I've never plastered before until i watched your videos and you have shown me there's nothing to be afraid of having a go so i bought the ox speedskim 900mm and the steel one same size I already had a trowel I had been given .for the first time I've done a pretty good job except for a few little pinprick holes I filled in, I've a few more walls to do but i am 62 years of age now, but i enjoyed doing it
That's great to hear and well done!! Sounds like you've done a great job - it's great to hear you enjoyed it and keep us updated with your work!! Well done 👍
I was taught by my dad, he is now 87yrs. I use a Marshaltown trowel as he did for 50yrs no problem. Its just what I am used too! However it is always good to see what is available especially with all the modern plasters and renders that are available these days. Thanks for sharing
I sit here in awe at the skill. I know you say anyone can do it, but 99.9% of us are worried and lack the confidence to even try it, for the fear of failure and making a big mess of the job. As a father to 4 kids, this is one skill I would really like to learn. Id love to see you work with newbies and show how quickly they pick this up and for us to see their end result.
You just have to give it a go mate. I know it can be scary but start on a small patch and work from there. You should join our Welcome course if you're uncertain of how it all works. It's free and we showed you the full process of plastering in detail. Here's the link if you're interested pal. Cheers plasteringforbeginners.co.uk/join
Great video mate, spot on. My big tip to add to this is lighting... I try and put a strong LED light directed from where the light will hit the face of the plastering once the room is decorated. Might be a window, ceiling downlights. When I use a light at 90 degrees to the face it's possible things will be missed that show up when the room is finished light hits at a tangent. It's so easy to rectify that while the plaster is still workable. I'm years in the business but have subscribed, you never stop learning, thanks!
+1. I was skimming a small, previously artexed ceiling in the evening-time this December... Without my LED work light it would have been impossible to get it anything like flat or a decent finish.
I'm nearly 50 mate!been plastering since I supposed to be at school!just about know how to use this phone! You know your stuff. What I love about your videos is the testing of new rendering products, bang on!people consider me the best plasterer in Birmingham! I think not because products change and I need to keep up/move with the times,which you help me to do! Keep up the good work you do. Top geezer
Thank you for your kind words mate. I really appreciate that, especially coming from a man who’s been in the trade for so long. Respect for your time served and thanks again for watching!
Been plastering for 40 years and always used the same trowel up until 2 years ago I now use the speed skim and flex trowel but also use sponge float after second coat, can’t get on with the plastic trowel but may give a try now to take shine off ,cheers pal
Great vid. I’ve watched everyone of your videos, some several times, as well as some tips from the plastering force channel but I think that’s gone now ☹️ Really pleased with the results I get, I’ve actually done some work for family and friends recently as well so I must be doing something right! I know there are traditionalists out there that say it can only be done a certain way and you plastering is trade that can’t be taught via TH-cam, but I’m not having it! From what I see the plastering industry especially the equipment has completely evolved over the last 5 years and with the right guidance, advise, tools & most importantly CONFIDENCE you CAN do it!! My finish is as good and better than some of the plastering I’ve had done in my house by reputable plastering companies. The only thing I’m working on now is speed, but that is coming naturally with practise as expected. Your channel has been a god send Blaine, it’s really pushed me to try and ultimately , succeed!!! I’ve developed my own system that works well for me, based on reviews and tips from yourself. I still watch all your new vids and revert to some old for techniques I may forget. If an area is too large for an initial hit then I use the ‘Extra Time’ sachets, works perfectly. Keep doing what your doing dude, keep the content up! My personal choice - - 1st coat OX trowel - Flatten Refina 900mm spat - 2nd coat OX trowel - Flatten Refina 900mm spay - Flatten OX trowel - Wet trowel - Refina Superflex 2 - Dry trowel - Refina plaziflex 👌👍😉
Great hearing from you and well done! It sounds like you're smashing it. Thank you for watching and keep up the good work. I look forward to hearing from your results in the future pal. Cheers 👍
Great video. About to use speedskim for the first time and may give the ultraflex a go. You've confirmed what I thought. Keep up the good work, your channel is excellent, honest and a great source of learning for beginners and I imagine even for plasterers (although they probably won't admit it!) Best of luck with your channel.
Hi mate! Great hearing from you and thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it. Your channels cracking - well done for all your success! It's all over TH-cam so well done. Thanks again and good luck with the Speedskim - you'll love it 👍
Back in my day, plasterers as a rule used only one trowell for the application. My personal favorite was a Marshaltown 11” with a camel back handle. Itwould be customary for plasterers to use a worn trowell for the finish white coat, especially for the trowling process. I had a longer cement finishers trowell which was 24” that i used in lieu of a darby in small areas like closets for flatening the work.
