what type of plaster you was using. Was it multi finish..was it browing
As DIY'ey I did a single coat on a small area.... It worked out ok. I did go on a plastering course and so learnt some of the basics to get a smooth finish. I did notice somme hairline cracks once it dried but wasn't too bad. Cheers for the videos!
Thanks for your insights there and it's interesting to hear about the cracks! Very interesting! Thanks for the comment pal and thanks for watching!
I don't and won't ever 1 coat but always use a bottle and sponge probably for the past 2 years. Definitely makes life easier and turns out the best work I've ever done
Good points my friend!
@@PlasteringForBeginners I've seen it done a long time ago in a small porch on boards but to me you could see the beads showing slightly
Cool spatula, I had to invent my own tool about 18 years ago. It takes more skill to one coat. It's a bodge but on flat walls and when the cite manager is paying attention. New builds were fare game. But never did one coat on a normal domestic customer.
I'm a plaster of nearly thirty year's always one coat with lay in with same mix just trowels thinkg bout getting speed skim now
Seriously lol, fill out your tapered edge board joints without leaving thick lips then just put a good coat on ,if u can't do that as a time served plasterer,well
I am a complete novice and haven't got a clue. I want to plaster a wall but I was wondering is there a beading that can be used that would allow one to run the spatula across a section, plaster it, level it and then move on to the next section? So there would be a series of beads across the wall and each section would be plastered.
Omg, shouldn't even be a question. I've been plastering 26 years, the main reason for 2 coats is for wall finish strength. Ie, stronger wall and joints. But hey, what do i know!
Good point mate! Cheers 👍
That's how I think.
Good job. Can you do the same on ceilings?
Isn't the whole point of two coat plastering is because or large areas?
I've just used one coat plaster for the first time. I'm not happy with it, can I PVA it and put another coat on. Many thanks.
Why didn’t you fill and flatten the the board joint first?
Cos it will bubble up when u go over it after.
Fill it with the fat from first flatening), 24 years in the game....
Iv one coated for years, along as joints are filled out you should be fine, i put on with stiff trowel, speedskim as I go, one more trowel with stiff trowel then one wet trowel (crossed) then 2 dry finishing trowels (crossed). I never get tiger stripes and in 15 years iv never had my work pulled and I'm on site. I would never one coat re skims though.
Oh and make sure beads are filled out lol
Back in the day one coat all the time.we used to add a big handful of carlite finish to hold it back.i was told put it on thin take it off thick
This is mad mate! Are you still plastering then? Great hearing from you mate, cheers!
@@PlasteringForBeginnersI build recording studios now so not picked my trowel up in anger for about 8 years. Done some big plastering jobs over the years including strangeways prison after the riots, (3 coats of sand and cement with hardener in ) this was spread over welded mesh on the ceilings and walls of the cells.great trade and good memorys
"Never 2 coate it's shite", muiltfinish & boardfinish is down to 2mm thinkness per bag over 10m coverage that's crap bags used to be 3mm thicknesses unless it's perfectly done at the start you are screwed. Also in real terms you're putting nothing on the walls or ceiling so in few years when building starts to move you will get cracks everywhere fibertape or not it just won't last.. The bear minimum should be 3-6mm.
At least then you got some internal strength to your finished product.
What's more important get finished quicker or your
Reputation.. Fair play to trying it fella👍
I hear you mate. Ask very valid points here and to be fair the plaster is getting thinner and thinner now. I just wanted to test it out - I was surprised by the results but not convinced! Thank you for watching mate. I really appreciate it 👍
Is this using standard multi finish thick for one coat or is it one of the marketed one coat plasters?
The board joint needs 2 coats. I have done it when you can get away with it. Think the idea is you can hit many walls as it hangs for alot longer
Nice to here your thoughts on this 1 mate and how it works today with plastering my dad was a house repairer (builder) back in the day when he plastered it was always 1 heavy coat then floated up he was old school so interesting to think nowadays that would be a bad way to learn plastering? Been liking your videos a lot mate thanks for taking the time to do them 👍🏻👍🏻
It's interesting to hear how your dad did it - thanks for the insight there mate! It's a massive topic and I want to friend into it! Thanks for your support I really appreciate it. Cheers 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners Absolutely love your videos, after searching many videos in order to learn plastering, yours are the ones that keep cropping up that are explained in a way that i understand.
