I taped, and skim coated my bathroom as a first timer! My husband was shocked as all get out and could not believe I did it myself! All because of the this channel. Thank you!!!!
I have watched a lot of drywall videos, but teaching James and correcting common mistakes during the process made this video far more educational that all the other videos combined. Well done James and Ben. It would be interesting for you to video James complete another large patch solo and then you narrate the video to polish off the final training session(s).
Yes, totally agree. Made such a difference for James to try it and see common errors we all make come to light and be corrected in real time. Thank you both.
Thanks so much for coming over and showing me how to patch that beast, Ben! After a little bit of touch up and a couple coats of paint, you can’t even tell there’s a giant patch! You are a Jedi master!
I laughed like crazy when he mentioned your 12 in blade had a lot of pits in it and you mentioned you did your fireplace with it before. JFYI a full sheet of fine-grit sandpaper (Grit depends on pit size) on a hard flat surface can true up your blade, it's a great trick to dull carbon steel blades that become razor-sharp from use too. This is the knife I use to float large areas: www.homedepot.com/p/Wal-Board-Tools-24-in-Taping-Knife-with-Wooden-Handle-21-008/202954578 www.amazon.com/Wal-board-Steel-Taping-Knife-Handle/dp/B000PC4TX2 There is also an 18 inch I use too.
You're a brave soul for volunteering to do this live on video. I think most of us can relate to the difficulties. Thanks for being the guinea pig. I learned a lot.
This is helpful for novices. In all the videos I've seen, people show where to apply mud, what types to use etc. What can't find is how to use the knife, as in how to blend, avoid lift lines, edge lines etc. This is what beginner's and DIY'ers need; knife grip, control, angles, etc. More of this basic instruction would be great.
Pro tip for using quick set. Buy a flexible silicone Salad mixing bowl. You can mix a decent size batch in them to fill your tray and then just let the leftover harden in the bowl. Once it's dry or stiff, when you squish the sides of the bowl the mud literally Just pops right off in a giant chunk. No mess. No cleaning caked on concrete. Ready for the next batch.
This "beginner's" class is really, really helpful. Made the same mistakes many times. Seeing beginner and pro work together to make and fix mistakes brings the whole process into sharp focus. Thanks for taking time to make this video!
Probably one of the best videos I've watched, because it shows me that I do tend to fuss way too much trying to make my initial passes look like finish passes. Seeing you leave your initial passes looking rough has been a real eye opener. This also makes me feel more comfortable working with quick set mud on larger patches. I never really thought you could use it to cover such a large area. Also, I never would have imagined you could use those partially cured scrapings to fill in small voids. I would have assumed those wouldn't stick and would be prone to flaking off later.
I’m a residential painter so I can relate to the drywall ASMR comment. The sound of the knife sliding on wet mud is very soothing. It’s about equal to a full roller of paint being rolled onto the wall. I could fall asleep to those sounds for sure lol Your videos have helped me with a lot of issues I had on the job so I thank you. Keep up the great work!
You’re a great teacher. I hung, taped and finished most of my basement after subscribing to your channel. Turned out great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that we can understand.
you learn a lot more when someone who is not a pro and your there letting him makes mistake and your correcting the way you do its awesome this for being a great teacher.
Soooo glad you shot this! Watching James do it makes it so much easier... muscle memory indeed!! And the fingers on the back of the blade & regularly cleaning the blade. Fab!! Its the little things Ben does that makes it so perfect BUT we don't see those things until James ummm... didn't do them and Ben adjusted his technique! TY!! for another wonderful vid! The fireplace is GORGEOUS!!!
I love seeing how us carpenters banter so much. Here in the US, I keep seeing fellow apprentices drop out of their apprenticeships because joking around sets them off. Here's two veterans, with one teaching the other his specialty and neither having any issues because ultimately we're a rather humble bunch.
I have the same story he has .. I’m currently finishing my basement , watched a video to learn drywall taping and muddying. 20 videos later I can’t stop watching. Funny story , I have one video on my I pad and one on my phone switch back and forth while working. Couldn’t have done it without your videos. Thank you
Best tip I took from this is using the right side of the blade. I've been watching your videos for several months and overworking my tool lines and liftoff. I FINALLY understand how to use the curve of the blade.
what a useful video, this correcting a non-plasterer’s techniques really helps explain what is needed. I have a new stud wall i am going to put in at home and will definitely have a go at plastering it myself having seen this video. Thanks
Patience with Guys learning Is AN ART FORM . your a Good Guy James you deal with the hard times listening kept going don't worry about Embarrassing times not knowing Things you had A good teacher there GOOD JOB JAMES FEW TECHNIQUES YOU LEARN IT BECOMES MUCH EASIER ..
This was incredibly helpful. It’s one thing to watch you describe what you’re doing when you’re employing perfect technique; quite another to watch you oversee and correct the “every man” in real time. Great stuff.
I'm a beginner but getting better after watching this guy's channel. I found out that putting mud bags (5-20-45 min etc.) in separate totes and cutting a 8" square on the flat side of the bag in the middle, then have a dollar store kitchen spoon in each tote to get what I need, saves a lot of mess and airborne dust.