Good video I've got the Marshaltown flexi, stainless steel speedscim 900 and just bought the rafina 1200 plastic rule. Amazingly with all the new products and trends there is very little from the manufacturers as to use. Trial and error, until your input, which is as usual spot on.
Brilliant video mate. Nice to see all the different stages. I've got the 1200 and 600 ox speed skims. Tend to use the 600 more than the 1200 as I only do small areas at the moment. 👍👍
Just nearly finished a full room with curved ceilings went on a btec course for a week passed that with a merit I do do property maintenance as my job but I do love the plastering side thanks for all the info it has come in useful
Great video. I put my plaster on with a marshal town gold perm trowel then after that I have a brilliant worn in flex trowel closes the walls up straight after Iv put it on I used that till the end
Hi matey , I’ve been caught out with the flex trowels leaving undulations , by using them too early. I use the ox speedskim sf and your bang on with that . Great vid mate 👍❤️
hi i am a plasterer who has always used low end trowels, i am looking for a better trowel that can be good for the smooth plaster that is applied before the grout. could you recommend the right trowel for me?
Hi Blaine, thanks for the great content. I have a couple of questions I hope you will answer...1) what size Refina Superflex 2 do you recommend 2) what size Speedskims plastic and metal do you recommend and finally, who do you subscribe to that has great construction/ building content.
Hi mate!! So I would go for the 16" Superflex because it fattens a bigger area with less effort and I personally recommend the 900mm Speedskim. I think that's a nice all rounder!! Ha good question....I love Skill Builder but to be honest I don't watch many DIY channels. I just want to get away from it all after work and doing up houses so I avoid it like the plague 😂😂
Best video yet pal... Spot on.... That last trowel looked abit late in my opinion... I've never trowelled when there are darl dry bits on the wall..... Still looks a good job though 👍
I brought a ragni stainless steel trowel just to see how I got on and the results haven't been to bad at all. We've extended our house and it's to safe money now. I'm now going to look for a rigid trowel and maybe either a superflex or plasiflex I think
Been plastering on and off for around 10 years this has helped as iv only ever had the base trowel now looking to expand and maybe look at more regular work how iz using the speed skim for somebody who has never tried one before does it take long to get used to ?
@@PlasteringForBeginners thanks Blaine I have posted a question regarding rendering on the Facebook page I know you're busy but if you could answer that I'd appreciate that
Hi Blaine, Great video mate, totally agree I much prefer using my marshalltown nearly all the way through my set......., you don't have a enough trowels you have to buy more lol ... 👍
Can you show exactly what is the angle between the wall and the trowel on the 1st coat and the 2nd coat .. is there any difference ... And this technique with smoothing in both directions how does it work ... for me the trowel sticks for the wall
Excellent vid as always. So today I skimmed a ceiling and wall with my trusty marshalltown. Flattened both coats with my ox speedskimST. Then used my mates nelaflex II gold to finish and the difference from the marshaltown was night and day. I’m a DIYer, so don’t want a gazillion trowels, however if I bought just one more trowel to complement what I have what would you suggest? I’m leaning between the nelaflex II gold (as I was impressed after using it just once) or the refina superflex 2 (18in). Would really appreciate your opinion on this. Cheers 👍
You can't beat the old Marshalltown can you ha!! I personally love the Refina Superflex Trowels. They just work - there's nothing fancy about them but they are the best Flexi trowels on the market! Always Refina for me pal 👍
Plastering For Beginners thanks bud.......but which refina superflex? There’s 3 of the buggers and they all seem to be for different stages of plastering. I’ve also just bought the speedskimSF metal blade as I have a long corridor ceiling to do and hoping it will help me even more when finishing. 👍
What type plaster are you using in the example video? Did you ever use Knauf MP75? The finishing process looks quite a bit different then im used to in NL, Belgium, Germany, Poland with knauf plaster. Put on 2-10mm with a stiff trowel, flatten it with a straight edge, quick scrape it with a spatula. Sponge it till its creamy, scrape it carefully with a spatula. Finish it with a spatula. And optionally wet it when dry and polish it with a spatula (not the speedskim types). I wonder if this different way of working is because of different type of plaster or just a different way of working with the same result.
Blaine what small trowels do you carry in the artillery for tricky situations like pipe trowels, margin trowels etc also which water brushes etc rather than just bigger trowels and spats. Cheers
As someone who is about to take the plunge and attempt to plaster my first wall I find your vids great. One question though, I'm only planning to wallpaper the wall after, do I still need to give the wall a final wet and dry trowel to polish?