Thanks Andy I really appreciate that pal! Glad to hear that's it's working out and good luck with your plastering 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners I'll need it! Im a bricklayer by trade😅 im on my 5th room, every room i do gets better, the first two are not the best, the 3rd room was tricky with angled walls and a vaulted ceiling and the only bit that im not overly happy with is the curved vault, i decided to curve it because the truss line wasnt perfect which reflected in the plasterboard, the 4th and 5th room i am really happy with but i did manage to get some ripples one side of a window where i got cocky and took on too much at once, i cant wait to try the next room
Plastering For Beginners the big Q now is are you a 1 coat cowboy 👩🏼🌾 mate lol
Done some single coat recently the finish wasn’t to bad although I found it drying out real quick around the corner beads and pulling when I was trying to flatten in also some cracking appeared when it had dried out ( but that may be because the house was occupied and the heating was on ) apart from them two issues it went well didn’t use the sponge though
If the old plaster applied to brick was a total of roughly an inch thick, could I use two coats of One Coat, or two coats of Bonding, then one coat of multifinish? Would that work? Would I scratch in between?
Hi mate, I've seen alot of new build sites hit in one coat on plaster boards and always looked a good job.
If you don't mind me asking, what size are your speed skims. Looking to invest in one
What sort of pressure are you applying when using the SF, say, in comparison to the ST or your flexi trowel?
If for example you were to use a knauf drywall screw on a British gypsum stud partition BG’s guarantee becomes invalid….have used inferior base coat renders in the past for a sto acrylic finish had to hide the bags coz it’s a no-no….if you can get away with one coat plastering…..fair play….but be careful….. never know whos watching 😂👍
I'm quite sure British Gypsum won't guarantee 1 coat and if you use a sponge. British Gypsum won't be this too
Doing 2 coats is stronger.
Using a new mix . None of this using the same mix .
Hi mate! You are right my friend - they definately wouldn't guarantee this method but it's fails on 2 counts ha! It was just an experiment to see which results I'd get. I must admit, I was surprised though!
To be honest this trade is so hard that it is eventually gona brake our backs and lead us to an early grave so doing 1 coat if u can get the same finish is a no brainer especially as plasterers dont get paid enough for the effort and skill this job requires . Ive been a plasterer for 17 years and always stuck to traditional 2 coats for 17 of those years . Last year i started sponging and realised what a fool i have been . My name is Jimmy Spread and i aprove of the one coat / sponge after seing this video
Great to hear from a professional like yourself and it's always good to hear opinions from the trade! I agree mate. The sponge is revolutionary and it definately makes the job easier on the body. Thanks for the comment - great hearing from you my friend! Cheers 🍻
The state the building trade is in nowadays i can see why people one coat, and i can see why people sponge. If it makes the job easier and faster then why not. If the wall is flat then why not! Ive seen some of the prices on metre some skimmers get and its soul destroying. Some boarders are on better money tacking on metre than skimmers skimming! Site work is quantity over quality in this day and age and to be fair sometimes you cant blame the tradesmen. As long as the plaster is flat its fine, it dusnt matter how shiny it is.. if something makes the job easier do it! Its bad enough getting a mortgage nowadays. Aslong as your work is FLAT and looks sound when painted then thats all what matters.
These are all good points mate and like you said, you can see why people start to drop their standards! It's tough keeping up with the site prices I must say! Thanks for you comment pal!
Well i really wish the warning was at the beginning. Was doing ths step by step and bosh! "dont do this as a beginner". Friggin hours spent trying to make this thick plaster go flat. The sponge and spatulas were not bought as i started doing this at 6pm. By the time i realised i needed them the shop was shut.
I stopped at midnight last night. I overcame the lack of sponge and giant spatula through sheer force of will. A final thing I realised was that I was just short on plaster. When it came to the final trowel stage I didnt have anything left to fill gaps. I woke up this morning and the wall is totally flat and smooth but there are holes. Because the rest of the wall is good I can fill them and it will pass. All in all, I give myself 2/10 for prep, 10/10 for stubbornness and a 6.5/10 for the wall.