Love your videos! I’m rebuilding inside my home after hurricane Ian .. insurance has not been helpful to recover! They’ve thrown crumbs so instead of dealing with price gouging contractors I’m attempting it myself.. insulation, ceilings, some walls! Primer, paint , baseboards, 🙏 Florida has different regulations too! Thanks for the basic tips…
This thing is fantastic. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1McjgiqTNcTjrhvRvJWcrk5bzTeQW-Wn Easy to store in a bag in "screwdriver" position, not heavy but well built, and the location of the button makes it easy to screw or unscrew with one hand in either "gun" or "screwdriver" position. My only real complaint is there isn't a clip anywhere to store another bit, and the bit isn't a combo dual-ended bit either, so the flathead and P1/P0 philips bits we have to carry around invariably get misplaced.Note: Apparently Black + Decker changed this same Li2000 model from "Type 2" to "Type 3". This new "Type 3" appears to be slightly lighter, and the charging plug is now larger, with a little metal piece to keep it snug. I never noticed the "Type 2" version charger plug to not be perfectly snug, so not sure why this change was made - it does make it annoying that our shop now has 8 of these, and the new 3 have different charging plugs :/
OH MAN!... REALLY GREAT AND ORIGINAL VID.... I'M IMPRESS. 1. I can relate to the stress of your invitee. He's been great and very couragous to face his difficulties in front of the camera, while having a pro beside. Congrat! 2. Drywall knifes MUST be used ONLY for mud and NEVER for anything else. (I use cheap knives for rough work) 3. Ben, Yeah you Ben... Doing and teaching are 2 different beasts... YOU did a GREAT job in teaching. I can also relate to "teaching" and have the urges to interfere... you managed pretty f**cking well. :) 4. BLADE wise, I would have liked to see the difference with your own blades (Ben) 5. I do LOT'S of patching (professionaly), and with your video and your invitee, I realise how challenging it can be for some people to FEEL the blade. But you've shown that it's doable... some people need more practice, some less, and that's ok. :) VERY interesting inter-trade collaboration. I raise my hat to you. This is something I miss very much, COLLABORATION between trades. Nowdays, most trades work without thinking about the next one. SAD. My conclusion... AWESOM VID. Thank you.
As my mom used to say, falling is easy the real strength lies in having the courage to stand back up.. sometimes we need a helping hand to do that and eventually we learn to stand, step back and wonder how the heck we fell in the first place.. of course, if you realize you can't do it that's where it gets passed to someone who can, but one should if you have the opportunity, give it a go first. I've done things over the years that were oooo not going there again and others where learning that skill saved me mega bucks AND a got me a lot more 😉😃👍
Thank goodness you didn't edit out the 'bloopers', it shows you're just a regular guy, which I like! This is the best instructional video series I've seen.
So ive only drywalled for years, i bought all my finishing tools and and orange bucket… i felt the corners peeling away at the sides i knew what was coming!!!! i got so many carrots even trying too be careful mixing, I’ve since got a stirring stick lol awesome videos ma. You’re teaching me lots!!!
Best video I've watched on drywall. I've been reworking a bathroom and have been frustrated to the nth degree. Watching an amateur get guidance from a pro rather than a pro just being a pro is a great learning experience. And thank god he moved his fingers onto the blade.
I just bought a house trying to do things myself and cheap like not replacing the whole wall. I just tore out the bathroom wall but it was that panel board all chipping and got some of that mold bathroom drywall, paint, mud (joint compound) this is how i wanted to learn. This is how i teach people what im good at. I guess sone people hace different learning styles and this is mine. All the important small things nobody talks about
Yes correct as usual- when u chick up on the blade & use fingers on opposite side of blade u feel the pressure & know where to apply it! I wish there was UA-cam to have shown me the correct way many years ago. Although I had to learn through trial & error, but seemed to have a knack for this kind of stuff. People would comment to me over and over that it was an art form to be able to mud - & I know that’s true since I’ve fixed many heavy mud screw ups over the years. I’ve even had to feather patches out many feet to hide plaster- or drywall to dry wall - but I don’t have much experience with the fast set mud & this video has given me some awesome tips to speed up my process. Thanks Vancouver carpenter for all your informative educational videos- they’re awesome... I would love to do a video with u someday!!! I do it all- & have been for over 25yrs now- but always get some awesome tips from u -👍👍👍... love your stuff. Maybe someday I’ll find the time to start my own channel- but, at the moment I’m unable to- but I have plenary of knowledge-l I just haven’t taken the dive into UA-cam land... if you could? Let me know how I could get ahold of u & send you some pics of my work- & hopefully u could give me some tips on how I could start out on UA-cam? Do you have a website? Please let me know. I love your videos!!!
UA-cam is a godsend for learning new skills and doing DIY. I have done so many jobs that would normally require a pro from drywall to installing mini split air conditioners to electrical work to electronic repair. I feel like I have pretty rounded put skill sets and can do most any job since skills in some trades transfer to others.
G R E A T idea!!!! I understand the whole "unconscious competence" thing...When you're trying to tell people how easy something is and forgetting that you've picked up a millions skills and muscle memory and in this case "mud consistency memory", "knife angle memory", "tell-tale mud markings memory" etc...etc.......and really this is the ONLY way to remember how hard it can be...and therefore what to tell "newbies". Thanks again! :)) You are AWESOME!
When he was mixing the mud I thought “when I do this I end up with shreds of plastic in the mix” and sure enough... I’ve been having a real battle with drywall repairs. These videos are a god send.
Paul , the secret is to use white or grey "food safe" 20 L pails only . 20L paint pails are the best . When mixing in the colored pails , whether you're using a putty knife or a drill paddle , mixing always leaves colored plastic "pubic" hairs in the mud . I have used only paint pails for 30 yrs . Also , food safe pails clean up better , and more thoroughly because the surface is "glass" smooth.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this, thank you!!! It makes my husband nervous as I gear up to take on another project! James, you were great!! Am I the only one that thinks James is a young version of Paul Simon? WONDERFUL Video
Appreciate your videos. I learned recently by a contractor to never use the 5 gal buckets from Lowe’s or Home Depot for your drywall mix. These buckets are made to cheaply and the plastic will scrape off into your mix. He said to throw them away or use as wash buckets only. Thank you again for your instructions!