Hey. I'm giving plastering a go, this weekend, on a small downstairs toilet wall. I've got the tools required, and a speed skim. Can you do one coat, speed skim, then 2nd coat, sponge, and speed skim again. Would that be enough?
Excellent videos, I love it that I can have a go. Question on plastic trowel to finish, I dont own one (yet) best to use the Super-Flex and get a shiny finish? Also, how long do DIYers leave between bonding a celling and PVA ready to Multi Finish?
Hi! Great videos! they have taught me so much and yesterday I braved my first ceiling. Your videos gave me the confience to do this so thank you! I am now looking to upgrade my cheap £7 trowel for one (or maybe 2) better ones. I would like a good allrounder do do the early stages and maybe a finishing trowel. Please can you advise? I was quite comfortable yesterday with a 14 inch or the ceiling. However maybe a 16 inch would get less lines and therefore be a good compromise between weight and finish? Or would you stick with a 14 for a beginner? You mention the marshaltown permaflex is a good allrounder. I've looked at their website but it looks like they have many finishing trowels in the permaflex range. Could you maybe send a link to a suitable permaflew allrounder trowel please? Regarding a flexi-trowel, it seems like Refina have a superflex 1, 2 and 3 but I'm struggling to understand the difference. thanks in advance! Ben
One other question which maybe you know the answer to. As you know, trowels have a slight bow. Is this bow symetrical or only one direction? I am left handed, do I need a special trowel or can they all be used by left handers?
hi i am a plasterer who has always used low end trowels, i am looking for a better trowel that can be good for the smooth plaster that is applied before the grout. could you recommend the right trowel for me?
Where do you buy all your trowels from, ive been plastering 15yr and up until last year I used a Marshall town stainless for everything but recently added a nela mediflex and I love the finish you get.
You should review the Marshalltown ProSkim, it is their competitor to the Speedskim, available in 30-120cm lengths. It has been out for a few months now.
Really nice video - about to have to plaster a flat and it’s been a while since I’ve plastered, but I am competent having got an nvq at the end of a long course years ago lol. I have a large selection of feather edges and trowels - mainly marshalltown, my favourites being 16 inch 18 and 20 (or 21? Inch) apart from where the work requires a smaller trowel for access (all the way down to a small tool of course!) . I tend to lay on with a 16 inch - as I find that easy to control and work and is so much faster and flatter than anything. Smaller. I often will float and set a wall if it’s too horrible to start with screeds / feather edge etc and really strive get as good flatness as possible so I’m really interested in trying speed skims - I’ve never owned or used one. What one would you recommend size wise to start esp given I’m very happy with large trowels anyway. (Indeed I bought a few months back a 24 inch (=600mm) marshal town finishing trowel I’m looking forward to using - which only relatively recently became available) but clearly the longer the tool the larger the average distance between peaks and troughs … do you reckon a 900 is a good start …? That gives me another 50 percent on the trowel I expect to mainly be using… and should I start with a metal or plastic one … to add to my armoury …? I saw on another (recent) video elsewhere someone strongly recommending the latest Refina over the speedskim … what do you reckon ? Thanks ! Terrific videos. Really like your gentle, encouraging, knowledgable style.
I have a wall full of bumps and lumps and was trying to straighten it out, was driving me mad how my trowel would pull all the damn plaster off the wall and leave the lumps intact, after doing it really slowly i realised the trowel would bend with pressure and form a c shape that would drive into the wall deeper than the rest, causing my lumps... should've watched this sooner lol ordered an Ox standard trowel now, lets see if that fixes it
Hi m8, always used a good old Faithfull marshalltown permashape, never tried any other brand, recently got to grips with the speedskim st, works a treat, was thinking of trying anither brand of trowel, ox nela etc what trowel in their ranges is a do it all like the MT permashape, from laying on to wet trowelling
I'm not a professional plasterer but I quite confident to do small jobs and around my own home. I've always used a 16" Ragni trowel, I only mention it because I've never heard you mention that brand. Do you rate them? I've been very happy with mine. Ta.
Must admit I’m a bit of a fossil and stick with my Marshaltowns. I had 1 of the first Nelas but it fell a part. Got miffed with my speed skim when the blade knicked and went back to y trusty Carbon steel. But I like the look of that trowel
What do you think about using a flexi like the Superflex 2 following a sponge float? Is it better to stick with the MT to get the sponge lines out, before moving to the Superflex 2 for finishing?
