Thanks for this video, I chose the EasiFill option to fill 10 chases in my kitchen and I'm so pleased with the result, I actually really enjoyed the whole process too, very satisfying. It can be a bit intimidating to get the supplies for a more advanced DIY project like this as a young woman, it might sound silly, but it really helped to have the information from this video when I went to the hardware shop.
So glad to hear that Rosie - fantastic work - bet you felt a bit epic completing that project and it's armed you with confidence for the next one. Thanks for getting in touch 👍
Did you use only the easifill? I’ve got the same job to do and I’m wondering if I use the first way he showed or use only easifill. Has it cracked or shrunk since? Does it show lighter after you paint it or is the new paint the same across the whole wall?
Being in the autobody trade for over 40 years, I apply techniques from my trade to my home for those repairs as well. For small repairs, I use autobody filler. Although it's a little expensive, it's fast, sands easily, compatible with everything I've applied it to, and doesn't shrink. Good benefits! I also use fibreglass filler for repairs in damp areas and rotted wood repairs. Works great! I do use plaster and spackle for some minor repairs. Great channel, Charlie!
Yours is the most watchable and reassuring DIY channel I’ve found. I like how you explain things, I like the way you come across and I just generally think this is a better channel than a lot of the others. Seems a shame you’re not on the telly.
Aw, thanks David. It can be a bit of an anxiety inducing thing this video malarky, so comments like yours are manna from heaven 👍 I'm working on the TV bit. No solid offers yet but here's hoping 🤣
Charlie DIYte You definitely feel like you belong on the box so I hope it works out. I don’t often comment on TH-cam so this is totally genuine. Thanks a lot for the videos - they’ve been a help to me and you’re much better at explaining this stuff than most. Best of luck!
Of all the videos out there on this subject this is the best by miles and miles! Exactly all the info I needed plus more. You do NOT "go on and on" at all!? Your content is always to the point, incredibly well filmed with detailed close-ups and full of helpful tips. Thanks so, SO much, Charlie! xox 🙏
It's funny how many of your uploads coincide with what I bodged about two hours before :) oh well. My next jobs are painting the walls, new skirting/architrave, and a built in wardrobe too. These videos have helped so much over the last couple of months. Thank you!
My partner and I have just bought our first home and it needs a fair amount for repair as well fully redecorating so this is a great time to have found your channel! this was great info and I look forward to working through you other videos
I feel confident enough now to go round my house and start plastering all the chasing left by the sparky! Having watched my sparky bonding the first few chasers WITHOUT using PVA glue to seal the brick dust to begin with , I can now do this myself and do a proper job!
As always, The most thorough and properly explained and shown examples to help any DIYr Just like school, many tutorials do not explain the why behind the how. You always do. And that is the key to understanding. great stuff many, many thanks
Can't thank you enough for this Darren. Whenever I find myself flagging a bit, wonderful people like you pop up and remind me why I'm doing this. Thanks so much. 👊
I love the fact after receiving professional advice, you reign it in and give the average DIYer's perspective. Like you say, we haven't dailled in those skills like a professional or a master craftsman or have those sort of high end tool available. Thank you for a great channel.
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that. Yes there's a lot of tool snobbery from the pro tradesman but there so much we DIYer's can do with a few basic tools and a bit of prep 👊🏻
I always mix my filler the way you did mate. Impressed with you. The amount of people I see on site who waste easi fill is shocking. I've been plastering old school for 14 years
20:44 Charlie says, "I can't thank you enough" No Mate! Its us who can't thank you enough!!!! This is exactly what i was looking for. Given me enough confidence to tackle this job my self! I too am renovating a few rooms of my house
Hey Charlie ✌🏼 your video is helping me a lot , just rewired my house and now I have to repair the walls , just a question, how long did you let the PVA to dry ? Thanks ✌🏼
I absolutely love your videos and as a keen DIY enthusiast for many years I have to say I learn a lot from you, even if it’s one or two things I haven’t tried before. I think the way you present for complete novices to those more experienced, leads me to always think I didn’t know I didn’t know that. Keep up the great work mate.
Absolutely what I needed, thanks Charlie for going to the time (as always) to explain things so thoroughly and so easily understandable too. Already have a bag of easy fill and I only have 1 small chase to fill after installing an outdoor light, so you doing this both with and without bonding has really helped me in feeling confident I can just use the easy fill for the whole chase and not worry about not using bonding (and having the cost of buying another material) thanks again
I've found putting expanding foam along the edges of a backbox works a treat gives something for the filler to fix onto as its difficult getting the filler deep inside a small gap like that.