Good stuff. Your info has saved me so much time and effort. Drywalled several rooms without your info and it was agony. Now redoing a room, everything except the ceiling (that will be another room) - inside and outside corners, factory and butt joints, patches, pipes, torn face paper, and more. Things that *really* helped: paper tape for almost everything, all purpose mud has very limited purpose, a "corner trowel" is best used to level planks (yep), do inside corners one side at a time (great results), several thin coats and waiting for it to dry, even days, is better than thick coats and massive sanding, 20 minute mud sets too fast for newbies and you chip it out of the bucket (sigh) and I finally understand how to use the hawk and trowels left by my Dad.
This is a real training video!!! Showing the imperfections and giving great tips. You also have so much patience. I feel like I'm in trade school. Awesome video!
That's quite an amazing video! I love your videos, but showing a regular guy practicing with a coaching lesson is PRICELESS! I wish there were more videos like so. Keep up the good work Ben !!
Thank you for the tips. Been drywalling as a handyman for 40 years, and I learned some hacks from you that solve some frustrating elements of patching. Get a curved bucket knife to pull material from your bucket.
I'm an artist and worked in an orthodontic lab, so I'm familiar with stone/plaster. Still I thank goodness every day that I found you Ben. My California patches are actually looking not too bad. Which means they would have looked like absolute hell without your knowledge behind me. Honestly, it really IS an art. I still have to do the roll-on part though. Man oh man drywall finishing is. tough.
It's frustrating and fun for sure. I can do walls but working overhead (like butt joints on ceilings) changes the muscle memory enough to where it feels like you're learning all over again. I can somewhat use a trowel (still learning)on a wall but on a ceiling... It's just seagulls and cuss words everywhere.
Ben, all your video's are very informative and educational, but this format of coaching a 'novice' in real time is even better. It's almost like being there and making those mistakes myself and then getting help with how to avoid or fix the problem. Invaluable time spent was this. An hour of this instruction will save me a lot of frustration and self discouragement in the time to come. Excellent job once again. 👍 ps Love all your bloopers and how you're able to laugh at them I'd likely be cursing and swearing 😂
Great video, as usual. It amazes me that most of your videos are generally the same concepts, but I keep watching and still get a lot out them. I used to make the same mistake mixing in plastic buckets. I was cringing at the beginning when I heard that scraping sound; knew exactly what this strings were. I prefer to mix in a mixing bowl with a rubber spatula, then load it on a hawk.
This kinda makes me think mud work is like riding a bicycle. You can say anything you want to teach em but the only way they'll learn is by hopping on it themselves. Great video.
Ben, I laughed and laughed. You are so patient and also a great teacher. Thanks for all the tips. I couldn't have dry walled my laundry room without your expertise. Thanks Brother.
Doing my own drywall patches and learned not as easy as some people make it look, definitely takes practice but your videos have taught me a lot. Thanks
Can he please put his fingers on the blade 😂😂 But for real I really enjoy all your videos and I would be honored if you took the time to show me all your tips in person. Keep it up 5 stars !
Great video concept, my guy! I had to fix some wall and ceiling damage myself this weekend,and thanks to some of your videos, I ended up impressing myself. I was just like James a few days ago.
This was super helpful! James had the same stumbling blocks I have, and learning how to fix them is so much more educational than watching you do it perfectly, although that's fun, too!
Where have you been my whole life???? I decided to try out using a trowel instead of a taping knife.......my god it is so much better. You have so much more control and no fatigue like a tape knife gives you. You Canadians are holding onto a great secret. I wish I had learned this years ago. I just had to skim coat a bathroom walls and ceiling and I can still use my hands and fingers tonight. Thank you for that great tidbit. I will be going to pick up my hawk tomorrow.
Your friend James is a good sport. I'm like James have to do after watching to learn. And you are a detail man! James will do good the next time when he has to do it himself!!!
Great video! one thing I noticed was the scraping inside the bucket when mixing with a knife. Through my own DIY experience this usually leads to small plastic shavings in the mud (hitch hikers) as ben has called them before. not wanted but obviously not a big deal on a first coat
I’m late to the party on this one but this video was a great idea. So many of the things that didn’t go my way after watching your videos to learn how were covered off in great new ways here! Looking forward to my next patch now
Excellent video. It reminds me of being with my friends doing projects together teaching each other about trades we were good at. I watched the whole hour and enjoyed it while learning so much. I felt James’ stress while learning. I’ve been there! LOL. GREAT VIDEO!! BTW … James is right, it is an Art.
Lol... "James is gonna make it look hard in a minute..." Awesome tutorial. I've made some decent drywall patches in my day, but James' issues with drywall finishing are mine as well, and I've personally benefitted from this video.
OMG so helpful, I do just about everything except drywall because I suck at it. I had to fix a large patch in my ceiling and watched one of you videos to get ideas. Did the patch and kept finding blue strings in my mud I thought it was from the insulation I put in. My second coat looked pretty bad so I stopped for the day. Then I watched this video and discover the blue strings were from my blue bucket I was mixing in just like what happened to you guys. I made my mix a lot thinner and rolled it on. I would have never thought of that. Then I used the blade to finish it and it was so much better.
VISUALLY PLEASING, AND PACKED WITH TONS OF HELPFUL AND HIDDEN GEMS... MAGNIFICENTLY BEAUTIFUL AND ASTONISHING CONTENT ALL AROUND! RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT’S INTERESTED TO SHARPEN THERE SKILLS AND IMPROVE THERE ART FORM👍🏻
Brilliant video hey ! So informative and humble considering you weren't even using your own tools. I've always been intimated by these jobs so great to see a pro show it's actually not as easy as I thought . Thanks
Awesome. This is REALLY well done. Thank you. I’ve done a whole lot of handyman drywall patching over the years but I learned a few things from this video! It definitely takes practice.