Hi, when you put on your first coat, how long do you wait before you apply your second.
Thanks for what you.
The difference is a bit academic, but I can tell you from an Engineering perspective a two coat wall will definitely be stronger. Read on if you want to understand why.
Layered structures are stronger. Plywood has layers of wood having the grain in each layer running at right angles. Fibreglass & carbon fibre composites also use layering to build up strength, in this case with layers of fibre mat, sometimes run in different directions depending on the type of mat. Whilst it may not seem like it, you guys are effectively doing the same thing with a two-coat plaster finish.
Think about what you see happening when you trowel plaster, by applying pressure with your trowel you compact the grains together, pushing them deeper into the mix and leaving only the fat on the surface. The plaster nearest the wall will be compacted less because the pressure is less, so will be closer to its 'raw' state. If you could cross section a one-coat wall and put a sample of it under a microscope you would see 3 layers, from wall outwards: raw, compacted, then fat.
On a two coat wall you would see 6 layers, from wall outwards: raw, compacted, fat, raw, compacted, fat. Since the fat is weaker (in the same way that mortar is weaker than concrete), you don’t want to be seeing too much fat after applying the first coat.
To understand the strength, imagine bending a flat sheet of plaster. Untrowelled plaster will have the same strength whatever direction you bend it. Trowelled plaster puts a grain into it in the direction that you trowel. Trowelled plaster will be stronger with the bend line across the grain, that is at right angles to the direction of trowelling. On a wall, if you trowelled the first layer vertically, then the second layer horizontally you would gain strength equally in both direction. Obviously you can’t do that on a one-coat wall.
In a new building with settlement, a two-coat wall is less likely to crack. In buildings with plaster straight onto blockwork, or rendered blockwork, the plaster is well coupled to the stresses produced by settlement in the building, so a two-coat wall is the best choice. In buildings with plasterboard attached to battens or by dot & dab, the plaster is less well coupled to these stresses.. so one-coat becomes a viable option.
Add to this other factors people have mentioned, like the improvement in trowels, speedskim, better tape, even better quality plaster… then for professional Plasterers, where time is money, it is worth considering when a one-coat finish is acceptable.
Thank you for all this information mate! There's some great insights here so thank you!
Skimming is not for structural strength, its for decoration ...otherwise tape and joint would be obsolete... Have a good think about that. 20+ years in the trade
@@garryfwright, I don't doubt for one minute you are right when you say that is what it was invented 'for'. My comment was about the Science of what it will 'achieve'. Smoothness/decoration is one thing. People are also interested in strength, thermal insulation, water resistance and more.
In layman's terms layered structures are stronger, especially when you can layer the grain of the material in different directions in each layer. Obvious to me as a Scientist/Engineer, but maybe less so to Plasterers, so I made the point to get people thinking.
Gypsum has a bit of a grain to it:
ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S0950061816312120-gr11.jpg
That pic is from an article looking at the properties of recycled plaster.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061816312120
I just can’t get my head around a sponge float , never used one but it looks like your upsetting your work with the spat 🙈
It's not everyone's cup of tea pal. Each to their own but I can see where you're coming from.
used to one coat on board in the 90s, mt
Thank you very much for getting me started on plastering. I did a hallway ceiling with a one coat plaster and it looks fairly good. The sponge was really a good advice.
After nearly 30 years I’m still undecided .Bloke who taught me years ago showed me one coat on boards and hessian Skyrim cloth 😁he was good at it and I did for a time but saw a job when it dried and went to two coat and carried on doing it sponge seems essential for it but using a sponge seems unnatural to me like your ruining your wall so never tried,also seems to be a lot of trowelling going on as opposed to the old two coats and two /three trowels over and a polish with steel and get down pub .good vids though mate,interesting 👍
Hi mate! Great hearing from you. I think you're right and the sponge is definately essential if you're one coat plastering. I still think 2 coats is best (it has to be), but it was just an interesting test to run and I must admit I'll probably do it again but I'll be 2 coating for the majority. I haven't gone to the dark side yet lol! Great hearing from you and thank you for watching 👍
I put on wen mt trowel... flatten with speedskim blue plastic.... sponge ... refina spatt... ox superflex ... then ox placker trowel
Good plan pal 👍
You only one coat when spraying skim on with a machine I believe. How much time did you save and wonder if it would work doing a 30 odd metre gauge?