Great videos charlie. Just the sort of thing I've been needing to know. Pulled all the wallpaper off in my hallway and tons of blown and cracked plaster that needs some love
Brilliant video, very detailed and useful for beginners or improves. Only item to note is that the electrician did not install the rubber open grommets for the incoming 2.5mm electrical cable and need a blind grommet for the knockout which isn't being used on the first sockets filled with bonding
Hi Charlie…. Another good informative video 👍,just a little tip, when you cut trench’s in the wall for cables ect try putting a little 45° + leading edge each side of the trench, I just use a scraper too form this leading edge, this way it feathers the edge of the filler from the wall to the hole rather than being a hard 90° drop into the trench
My tip for making up the PVA mix is to do it in a plastic milk bottle. Larger the area to be covered, the larger the bottle. You can then very easily mix it up with a shake of the bottle (lid on!) and it keeps very well in the bottle for the next day or job. Just make sure you label it clearly so you don't put it in your tea!
@@andyandy8536 The first coat of the PVA watered down you want to leave to dry, it dries quickly but you could do it the night before. The second coat you want to leave it until it becomes tacky to the touch but you don't really want it to dry out. You could do a test area to get an idea of how long this takes in your situation, things like temperature will affect the time it takes. Then when ready just reapply over the test area, leave to get tacky then plaster. If you are quick at plastering you could do the whole wall or if slower do a part then plaster it then apply the pva mix to the next area. If you keep your roller or paint brush being used for the PVA in a plastic bag and sealed off you don't need to worry about it drying out. You are looking for a milk like consistency so it is quite runny when applying it to the walls so it will run and drip so keep some rags handy.
I've done this before, but I'm about to revisit this exact job with one of the 5x1kg Easifill bags. This video has been super helpful in reminding me what to do, with plenty of extra hints and tips. Thank you! Excellent video!
Thanks David. Well done getting those 1kg bags. They're fantastic. Get yourself a plasterers hawk and possibly a plasterers trowel if you can. Makes the job so easy 😉
Charlie, excelent video as usual. Went to buy some Easi-Fill 60 from my local Travis Perkins, their on-line catalog price (trade) was £38! the best they could do for me was £26. I told him that Toolstation, which Travis Perkins own, sell it for about £18 free next day delivery...... which is what I ended up doing.
Outstanding video. I was put onto easifill by some builders we had in but it was great to see the bonding option and even better, the plasterers hawk. Straight down to Screwfix for me 😋
The hawk is brilliant. I got a plastic one for less than a tenner and the help that having a surface to cut the filler and scrape the trowel on was absolutely great
Thanks as always - you’ve given me the confidence to tackle some gaps between windows and walls, although I did click through to purchase some of your recommendations but many are currently out of stock - we now know what the Great British public is up to. I also have to tackle some uneven joins in my bedroom ceiling where plasterboard panels weren’t put up carefully as they were covered with polystyrene tiles (!) so will be applying some of your tips And finally the internal, sticking inward , corners beneath my square bay window, which I will probably need some of those wire supports to get a clean edge, but I’m hoping your instructions will still apply to those !
Top bloke, all videos broken down and explained. Love the amount of detail you go in to. Ive found endless amounts of tips from your videos. Keep up the good work please
This has been so helpful. I've had nothing but bad experiences with trades people I've found on Rated People and MyBuilder. Almost all are cowboys and exploit people on standard of work and then price. I'm going to by my own kit too.
Thanks for another great DIY masterclass Charlie. I will try to use the larger tools in the future, as I have used smaller trowels etc, hoping for a better finish (which never seems to work).
Just going through your back catalogue and although I wouldn’t be so “fussy” over tiny gaps around a socket box as the socket will cover them, it’s great to see such attention to detail. I must admit as an ex sparks getting twitchy over the length of the tails in the boxes. Too short and it’s an itch I can’t scratch 😀
12:50 Easy to over do it when adding a little water to a small mix like that.... More controlled way of adding water is squeezing water from a sponge. Or spraying water from a indoor plant sprayer
Excellent Charlie. Gradually working through all your vids. I’m relatively new to diy having never picked up a hammer prior to lockdown. Now I can’t get enough. Your vids have been great either because they’ve taught me how to do something or they’ve validated something I’ve already had a go at (such as this video in fact). You, stuart at properdiy, Vikki, Keith and the diy guy are my go to channels these days with Netflix, prime and the rest all very much relegates :-)
Great to hear from you Chris - this is exactly why I set up this channel so it's humbling and rewarding to receive feedback like that. Keep up the good work and remember a DIYer embarking on a well researched project in their own home they care about stands to do a much better job than the average tradesman. 👊
I'm sure someone has pointed out the grommet situation in the back box. I'll add that pan head screws are to be used for electrical boxes - this prevents any snagging of the conductors. It is counter sunk screws that have been a common problem during my time as a spark. Just some constructive criticism Glad to see your using capping. Even some sparks wouldnt use that.