Lol we don’t have time to talk here. Your a good teacher Ben. Very patient. James it’s all about finesse. The longer you go at it the more of a mess it will make!
i really like the way u leave in the little odd mistake or drop. it keeps it real, it happens to everyone all the time, even the best of us, as u can see. great patch work🖒
Going to try the 30 minute quick drying mix. This will be my first time mixing mud. I usually buy the All Purpose buckets, but I don't want to wait so long for it to dry before a second coat. The last time I plastered was years ago. So wish me luck. 😅 I also wanted to comment and break the taboo 666 😈. Yikes!
these videos are SO helpful.. chasing my dream of being my own boss and watching someone else learn is a totally different kind of lesson. thank you so much! first video i find about advice for painting and drywall and your in my city. bizarre and awesome 👌
This was far more educational than any other drywall video I’ve seen so far. Maybe you should do this more often. I end up making the same mistakes as James and had no clue why
I totally agree! I recently found your videos because I’m about to finish drywall in my basement and I wanted a refresher. Though I’ve kept watching your videos because I find them relaxing!! 😂😂 thanks for sharing!
At 26:21, you introduce the "carpet shield". Never heard of it, had to figure out what else to call it. Answer: Home Depot sells a 24" Paint Shield for $8.
I learn a lot from you,it helps me to clean up my technique on my patching. You are correct when you say it takes lots more time to film a job for subscribers
Well done James! Ben you’re awesome teacher, very easy to understand, you relate really well. Thanks to your Kickflip videos especially the last one, i’m landing my kickflips super consistently and that translated right into landing Varials. Ive only been skateboarding for 3 months and im 32. Thanks man.
I've watched a bunch of your videos, and just committed an hour to this one. I wish I had watched this one first. This shows that it doesn't have to be perfect every step. The camera shows all the imperfections- washboards, voids etc that I encounter and assume I am screwing up. This one really helps. I would also like to see how you would tackle all coats with a premix all purpose like CGC Dust control because that is what i bought and am adding water to to at each stage. Anyway great stuff. Thanks for the videos.
Nice job teaching and has given me some tips to try havnt messed with mud in a long time but getting ready to do some work with a kitchen remodel thanks again
reminds me of when I learned and it is 20% skill and 80% art to do it. I love doing drywall work (ceilings not so much) but patch work is a zen meditation for me. Plumbing is my downfall, hate it and anything you hate you will not want to do. Slap it on, wipe it off, *walk away * that is the key thing, don't start playing with it otherwise you'll end up making more work. If you take too much off you can always add another coat, if you have too much you can sand / grind it down. The former is easier than the latter which is what you learn after your first sanding job...
I envy James' tenacity. Also thanks for being a teacher and not a prick. I worked for a handyman about a year ago and he would yell at me for not getting this and it would stress me out. lol
I hate loving watching you patch drywall!! ...Because I hate patching drywall but you make it look so easy that I somehow forgot what I hate about it and want to do a patch all of the sudden.
Thanks for the information saved me tons of sanding with your scraping techniques, You look just like a buddy I know, haha. Again Thanks For these awesome videos...... I wish I knew of you back when I worked maintenance for a hotel, it would of saved me time Take care Awesome Professional Advice
I find a mellow instructor to be a much better teacher. Just started as a laborer who wants to learn as much as possible. The guy that is showing me the ropes communicates by yelling 100 commands per hour. So I watch videos after work and have found VC's stuff to be relaxing to watch which makes it easier to absorb.
James where was this video when I started out. Damn. I just a bit ago used 5 min in two pan fulls on a shower ceiling repair. Upstairs shower leaked through. I got all the mud on the ceiling no problem. Then as it was firing off I was doing the smoothing. I remember in the beginning I could not figure out how people used 5 min. I would have more in my pan hard as a rock. And now I can slam the stuff on before it hardens in the pan. James like you say. Practice and Mudd control.
The whole drywall patch is covered with "mud" in this video, but in others, they are only covering the joints widely and leaving some of the drywall uncoated. It seems to me even coverage over the whole patch plus beyond the joints a bit would be a more level surface for painting.
I looked at the time on the video and said to myself. "I'll never watch an hour of drywall." Then I watched the whole hour. Great stuff!
I said the same thing two weeks ago and now I've watched a more than few. 😂
Same! There is a lot of great commentary in here about technique. The perspective of an expert examining a novice in the act is invaluable.
Same!
Lol me too!
Agreed!
I taped, and skim coated my bathroom as a first timer! My husband was shocked as all get out and could not believe I did it myself! All because of the this channel. Thank you!!!!
I have watched a lot of drywall videos, but teaching James and correcting common mistakes during the process made this video far more educational that all the other videos combined. Well done James and Ben. It would be interesting for you to video James complete another large patch solo and then you narrate the video to polish off the final training session(s).
This is so true.
Absolutely the best video out there. I will be sharing this around for sure.
Yes, totally agree. Made such a difference for James to try it and see common errors we all make come to light and be corrected in real time. Thank you both.
Thanks so much for coming over and showing me how to patch that beast, Ben! After a little bit of touch up and a couple coats of paint, you can’t even tell there’s a giant patch! You are a Jedi master!
Okay now you can come over and do my Drywall lol I don’t want to do any more lol
Thanks for having him come over! I think many of us have learned some good information from this!
He's Mastered his Skill
I laughed like crazy when he mentioned your 12 in blade had a lot of pits in it and you mentioned you did your fireplace with it before. JFYI a full sheet of fine-grit sandpaper (Grit depends on pit size) on a hard flat surface can true up your blade, it's a great trick to dull carbon steel blades that become razor-sharp from use too. This is the knife I use to float large areas:
www.homedepot.com/p/Wal-Board-Tools-24-in-Taping-Knife-with-Wooden-Handle-21-008/202954578
www.amazon.com/Wal-board-Steel-Taping-Knife-Handle/dp/B000PC4TX2
There is also an 18 inch I use too.