Yeah there is plaster that is designed to be sprayed and I roughly saved about 25 mins matey 👍
You don't get the perfect finish these machines,,they look good ,but traditional way is better.
What if its used to fill in a wall chase as a DIYer?
It’s the final results that matter… if it’s on par with 2 coat what’s the issue!?
Fair point!
Very interesting 🤔. What’s the wall look like now?
Hi mate I have a plastic Ox speed skim 1200mm which is amazing going to try a stainless blade when sponge finishing what size is yours please mate ??
Hi mate thanx for getting back to me about the internal angles using scim stop bead but i will still try it with a scim stop both sides of the angle and butt them together, as for one coat ive never done it and never will do I am old school stuck in my ways cheers Kev keep on spreading, ps have you ever fabricated an arch yourself ?.
Sounds good! Let me know how you get on because I'm intrigued to hear how you do! We've rendered curved archways above Windows before by cutting curves in timber and using it as a template to form the render with. Other than that... No matey 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners Yes that is how to do it but on an interior arch you must fix some old scrap bits of wood to the corners and fix plasterboard to it to create a base then shape your arch with some board both sides then using some left over bonding fill it in, next day just fill the sides, once dry coat the lot with finish using bead and flexi bead, I know there are arch laths but to me that's cheating with this you can create many shapes even Victorian or Georgian styles I hope this helps and please I don't mean to tell you your job just ideas and help, you do a great job so rock on buddy ill let you know how the angle goes. Kev
i have been one coating the last ten years , before that two , find that there is no difference
👌👌👌
You’re mad hogan one coat looks and feels weak.
Richard Trusler do you mean it looks poor either way?
When you say it’s better to use two coats for skimming, presumably this is only onto an old plastered wall or plasterboard? If you’re starting from brick/block, do you advocate two coats (browning/bonding and finish plaster) or three coats (browning/bonding & two coats of finishing plaster)?
Hi mate! Yeah that's right, I just mean 2 coats onto either backing plaster or plasterboard! They have actually stopped making Browning now but the product to use would be BG Hardwall. Apply a thick coat of this to your masonary background (roughly 12.5mm) and finish with Multi Finish about 3 hours later. That's the winning ticket pal 👍
Plastering For Beginners - Okay, thanks! Didn’t know browning was on the way out.
ok for small walls i think .not a fan of it
2 coats and happy floats thats how i do it
The only way to do it
Would u not recomend rounding off the edges of the steel speed skim?
I've never plastered a wall in my life and i'm about to take the plunge using this method. Having read some of the comments on this and other videos, I do believe there is a bit of "traditional method snobbery" that makes you believe different tools and methods that have come around more recently are only there for cowboys. I've seen this thinking in my own industry, they're wrong as well
I would listen to what he said, don't do it this way if you are a beginner !!! :)
You have to understand the snobbery! The issue with skimming is not so much about new methods but plasterers who do not understand why you have to start from the top and lay on half trowel over last sweep and quarter trowel second closing in coat do not get the finish flat first go. If learn this skill you will lay on close in first trowel second trowel cross trowel ✅ job done . Don’t forget that sponge floating has been around for many years I was using one in Ipswich during the eighties
Yes but board only
Depends how good you are
One coat plastering is the nuts if you no what you are going your smash it every time end of
Good to hear mate! Cheers
Your meant to go over your tapes first ,and 2 mm first coat,1 mm second , with fresh mix , with one coat ,coat it wait a bit and close it in twice , two polishes and a dry rub when at the end of the day ,the sponge float is no go or the speed skim ,use your trowels in the right ways and you can't go wrong, been doing this trade 17 years
I've done one coat on plasterboard and it's been fine. I'd always use 2 on any other kind of background though.
Totally agree my friend!
Only time I've done was in utility cupboards and walk in wardrobes but even then I filled the tapes and beads out first then a second pass.
It is dodgy mate!!