Starting a full house renovation soon chasing all walls for new plumbing and electrics so this video has been very helpful Charlie thanks! Questions - 1. Can I get away with just filling the chases with bonding if a plasterer is going to re-skim the walls? Is the easy fill more for those painting straight over? 2. Will this method work well over pipework for radiators or will the heat have an effect such as cracking over time? Is there anything different I need to do for filling over plumbing work?
Yes you can just bond if a plasterer is reskimming. I had the cracking problem with pipes. See if you can pipe expanding foam in to insulate the pipes. Then trim it back before applying bonding on top.
Used bonding for filling a deep chase that went from ground to ceiling. Stuff is amazing for that purpose. Holds it's shape really well, didn't even need to do it in stages, stuff didn't droop at all, just had to fill it to the surface with easyfill after that. Tried it in a different (but similar) chase with just easifill and no bonding, did work but drooped a lot more, in future for deep chases I think I'd go for the bonding first if I had it at hand.
Good work Ross. Yes it's fantastic for that. I agree, Easy-Fill is best for shallower fills although in the vid I was just demonstrating it's versatility in being able to do both.
Always great to watch a thorough tutorial Charlie! If you did this to an existing painted wall, would you mist coat the area first before painting over? I've found, even with a mist coat over a perfectly sanded repair, i get a raised patch/continent. Seems like the area needs a sealer. I've heard it can be due to different porosity, i guess the filler is absorbing more paint and possibly swelling slightly proud of the original surface. Very frustrating, especially when my dad tells me i haven't sanded it enough 😂 strangely i repaired a few ceiling cracks with coving adhesive/cement and that painted absolutely perfect. Anything you recommend? 😊
This was a good one Charlie, would never have considered these types of filler before but now I will give them a go. How to the other brands compare? Does screwfix do a no nonsense version etc. Can you do a comparison video?
1. Don't use screws to hold the capping in. They will rust and it will show through the paint. 2. Top tip here: don't try cutting out the back box hole precisely, as it's harder to fill in smaller gaps. Far better to chase the back box hole far bigger than needed. The plasterer can actually fill without leaving thin gaps. The key is to have the box sit FLUSH.
Excellent, like the way you explain everything especially products and why to use them, i will say i use a Mirka sander to finish but size of Job will determine this. Thanks.
Easifill is the absolute nuts. Not the ready mix stuff of any brand. Powered all the way. PVA can be mixed in an old red sauce squeeze bottle and squirt it into the chase. Saves dipping your brush at all. Just use the brush to prevent large runs. You could also set the backboxes in with thistlebond like how you would a brick or block.
Nice video Charlie. I always mix small amounts powder first for the same reason. Never bother PVAing dry bonding coat, but do spray it with water and let that absorb if it's really dry. I'm gonna try the Easyfill. Been using Diall ready mixed for small areas, but found it too thick and difficult to smooth when skimming larger areas.
Yes I agree. charlie I think you are probably the best in your field. Just wanted to ask... after applying this bonding are you then ready to paint? Finally?
Thanks - I appreciate that 👍🏻 The bonding is like a sub layer. So on top of it you either need to apply some Easi-fill or plaster. I'd recommend Easi-fill unless you've got a large area to cover. Once that has set, you're ready to paint over it and I'd recommend a watered down mist coat before the final emulsion coat, as discussed in more detail here bit.ly/3ilSD3P
Exactly the same principle. I did this in my old flat in London. You want to pull the spotlight down, and gradually build up the area with Easi-Fill, sanding the curve, and the ceiling until you're satisfied with the repair.
I just wanted to say thanks ! Your video was very informative and straight forward. Been on TH-cam for a couple of days anxious to start fixing the wall but this video has given me so much info, I think I’m ready to tackle it. Thanks again 😊
Also pva the edges of your chase, it helps to feather your final coat it, sometimes if you recess your backing plaster ( bonding) the outline might slightly come though, so always better to slightly go past your original chase, even a few mill, then sand down once dry
Great video thanks as for the mixing I found making a measured amount up adding the water from a measuring jug then getting the amount of water to the amount of powder then revert to the first way of mixing knowing the quantities needed
Thanks Charlie! Great timing for me, as I’ve chased out a wall, and was exploring options to fill it. This is the best video I’ve seen, as you’ve explained a range of options to consider for the job 👍🏻
Thanks Steve! That means a lot to me as for some reason this one seemed unusually laborious to put together but it doesn't matter when I get comments like that 👍
Fantastic video Charlie. It definitely gives me the confidence to tackle these tasks on my own. Very timely as well - bring on the mist coating video! Thank you.