You're a brave soul for volunteering to do this live on video. I think most of us can relate to the difficulties. Thanks for being the guinea pig. I learned a lot.
Like others have said having you teach while an average newbie does what he thinks is right is so much more of a learning experience. Thanks, Ben
This is helpful for novices. In all the videos I've seen, people show where to apply mud, what types to use etc. What can't find is how to use the knife, as in how to blend, avoid lift lines, edge lines etc. This is what beginner's and DIY'ers need; knife grip, control, angles, etc. More of this basic instruction would be great.
That side of finishing is very difficult to explain without actually being there with the person trying to learn. Like Ben is in this video
Pro tip for using quick set.
Buy a flexible silicone Salad mixing bowl.
You can mix a decent size batch in them to fill your tray and then just let the leftover harden in the bowl.
Once it's dry or stiff, when you squish the sides of the bowl the mud literally Just pops right off in a giant chunk. No mess. No cleaning caked on concrete. Ready for the next batch.
This "beginner's" class is really, really helpful. Made the same mistakes many times. Seeing beginner and pro work together to make and fix mistakes brings the whole process into sharp focus. Thanks for taking time to make this video!
I wish everybody teaching something through a video would take a newbie through like this! So very helpful, thank you.
Probably one of the best videos I've watched, because it shows me that I do tend to fuss way too much trying to make my initial passes look like finish passes. Seeing you leave your initial passes looking rough has been a real eye opener. This also makes me feel more comfortable working with quick set mud on larger patches. I never really thought you could use it to cover such a large area. Also, I never would have imagined you could use those partially cured scrapings to fill in small voids. I would have assumed those wouldn't stick and would be prone to flaking off later.
I’m a residential painter so I can relate to the drywall ASMR comment. The sound of the knife sliding on wet mud is very soothing. It’s about equal to a full roller of paint being rolled onto the wall.
I could fall asleep to those sounds for sure lol
Your videos have helped me with a lot of issues I had on the job so I thank you.
Keep up the great work!
This format of video felt far more educational than almost any other I've watched on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing!
You’re a great teacher. I hung, taped and finished most of my basement after subscribing to your channel. Turned out great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a way that we can understand.
you learn a lot more when someone who is not a pro and your there letting him makes mistake and your correcting the way you do its awesome this for being a great teacher.
Soooo glad you shot this! Watching James do it makes it so much easier... muscle memory indeed!! And the fingers on the back of the blade & regularly cleaning the blade. Fab!! Its the little things Ben does that makes it so perfect BUT we don't see those things until James ummm... didn't do them and Ben adjusted his technique! TY!! for another wonderful vid! The fireplace is GORGEOUS!!!
I love seeing how us carpenters banter so much. Here in the US, I keep seeing fellow apprentices drop out of their apprenticeships because joking around sets them off. Here's two veterans, with one teaching the other his specialty and neither having any issues because ultimately we're a rather humble bunch.
The difference between someone who knows how to mud and someone who doesn’t... is how they hold their knife. Such a patient teacher👍🏻
And this is what happens to me when I go from watching your videos and relax to actually try and do it. Love it !
I have the same story he has .. I’m currently finishing my basement , watched a video to learn drywall taping and muddying. 20 videos later I can’t stop watching. Funny story , I have one video on my I pad and one on my phone switch back and forth while working. Couldn’t have done it without your videos. Thank you
Best tip I took from this is using the right side of the blade. I've been watching your videos for several months and overworking my tool lines and liftoff. I FINALLY understand how to use the curve of the blade.
what a useful video, this correcting a non-plasterer’s techniques really helps explain what is needed. I have a new stud wall i am going to put in at home and will definitely have a go at plastering it myself having seen this video. Thanks
Patience with Guys learning Is AN ART FORM . your a Good Guy James you deal with the hard times listening kept going don't worry about Embarrassing times not knowing Things you had A good teacher there GOOD JOB JAMES FEW TECHNIQUES YOU LEARN IT BECOMES MUCH EASIER ..
All drywall muddling can be summed up in one phrase. It’s not how you put the mud on, it’s how you take it off.
That's what I told my daughter when she thought about being a stripper
As much as that may be true, the better you put it on, the better and less you gotta take off ;)
This was incredibly helpful. It’s one thing to watch you describe what you’re doing when you’re employing perfect technique; quite another to watch you oversee and correct the “every man” in real time. Great stuff.
These videos are great. Can’t believe I watched the whole 68 minutes, but it felt like watching a movie, so didn’t want to miss any part!
This is by far the best meta I've seen for a tutorial I've seen yet! Greta idea and thanks for all the videos over the years!
I'm a beginner but getting better after watching this guy's channel. I found out that putting mud bags (5-20-45 min etc.) in separate totes and cutting a 8" square on the flat side of the bag in the middle, then have a dollar store kitchen spoon in each tote to get what I need, saves a lot of mess and airborne dust.
Love your videos! I’m rebuilding inside my home after hurricane Ian .. insurance has not been helpful to recover! They’ve thrown crumbs so instead of dealing with price gouging contractors I’m attempting it myself..
insulation, ceilings, some walls! Primer, paint , baseboards, 🙏 Florida has different regulations too! Thanks for the basic tips…
This thing is fantastic. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx1McjgiqTNcTjrhvRvJWcrk5bzTeQW-Wn Easy to store in a bag in "screwdriver" position, not heavy but well built, and the location of the button makes it easy to screw or unscrew with one hand in either "gun" or "screwdriver" position. My only real complaint is there isn't a clip anywhere to store another bit, and the bit isn't a combo dual-ended bit either, so the flathead and P1/P0 philips bits we have to carry around invariably get misplaced.Note: Apparently Black + Decker changed this same Li2000 model from "Type 2" to "Type 3". This new "Type 3" appears to be slightly lighter, and the charging plug is now larger, with a little metal piece to keep it snug. I never noticed the "Type 2" version charger plug to not be perfectly snug, so not sure why this change was made - it does make it annoying that our shop now has 8 of these, and the new 3 have different charging plugs :/
OH MAN!... REALLY GREAT AND ORIGINAL VID.... I'M IMPRESS.
1. I can relate to the stress of your invitee. He's been great and very couragous to face his difficulties in front of the camera, while having a pro beside. Congrat!
2. Drywall knifes MUST be used ONLY for mud and NEVER for anything else. (I use cheap knives for rough work)
3. Ben, Yeah you Ben... Doing and teaching are 2 different beasts... YOU did a GREAT job in teaching. I can also relate to "teaching" and have the urges to interfere... you managed pretty f**cking well. :)
4. BLADE wise, I would have liked to see the difference with your own blades (Ben)
5. I do LOT'S of patching (professionaly), and with your video and your invitee, I realise how challenging it can be for some people to FEEL the blade. But you've shown that it's doable... some people need more practice, some less, and that's ok. :)
VERY interesting inter-trade collaboration. I raise my hat to you. This is something I miss very much, COLLABORATION between trades. Nowdays, most trades work without thinking about the next one. SAD.
My conclusion... AWESOM VID.
Thank you.
Keep going that's it !!!!😴😴😴
As my mom used to say, falling is easy the real strength lies in having the courage to stand back up.. sometimes we need a helping hand to do that and eventually we learn to stand, step back and wonder how the heck we fell in the first place.. of course, if you realize you can't do it that's where it gets passed to someone who can, but one should if you have the opportunity, give it a go first. I've done things over the years that were oooo not going there again and others where learning that skill saved me mega bucks AND a got me a lot more 😉😃👍
Oh the closer you are the less you take off. Best advice. You're my drywall guru. Thank you so much you've helped me semi-master my technique
Thank goodness you didn't edit out the 'bloopers', it shows you're just a regular guy, which I like! This is the best instructional video series I've seen.
This is the best teaching video I have seen on this subject, thank you both, I wish I saw this before I finished my first drywall patching project
So ive only drywalled for years, i bought all my finishing tools and and orange bucket… i felt the corners peeling away at the sides i knew what was coming!!!! i got so many carrots even trying too be careful mixing, I’ve since got a stirring stick lol awesome videos ma. You’re teaching me lots!!!
Best video I've watched on drywall. I've been reworking a bathroom and have been frustrated to the nth degree. Watching an amateur get guidance from a pro rather than a pro just being a pro is a great learning experience. And thank god he moved his fingers onto the blade.
I'm 42 min in and missing his finger on the blade...
I just bought a house trying to do things myself and cheap like not replacing the whole wall. I just tore out the bathroom wall but it was that panel board all chipping and got some of that mold bathroom drywall, paint, mud (joint compound) this is how i wanted to learn. This is how i teach people what im good at.
I guess sone people hace different learning styles and this is mine. All the important small things nobody talks about
Yes correct as usual- when u chick up on the blade & use fingers on opposite side of blade u feel the pressure & know where to apply it! I wish there was UA-cam to have shown me the correct way many years ago. Although I had to learn through trial & error, but seemed to have a knack for this kind of stuff. People would comment to me over and over that it was an art form to be able to mud - & I know that’s true since I’ve fixed many heavy mud screw ups over the years. I’ve even had to feather patches out many feet to hide plaster- or drywall to dry wall - but I don’t have much experience with the fast set mud & this video has given me some awesome tips to speed up my process. Thanks Vancouver carpenter for all your informative educational videos- they’re awesome... I would love to do a video with u someday!!! I do it all- & have been for over 25yrs now- but always get some awesome tips from u -👍👍👍... love your stuff. Maybe someday I’ll find the time to start my own channel- but, at the moment I’m unable to- but I have plenary of knowledge-l I just haven’t taken the dive into UA-cam land... if you could? Let me know how I could get ahold of u & send you some pics of my work- & hopefully u could give me some tips on how I could start out on UA-cam? Do you have a website? Please let me know. I love your videos!!!
UA-cam is a godsend for learning new skills and doing DIY. I have done so many jobs that would normally require a pro from drywall to installing mini split air conditioners to electrical work to electronic repair. I feel like I have pretty rounded put skill sets and can do most any job since skills in some trades transfer to others.
❤😊 Great I’m using 45 powder with white glue on my small patches. Never use the mesh tape seen it crack after a year along the patches. 😊😊😂❤
The two of you work well together. Excellent video!
G R E A T idea!!!! I understand the whole "unconscious competence" thing...When you're trying to tell people how easy something is and forgetting that you've picked up a millions skills and muscle memory and in this case "mud consistency memory", "knife angle memory", "tell-tale mud markings memory" etc...etc.......and really this is the ONLY way to remember how hard it can be...and therefore what to tell "newbies". Thanks again! :)) You are AWESOME!
When he was mixing the mud I thought “when I do this I end up with shreds of plastic in the mix” and sure enough... I’ve been having a real battle with drywall repairs. These videos are a god send.
Paul , the secret is to use white or grey "food safe" 20 L pails only . 20L paint pails are the best . When mixing in the colored pails , whether you're using a putty knife or a drill paddle , mixing always leaves colored plastic "pubic" hairs in the mud . I have used only paint pails for 30 yrs . Also , food safe pails clean up better , and more thoroughly because the surface is "glass" smooth.
@@robertn2813 Ah, excellent tip, thanks. I will look out for some next time i'm at the store. Thanks.