Thanks for the video.. It's very informative. I'm doing a small bathroom tiling project around my bath area. After removing all the tiles, the wall behind is a mess, unlevel and dips inwards towards the bottom. I'm completely new to all of this and am thinking my best way to go is to rip everything out down to the brick, to pva the surface, bond it... And then can I tile straight onto the bond once it's set?
What a fantastic video, do you recommend using the easifill filler then putting an aluminium patch over the hole once the filler has dried? Then, another layer of plaster over the patch. The hole is around 2.5cm deep and 17cm in diameter Thank you!
Depends on conditions but you want to wait for it to go clear - probably an hour or two. I certainly don't wait 24 hours although my plasterer was keen for me to pva the day before he got there, so I guess for large areas that you're going to plaster it probably pays to give it longer to harden.
I always buttered up my surface boxes on sides and back and squeezed the box in then screwed it up. Just cut the excess off as it comes out. Is far more secure and the little bits you filled in wont fall out later. So much quicker and proper job with the whole void filled.
Hi Charlie Another quality video thank you. Ive had some electrical chasing done on hallway wall. It's chiselled down to breeze block around 1" deep - with it being an external facing wall I'm worried about damp (property is around 15yrs old). What method to use? Can I just build up layers of the East Fill 60 or do I need the Thistle stuff first?!
Need never apologise for going on in these videos. That is what makes your videos top notch. You explain everything very thoroughly. Thanks. 👍
Thank you. I appreciate that 🙏
Thanks for this video, I chose the EasiFill option to fill 10 chases in my kitchen and I'm so pleased with the result, I actually really enjoyed the whole process too, very satisfying. It can be a bit intimidating to get the supplies for a more advanced DIY project like this as a young woman, it might sound silly, but it really helped to have the information from this video when I went to the hardware shop.
So glad to hear that Rosie - fantastic work - bet you felt a bit epic completing that project and it's armed you with confidence for the next one. Thanks for getting in touch 👍
Did you use only the easifill? I’ve got the same job to do and I’m wondering if I use the first way he showed or use only easifill. Has it cracked or shrunk since? Does it show lighter after you paint it or is the new paint the same across the whole wall?
Being in the autobody trade for over 40 years, I apply techniques from my trade to my home for those repairs as well. For small repairs, I use autobody filler. Although it's a little expensive, it's fast, sands easily, compatible with everything I've applied it to, and doesn't shrink. Good benefits! I also use fibreglass filler for repairs in damp areas and rotted wood repairs. Works great! I do use plaster and spackle for some minor repairs. Great channel, Charlie!
Yours is the most watchable and reassuring DIY channel I’ve found. I like how you explain things, I like the way you come across and I just generally think this is a better channel than a lot of the others. Seems a shame you’re not on the telly.
Aw, thanks David. It can be a bit of an anxiety inducing thing this video malarky, so comments like yours are manna from heaven 👍 I'm working on the TV bit. No solid offers yet but here's hoping 🤣
Charlie DIYte You definitely feel like you belong on the box so I hope it works out. I don’t often comment on TH-cam so this is totally genuine. Thanks a lot for the videos - they’ve been a help to me and you’re much better at explaining this stuff than most. Best of luck!
@@DavidS-dw1wv Thanks, I massively appreciate that!!
Agreed!
Agree with David's point. Very informative and watchable, you should defo have a TV gig! thanks for putting these out there.
Finally some decent uk handyman content. Keep up the good work
Of all the videos out there on this subject this is the best by miles and miles! Exactly all the info I needed plus more. You do NOT "go on and on" at all!? Your content is always to the point, incredibly well filmed with detailed close-ups and full of helpful tips. Thanks so, SO much, Charlie! xox 🙏
The best diy channel bar none. Charlie , you're a perfectionist and must inspire the " bodgers " to follow suit.
Hahah I’m of to do one today going to fill it with pound shop wall filler
It's funny how many of your uploads coincide with what I bodged about two hours before :) oh well. My next jobs are painting the walls, new skirting/architrave, and a built in wardrobe too.
These videos have helped so much over the last couple of months. Thank you!
My partner and I have just bought our first home and it needs a fair amount for repair as well fully redecorating so this is a great time to have found your channel! this was great info and I look forward to working through you other videos
This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve seen since I started my “rebuilding and redecorating” journey! Thank you!
You're welcome Marek 👍
Been looking all over the internet for a good how to. This video beats all of them. Broke it down brilliantly for me. Get yourself a TV gig!
I feel confident enough now to go round my house and start plastering all the chasing left by the sparky! Having watched my sparky bonding the first few chasers WITHOUT using PVA glue to seal the brick dust to begin with , I can now do this myself and do a proper job!