I used to be able to get 3 gallon icing buckets from a local grocery store bakery.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this, thank you!!! It makes my husband nervous as I gear up to take on another project! James, you were great!! Am I the only one that thinks James is a young version of Paul Simon? WONDERFUL Video
Appreciate your videos. I learned recently by a contractor to never use the 5 gal buckets from Lowe’s or Home Depot for your drywall mix. These buckets are made to cheaply and the plastic will scrape off into your mix. He said to throw them away or use as wash buckets only. Thank you again for your instructions!
Good stuff. Your info has saved me so much time and effort. Drywalled several rooms without your info and it was agony. Now redoing a room, everything except the ceiling (that will be another room) - inside and outside corners, factory and butt joints, patches, pipes, torn face paper, and more. Things that *really* helped: paper tape for almost everything, all purpose mud has very limited purpose, a "corner trowel" is best used to level planks (yep), do inside corners one side at a time (great results), several thin coats and waiting for it to dry, even days, is better than thick coats and massive sanding, 20 minute mud sets too fast for newbies and you chip it out of the bucket (sigh) and I finally understand how to use the hawk and trowels left by my Dad.
This is a real training video!!! Showing the imperfections and giving great tips. You also have so much patience. I feel like I'm in trade school. Awesome video!
That's quite an amazing video! I love your videos, but showing a regular guy practicing with a coaching lesson is PRICELESS! I wish there were more videos like so. Keep up the good work Ben !!
Thank you for the tips. Been drywalling as a handyman for 40 years, and I learned some hacks from you that solve some frustrating elements of patching. Get a curved bucket knife to pull material from your bucket.
Yeah. Lol it looks like they scoop it out with a ladle.
I'm an artist and worked in an orthodontic lab, so I'm familiar with stone/plaster. Still I thank goodness every day that I found you Ben. My California patches are actually looking not too bad. Which means they would have looked like absolute hell without your knowledge behind me. Honestly, it really IS an art. I still have to do the roll-on part though. Man oh man drywall finishing is. tough.
It's frustrating and fun for sure. I can do walls but working overhead (like butt joints on ceilings) changes the muscle memory enough to where it feels like you're learning all over again. I can somewhat use a trowel (still learning)on a wall but on a ceiling... It's just seagulls and cuss words everywhere.
Ben, all your video's are very informative and educational, but this format of coaching a 'novice' in real time is even better. It's almost like being there and making those mistakes myself and then getting help with how to avoid or fix the problem. Invaluable time spent was this. An hour of this instruction will save me a lot of frustration and self discouragement in the time to come. Excellent job once again. 👍
ps Love all your bloopers and how you're able to laugh at them I'd likely be cursing and swearing 😂
Great video, as usual. It amazes me that most of your videos are generally the same concepts, but I keep watching and still get a lot out them. I used to make the same mistake mixing in plastic buckets. I was cringing at the beginning when I heard that scraping sound; knew exactly what this strings were. I prefer to mix in a mixing bowl with a rubber spatula, then load it on a hawk.
This kinda makes me think mud work is like riding a bicycle. You can say anything you want to teach em but the only way they'll learn is by hopping on it themselves. Great video.
Ben, I laughed and laughed. You are so patient and also a great teacher. Thanks for all the tips. I couldn't have dry walled my laundry room without your expertise. Thanks Brother.
Genius teaching tool you did. I really needed to see all the things that cause doubt and keeps be really fussy on spot I can comeback too.
Doing my own drywall patches and learned not as easy as some people make it look, definitely takes practice but your videos have taught me a lot. Thanks
best technique I've seen so far on youtube
Can he please put his fingers on the blade 😂😂
But for real I really enjoy all your videos and I would be honored if you took the time to show me all your tips in person.
Keep it up 5 stars !
Great video concept, my guy! I had to fix some wall and ceiling damage myself this weekend,and thanks to some of your videos, I ended up impressing myself. I was just like James a few days ago.
This was super helpful! James had the same stumbling blocks I have, and learning how to fix them is so much more educational than watching you do it perfectly, although that's fun, too!
Where have you been my whole life???? I decided to try out using a trowel instead of a taping knife.......my god it is so much better. You have so much more control and no fatigue like a tape knife gives you. You Canadians are holding onto a great secret. I wish I had learned this years ago. I just had to skim coat a bathroom walls and ceiling and I can still use my hands and fingers tonight.
Thank you for that great tidbit. I will be going to pick up my hawk tomorrow.
Your friend James is a good sport. I'm like James have to do after watching to learn. And you are a detail man! James will do good the next time when he has to do it himself!!!
"Hi, I'm Johnny Knoxville and today, we're gonna fix a giant patch!"
Great video! one thing I noticed was the scraping inside the bucket when mixing with a knife. Through my own DIY experience this usually leads to small plastic shavings in the mud (hitch hikers) as ben has called them before. not wanted but obviously not a big deal on a first coat
I’m late to the party on this one but this video was a great idea. So many of the things that didn’t go my way after watching your videos to learn how were covered off in great new ways here! Looking forward to my next patch now
Just mixing the mud and I love it already. 'feathered' that like button! Thanks Ben
Excellent video. It reminds me of being with my friends doing projects together teaching each other about trades we were good at. I watched the whole hour and enjoyed it while learning so much. I felt James’ stress while learning. I’ve been there! LOL. GREAT VIDEO!! BTW … James is right, it is an Art.
Lol... "James is gonna make it look hard in a minute..." Awesome tutorial. I've made some decent drywall patches in my day, but James' issues with drywall finishing are mine as well, and I've personally benefitted from this video.
OMG so helpful, I do just about everything except drywall because I suck at it. I had to fix a large patch in my ceiling and watched one of you videos to get ideas. Did the patch and kept finding blue strings in my mud I thought it was from the insulation I put in. My second coat looked pretty bad so I stopped for the day. Then I watched this video and discover the blue strings were from my blue bucket I was mixing in just like what happened to you guys. I made my mix a lot thinner and rolled it on. I would have never thought of that. Then I used the blade to finish it and it was so much better.