Another wonderful output and extremely informative video. Charlie there’s no need to apologise for the length of your videos at all.👍
As always, The most thorough and properly explained and shown examples to help any DIYr
Just like school, many tutorials do not explain the why behind the how. You always do. And that is the key to understanding.
great stuff
many, many thanks
Can't thank you enough for this Darren. Whenever I find myself flagging a bit, wonderful people like you pop up and remind me why I'm doing this. Thanks so much. 👊
Great Video, first time some one has explained British Gypsum so i can understand the different products. Looking forward to seeing more, Thanks
I love the fact after receiving professional advice, you reign it in and give the average DIYer's perspective. Like you say, we haven't dailled in those skills like a professional or a master craftsman or have those sort of high end tool available. Thank you for a great channel.
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that. Yes there's a lot of tool snobbery from the pro tradesman but there so much we DIYer's can do with a few basic tools and a bit of prep 👊🏻
I always mix my filler the way you did mate. Impressed with you. The amount of people I see on site who waste easi fill is shocking. I've been plastering old school for 14 years
This video is perfection! It’s answered every question I’ve had about wall repairs! I feel confident to get on at home now!
20:44 Charlie says, "I can't thank you enough"
No Mate! Its us who can't thank you enough!!!! This is exactly what i was looking for. Given me enough confidence to tackle this job my self! I too am renovating a few rooms of my house
Thanks Garviel - and I massively appreciate all your support of the Channel 👍👏
Hey Charlie ✌🏼 your video is helping me a lot , just rewired my house and now I have to repair the walls , just a question, how long did you let the PVA to dry ? Thanks ✌🏼
This guy is just brilliant!! I'm almost there to finally redecorating my home DIY. Videos like this gives me that extra confidence.
100% Agree! Its the confidennce, not to mention the clear info too
I absolutely love your videos and as a keen DIY enthusiast for many years I have to say I learn a lot from you, even if it’s one or two things I haven’t tried before. I think the way you present for complete novices to those more experienced, leads me to always think I didn’t know I didn’t know that. Keep up the great work mate.
Absolutely what I needed, thanks Charlie for going to the time (as always) to explain things so thoroughly and so easily understandable too. Already have a bag of easy fill and I only have 1 small chase to fill after installing an outdoor light, so you doing this both with and without bonding has really helped me in feeling confident I can just use the easy fill for the whole chase and not worry about not using bonding (and having the cost of buying another material) thanks again
Explained with expertise, confidence and loads of common sense. Brilliant. Ta!
Thanks James 👍
I've found putting expanding foam along the edges of a backbox works a treat gives something for the filler to fix onto as its difficult getting the filler deep inside a small gap like that.
I fill the hole with plaster before inserting the box- that way, there's plenty of plaster filling the gaps.
We are renovating the whole house and I must say that your videos are a great help. Very informative and objective. Thank you 😊
Thanks Karolina. I'm very grateful for your support! 👍
Just the tutorial I was needing. Now feel more confident with the job I am about to start. Well worth subscribing to.
First video ive watched (so far) which explains the different types of plaster excellently. Thank you so much for that!!
Great videos charlie. Just the sort of thing I've been needing to know. Pulled all the wallpaper off in my hallway and tons of blown and cracked plaster that needs some love
Really glad you found it useful! Yes this stuff will be just the ticket for that 👍
This is my weekend sorted! Incredibly helpful video, in particular the discussion of the different products. Thank you.
Thanks David 👍🏻
Brilliant video, very detailed and useful for beginners or improves. Only item to note is that the electrician did not install the rubber open grommets for the incoming 2.5mm electrical cable and need a blind grommet for the knockout which isn't being used on the first sockets filled with bonding
Love your videos, just done my sitting room wall chases using your methods , turned out great. One of the best diy channels on you tube.
Thanks Pat. Really pleased to hear that and thanks so much for the comment. 🙏
Thank you thank you thank you! Excellent delivery, detail, and no faf. You are perfection ❤
Hi Charlie…. Another good informative video 👍,just a little tip, when you cut trench’s in the wall for cables ect try putting a little 45° + leading edge each side of the trench, I just use a scraper too form this leading edge, this way it feathers the edge of the filler from the wall to the hole rather than being a hard 90° drop into the trench
Thanks mate. Great tip 👍
As a beginner to this , you explained these to perfection well done
My tip for making up the PVA mix is to do it in a plastic milk bottle. Larger the area to be covered, the larger the bottle. You can then very easily mix it up with a shake of the bottle (lid on!) and it keeps very well in the bottle for the next day or job. Just make sure you label it clearly so you don't put it in your tea!
Very good 😉
Hi C4sp3r. Can I ask how long you leave diluted PVA to dry before doing the filling, please. Thanks.
@@andyandy8536 The first coat of the PVA watered down you want to leave to dry, it dries quickly but you could do it the night before. The second coat you want to leave it until it becomes tacky to the touch but you don't really want it to dry out. You could do a test area to get an idea of how long this takes in your situation, things like temperature will affect the time it takes. Then when ready just reapply over the test area, leave to get tacky then plaster. If you are quick at plastering you could do the whole wall or if slower do a part then plaster it then apply the pva mix to the next area. If you keep your roller or paint brush being used for the PVA in a plastic bag and sealed off you don't need to worry about it drying out. You are looking for a milk like consistency so it is quite runny when applying it to the walls so it will run and drip so keep some rags handy.
😂
I've done this before, but I'm about to revisit this exact job with one of the 5x1kg Easifill bags. This video has been super helpful in reminding me what to do, with plenty of extra hints and tips. Thank you! Excellent video!
Thanks David. Well done getting those 1kg bags. They're fantastic. Get yourself a plasterers hawk and possibly a plasterers trowel if you can. Makes the job so easy 😉
Why order 5x1kg instead of 1x5kg, am I correct that Easyfill will have an expiration time limit once it opens?
That pacific type of small tool is called a leaf and square, also very handy for filling in mitres on coving/ cornice, you can get different sizes alo
I had always wondered what that was called. Weirdly one of my favourite tools, that!
What a legend. I was previously clueless about all things DIY, but thanks to this video I could help a sparky with second fix to speed things up.
Awesome. Well done mate 👌👍💪
Charlie, excelent video as usual. Went to buy some Easi-Fill 60 from my local Travis Perkins, their on-line catalog price (trade) was £38! the best they could do for me was £26. I told him that Toolstation, which Travis Perkins own, sell it for about £18 free next day delivery...... which is what I ended up doing.
The way you explain it, it’s amazing. Thanks man.
Aw, thanks mate. I really appreciate that 👍
Outstanding video. I was put onto easifill by some builders we had in but it was great to see the bonding option and even better, the plasterers hawk. Straight down to Screwfix for me 😋
Really glad to hear you found it useful, yes you'll love the hawk - one of those very simple but game changing tools.
The hawk is brilliant. I got a plastic one for less than a tenner and the help that having a surface to cut the filler and scrape the trowel on was absolutely great
I needed that video to give a boost of confidence and refresher on my DIY skills. A big thank you
You're welcome. Thanks for the comment 👊
You answered pretty much every question I had on this! Best video on plastering I've seen thank you.
Really glad you found it useful. Thanks so much for the comment 👊
Thanks as always - you’ve given me the confidence to tackle some gaps between windows and walls, although I did click through to purchase some of your recommendations but many are currently out of stock - we now know what the Great British public is up to.
I also have to tackle some uneven joins in my bedroom ceiling where plasterboard panels weren’t put up carefully as they were covered with polystyrene tiles (!) so will be applying some of your tips
And finally the internal, sticking inward , corners beneath my square bay window, which I will probably need some of those wire supports to get a clean edge, but I’m hoping your instructions will still apply to those !
Good video mate. Thanks for explaining the different use cases for the fillers/bondings.
I use plaster board adhesive powder to fill chases and larger holes cracks. Works a treat and not expensive.
Thanks Charlie, used the Gyproc 60. Gave me enough time as I’m to much of a faffer and it was 27c indoors.
Just wanted to say thank you. I have the confidence to give this a go now.
Great vid Charlie! I never understood the differences with the products but you explained it perfectly
Thanks - glad you found it useful 👍
Top bloke, all videos broken down and explained. Love the amount of detail you go in to. Ive found endless amounts of tips from your videos. Keep up the good work please
This has been so helpful. I've had nothing but bad experiences with trades people I've found on Rated People and MyBuilder. Almost all are cowboys and exploit people on standard of work and then price.
I'm going to by my own kit too.
You're welcome. Glad you found it useful. 👍
I've got loads of this sort of work to do, this video is so helpful and I will be watching it again to reinforce the techniques you explain.
Thanks for another great DIY masterclass Charlie. I will try to use the larger tools in the future, as I have used smaller trowels etc, hoping for a better finish (which never seems to work).
Thanks Charlie, always good to double check with your videos before starting a job
Just going through your back catalogue and although I wouldn’t be so “fussy” over tiny gaps around a socket box as the socket will cover them, it’s great to see such attention to detail.
I must admit as an ex sparks getting twitchy over the length of the tails in the boxes. Too short and it’s an itch I can’t scratch 😀
Sorry about that, and there's the lack of grommets but I sorted that out in a later video.