VISUALLY PLEASING, AND PACKED WITH TONS OF HELPFUL AND HIDDEN GEMS... MAGNIFICENTLY BEAUTIFUL AND ASTONISHING CONTENT ALL AROUND! RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT’S INTERESTED TO SHARPEN THERE SKILLS AND IMPROVE THERE ART FORM👍🏻
Brilliant video hey ! So informative and humble considering you weren't even using your own tools. I've always been intimated by these jobs so great to see a pro show it's actually not as easy as I thought . Thanks
Awesome. This is REALLY well done. Thank you. I’ve done a whole lot of handyman drywall patching over the years but I learned a few things from this video! It definitely takes practice.
Lol we don’t have time to talk here. Your a good teacher Ben. Very patient. James it’s all about finesse. The longer you go at it the more of a mess it will make!
Nice patch James,! Ben has more of a racing stripe....super fun video to watch and enjoyed seeing you two collaborate.
I think this is best one of your videos I have watched! You can really see what is going on a whole lot better than the rest of videos!
i really like the way u leave in the little odd mistake or drop. it keeps it real, it happens to everyone all the time, even the best of us, as u can see. great patch work🖒
Going to try the 30 minute quick drying mix. This will be my first time mixing mud. I usually buy the All Purpose buckets, but I don't want to wait so long for it to dry before a second coat. The last time I plastered was years ago. So wish me luck. 😅
I also wanted to comment and break the taboo 666 😈. Yikes!
Great job James. You have the best teacher helping you
FANTASTIC way to present! Thank you guys!
these videos are SO helpful.. chasing my dream of being my own boss and watching someone else learn is a totally different kind of lesson. thank you so much! first video i find about advice for painting and drywall and your in my city. bizarre and awesome 👌
This was far more educational than any other drywall video I’ve seen so far. Maybe you should do this more often. I end up making the same mistakes as James and had no clue why
I totally agree! I recently found your videos because I’m about to finish drywall in my basement and I wanted a refresher. Though I’ve kept watching your videos because I find them relaxing!! 😂😂 thanks for sharing!
At 26:21, you introduce the "carpet shield". Never heard of it, had to figure out what else to call it. Answer: Home Depot sells a 24" Paint Shield for $8.
I learn a lot from you,it helps me to clean up my technique on my patching.
You are correct when you say it takes lots more time to film a job for subscribers
Well done James! Ben you’re awesome teacher, very easy to understand, you relate really well. Thanks to your Kickflip videos especially the last one, i’m landing my kickflips super consistently and that translated right into landing Varials. Ive only been skateboarding for 3 months and im 32. Thanks man.
Happy to help!
Rock on dude!
Kickflip in 3 months is solid my dude. Well done
Thanks guy!!!
From drywaller, to skateboarder, to life coach. Ben is the man.
I've watched a bunch of your videos, and just committed an hour to this one. I wish I had watched this one first. This shows that it doesn't have to be perfect every step. The camera shows all the imperfections- washboards, voids etc that I encounter and assume I am screwing up. This one really helps. I would also like to see how you would tackle all coats with a premix all purpose like CGC Dust control because that is what i bought and am adding water to to at each stage. Anyway great stuff. Thanks for the videos.
That was great sparkling guys. I learn a lot by watching you!
Nice job teaching and has given me some tips to try havnt messed with mud in a long time but getting ready to do some work with a kitchen remodel thanks again
Patch capitulation.
Soooooo satisfying!!!.
Great video!! Learned so much. Drywalling definitely has a huge learning curve.
reminds me of when I learned and it is 20% skill and 80% art to do it. I love doing drywall work (ceilings not so much) but patch work is a zen meditation for me. Plumbing is my downfall, hate it and anything you hate you will not want to do. Slap it on, wipe it off, *walk away * that is the key thing, don't start playing with it otherwise you'll end up making more work. If you take too much off you can always add another coat, if you have too much you can sand / grind it down. The former is easier than the latter which is what you learn after your first sanding job...
Thanks!
This is one of your best videos ever.
Dude, your good! I watch you all the time and you never cease to amaze me !
I envy James' tenacity. Also thanks for being a teacher and not a prick. I worked for a handyman about a year ago and he would yell at me for not getting this and it would stress me out. lol
Yelling would had made the video even more entertaining.
He actually made him feel anxious
I hate loving watching you patch drywall!!
...Because I hate patching drywall but you make it look so easy that I somehow forgot what I hate about it and want to do a patch all of the sudden.
Thanks for the information saved me tons of sanding with your scraping techniques,
You look just like a buddy I know, haha. Again Thanks For these awesome videos......
I wish I knew of you back when I worked maintenance for a hotel, it would of saved me time
Take care
Awesome Professional Advice
I would love to be your apprentice or have a DIY school on this stuff! Educational and informative! Love your content!
Ben, it is very therapeutic watching your drywall videos!
I find a mellow instructor to be a much better teacher. Just started as a laborer who wants to learn as much as possible. The guy that is showing me the ropes communicates by yelling 100 commands per hour. So I watch videos after work and have found VC's stuff to be relaxing to watch which makes it easier to absorb.
I hear you.
James where was this video when I started out. Damn. I just a bit ago used 5 min in two pan fulls on a shower ceiling repair. Upstairs shower leaked through. I got all the mud on the ceiling no problem. Then as it was firing off I was doing the smoothing. I remember in the beginning I could not figure out how people used 5 min. I would have more in my pan hard as a rock. And now I can slam the stuff on before it hardens in the pan. James like you say. Practice and Mudd control.
The whole drywall patch is covered with "mud" in this video, but in others, they are only covering the joints widely and leaving some of the drywall uncoated. It seems to me even coverage over the whole patch plus beyond the joints a bit would be a more level surface for painting.