12:50 Easy to over do it when adding a little water to a small mix like that.... More controlled way of adding water is squeezing water from a sponge. Or spraying water from a indoor plant sprayer
This was so informative!!! Thank you so much!!! I feel much more confident now!
I liked this video so much the first time I came back a few months later and watched it again !
Thanks so much - really chuffed you found it useful. 👌👊
Best channel ever, simply.
Aw, thanks mate 👍
Excellent Charlie. Gradually working through all your vids. I’m relatively new to diy having never picked up a hammer prior to lockdown. Now I can’t get enough. Your vids have been great either because they’ve taught me how to do something or they’ve validated something I’ve already had a go at (such as this video in fact). You, stuart at properdiy, Vikki, Keith and the diy guy are my go to channels these days with Netflix, prime and the rest all very much relegates :-)
Great to hear from you Chris - this is exactly why I set up this channel so it's humbling and rewarding to receive feedback like that. Keep up the good work and remember a DIYer embarking on a well researched project in their own home they care about stands to do a much better job than the average tradesman. 👊
I'm sure someone has pointed out the grommet situation in the back box. I'll add that pan head screws are to be used for electrical boxes - this prevents any snagging of the conductors. It is counter sunk screws that have been a common problem during my time as a spark.
Just some constructive criticism
Glad to see your using capping. Even some sparks wouldnt use that.
Thanks mate. Yes I addressed the grommets here bit.ly/3vGVJ7Z
Starting a full house renovation soon chasing all walls for new plumbing and electrics so this video has been very helpful Charlie thanks!
Questions - 1. Can I get away with just filling the chases with bonding if a plasterer is going to re-skim the walls? Is the easy fill more for those painting straight over?
2. Will this method work well over pipework for radiators or will the heat have an effect such as cracking over time? Is there anything different I need to do for filling over plumbing work?
Yes you can just bond if a plasterer is reskimming. I had the cracking problem with pipes. See if you can pipe expanding foam in to insulate the pipes. Then trim it back before applying bonding on top.
Marvellous video. I have been using the Easifill 60 today ... great stuff.
Used bonding for filling a deep chase that went from ground to ceiling. Stuff is amazing for that purpose. Holds it's shape really well, didn't even need to do it in stages, stuff didn't droop at all, just had to fill it to the surface with easyfill after that. Tried it in a different (but similar) chase with just easifill and no bonding, did work but drooped a lot more, in future for deep chases I think I'd go for the bonding first if I had it at hand.
Good work Ross. Yes it's fantastic for that. I agree, Easy-Fill is best for shallower fills although in the vid I was just demonstrating it's versatility in being able to do both.
Just to keep the algorithm helpful. Thanks for the help Charlie.
You're welcome. Thanks for that 👊
Always great to watch a thorough tutorial Charlie! If you did this to an existing painted wall, would you mist coat the area first before painting over? I've found, even with a mist coat over a perfectly sanded repair, i get a raised patch/continent. Seems like the area needs a sealer. I've heard it can be due to different porosity, i guess the filler is absorbing more paint and possibly swelling slightly proud of the original surface. Very frustrating, especially when my dad tells me i haven't sanded it enough 😂 strangely i repaired a few ceiling cracks with coving adhesive/cement and that painted absolutely perfect. Anything you recommend? 😊
This was a good one Charlie, would never have considered these types of filler before but now I will give them a go. How to the other brands compare? Does screwfix do a no nonsense version etc. Can you do a comparison video?
1. Don't use screws to hold the capping in. They will rust and it will show through the paint.
2. Top tip here: don't try cutting out the back box hole precisely, as it's harder to fill in smaller gaps. Far better to chase the back box hole far bigger than needed. The plasterer can actually fill without leaving thin gaps. The key is to have the box sit FLUSH.
Excellent, like the way you explain everything especially products and why to use them, i will say i use a Mirka sander to finish but size of Job will
determine this. Thanks.
Easifill is the absolute nuts. Not the ready mix stuff of any brand. Powered all the way. PVA can be mixed in an old red sauce squeeze bottle and squirt it into the chase. Saves dipping your brush at all. Just use the brush to prevent large runs. You could also set the backboxes in with thistlebond like how you would a brick or block.
Perfect timing, I'm about to start chasing into every wall of a new house! Really helpful vid Charlie, thankyou 😊
Same here!
Brilliant. Plenty of helpful advice. Keep them coming! Thanks
Thanks Leo 👍
Nice video Charlie. I always mix small amounts powder first for the same reason. Never bother PVAing dry bonding coat, but do spray it with water and let that absorb if it's really dry. I'm gonna try the Easyfill. Been using Diall ready mixed for small areas, but found it too thick and difficult to smooth when skimming larger areas.
Thanks Charlie, brilliant video and extremely helpful
Yes I agree. charlie I think you are probably the best in your field. Just wanted to ask... after applying this bonding are you then ready to paint? Finally?
Thanks - I appreciate that 👍🏻 The bonding is like a sub layer. So on top of it you either need to apply some Easi-fill or plaster. I'd recommend Easi-fill unless you've got a large area to cover. Once that has set, you're ready to paint over it and I'd recommend a watered down mist coat before the final emulsion coat, as discussed in more detail here bit.ly/3ilSD3P
Hi Charlie, learnt a lot on this video 👍🏾. Can you do a video on how to fix the ceiling gaps from poorly fitted kitchen spotlights?
Exactly the same principle. I did this in my old flat in London. You want to pull the spotlight down, and gradually build up the area with Easi-Fill, sanding the curve, and the ceiling until you're satisfied with the repair.
I just wanted to say thanks ! Your video was very informative and straight forward. Been on TH-cam for a couple of days anxious to start fixing the wall but this video has given me so much info, I think I’m ready to tackle it. Thanks again 😊
That's great news! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, and good luck with the project. Drop me a line if you've got any questions. 👍
Great video, thanks. Really liked the shopping list, made filling chased sockets super simple. 🎉
Thanks Thomas, really appreciate that comment 👊 Chuffed you found it useful
Very useful mate. Best DIY videos on here imo. Cheers.
Thanks Barry 👊
Love the detail you go into! That extra bit of information helps me retain the tips and tricks
Also pva the edges of your chase, it helps to feather your final coat it, sometimes if you recess your backing plaster ( bonding) the outline might slightly come though, so always better to slightly go past your original chase, even a few mill, then sand down once dry
This is, quite literally, the exact video I Was after. Brilliant thanks
Great video thanks as for the mixing I found making a measured amount up adding the water from a measuring jug then getting the amount of water to the amount of powder then revert to the first way of mixing knowing the quantities needed
Thanks Charlie!
Great timing for me, as I’ve chased out a wall, and was exploring options to fill it. This is the best video I’ve seen, as you’ve explained a range of options to consider for the job 👍🏻
Thanks Steve! That means a lot to me as for some reason this one seemed unusually laborious to put together but it doesn't matter when I get comments like that 👍
Fantastic video Charlie. It definitely gives me the confidence to tackle these tasks on my own. Very timely as well - bring on the mist coating video! Thank you.
Thank you for this video. It has helped with making the right choice for the job I had to do.
Really glad to hear that Richard. Thanks for the comment.
Just the tutorial I needed for a job - immensely useful Thanks !!
Thanks for this, I have landed on several of your videos in the past and they have taught me a lot! Much appreciated!
Thanks for the video.. It's very informative.
I'm doing a small bathroom tiling project around my bath area.
After removing all the tiles, the wall behind is a mess, unlevel and dips inwards towards the bottom.
I'm completely new to all of this and am thinking my best way to go is to rip everything out down to the brick, to pva the surface, bond it... And then can I tile straight onto the bond once it's set?
What a fantastic video, do you recommend using the easifill filler then putting an aluminium patch over the hole once the filler has dried? Then, another layer of plaster over the patch. The hole is around 2.5cm deep and 17cm in diameter
Thank you!
Thanks Charlie. This is exactly the help I needed. Recently had some new sockets fitted and the electrician has left me a real mess to sort out 🙄
great video, someone that actually talks common sense
Hi there, quick question please. How long do you allow for the PVA to set before you bond or easifill over the top? Many thanks, Gary.
Depends on conditions but you want to wait for it to go clear - probably an hour or two. I certainly don't wait 24 hours although my plasterer was keen for me to pva the day before he got there, so I guess for large areas that you're going to plaster it probably pays to give it longer to harden.
@@CharlieDIYte thank you, Charlie.
I always buttered up my surface boxes on sides and back and squeezed the box in then screwed it up. Just cut the excess off as it comes out. Is far more secure and the little bits you filled in wont fall out later. So much quicker and proper job with the whole void filled.
Brilliant video, never been shown how to fill properly ...well I have now good job!!
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the great video. I've done a lot of this over the years and you've answered all the questions I'm usually asking myself .
You're welcome, Terry. Thanks for the comment 👍
Did you prep both chases with the PVA mix or just go straight in with the mixed filler on the second method? :)
Great video thanks. Why have you chosen to use filler rather than top coat plaster?
Hi Charlie Another quality video thank you. Ive had some electrical chasing done on hallway wall. It's chiselled down to breeze block around 1" deep - with it being an external facing wall I'm worried about damp (property is around 15yrs old). What method to use? Can I just build up layers of the East Fill 60 or do I need the Thistle stuff first?!