It all depends on your preferred timings mate, but I tend to use my marshalltown to get sponge lines out then I use the refina superflex 2 to pull it all in after
Help me out please !,, most steel trowels are far too flexible for applying dry stiff lime plaster. A midget trowel at 8x3 inch makes spreading the lime plaster easier, but I cannot get it flat on the wall. Thus, I guess a 10 or 11 inch stiff carbon steel trowel cann help me, but please advise which manufacturer type is stiffest and most durable. Not interested in wooden or pladtictrowels, thank you kindly 🙏
Yeah, I fully get this, I’ve always done the same. BUT having tried a mates nelaflex II trowel for finishing it was a different level and so I’ll be adding a 2nd trowel to my bucket. 😁
Just thinking about getting into plastering hence why I’ve been trawling through TH-cam for hints n tips, great vids by the way. Would you recommend going on a course and if so where would you suggest?
Hi, I'm going to invest in the Marshalltown Permashape trowel. Do you or anyone in the comments section reading this recommend a specific size? I'm debating 13" & 14". I know, there's not allot in them.. I'll be doing basic DIY / home renovation but want to get better at plastering and maybe take it further in the future, so I don't mind the £55 investment now.
Thanks for the video! Would you use the speed skim to flatten after both coats? And how long would you leave it till you use it? I have one and have only used it once or twice as I seemed to be taking all the plaster off the wall with it
Marshall town all the way apart from the very last trowel. Then i use the nela superflex been plastering 25 years and I hate speed skim junk. If you lay it on flat you dont need it
First off great video again my man 👍 that wall looks super flat top job. I’ve done a couple couple jobs now and I’d say I’m getting faster with each one but ruffle how long would it take to do a complete double room? And I’ve been looking at the stainless blades for the speed skim was that a 600 or 900 you was using? Keep up the good work Blaine 👌
Hello Calvin! Great hearing from you - good to see your still plastering pal. Good man and thank you for the support - I really appreciate it! It all depends on sizes but i'd aim to do a double room in a day. But it's taken me a while to get to that point (and you have to adjust to wet angles). Hope this helps and good luck my friend!
Hi mate. I’ve been doing some plastering myself on jobs when I can’t wait for a plasterer to come and I always have issues with the speedskim leaving no drag marks that look like dry bits?! What am I doing wrong as it’s driving me mad?
They need time to break in. The ribs on the blade can be quite aggressive! Maybe give them a little sand down and try again. They break in over time and it’s brilliant when they do. Hope this helps my friend 👍
I'm going to give the flexi a bash I'm a 1 trowel old school. Your right about the pressure on the joints. Do you reckon I'll get away with a superflex 2 and a plasi final pass or would you advise superflex1 and a 2?
They do help mate - my elbow screams at me when I just use my trusty Marshalltown ha! The Superflex 2 is perfect mate, you don't need the original one as well. It's a great trowel to use my friend, I think you'll like it. It's my favourite 👍
Exactly the method i use. Plus the speed skim doesn't liven the plaster up makes the set a little bit qiucker and i use midi flex i stead of the steel speed skim
Great video. One question I've been advised using a plaziflex for flattening in stages. Would you advise that. I've had one for ages but haven't actually used it. Just always stuck to the one trowel
@@PlasteringForBeginners thanks mate. Luckily I didn't use it for that. Saw your videos on the speed skim and I'm hooked so just purchased a couple of them now
Hi mate, thanks for helping me with your video. I have a question. Can I use Marshaltown permashepe for rendering? If yes, which size do you recommend? Otherwise which one can I use? Thanks.
Of course mate - if anything I recommend it if it's a new trowel because it helps to break it in. I'd go for a 14" if you're using it for both rendering and finishing. Hope this helps my friend!!
Could you do a video on skimming applying towels. I know you use the permaflex but any trowel that's not knocked in is shit to use. So is there an alternative
@@kf5541 14inch marshalltown ss for me all day long seen some messes left by lads who put on, lay down and finish with the flexi an plastic trowels. I get that it all leaves a nice "uniform" finish plastic etc but me personally and more inportant for the customer you want it looking top drawer when it's painted
I've never plastered before until i watched your videos and you have shown me there's nothing to be afraid of having a go so i bought the ox speedskim 900mm and the steel one same size I already had a trowel I had been given .for the first time I've done a pretty good job except for a few little pinprick holes I filled in, I've a few more walls to do but i am 62 years of age now, but i enjoyed doing it
That's great to hear and well done!! Sounds like you've done a great job - it's great to hear you enjoyed it and keep us updated with your work!! Well done 👍
I was taught by my dad, he is now 87yrs. I use a Marshaltown trowel as he did for 50yrs no problem. Its just what I am used too!
However it is always good to see what is available especially with all the modern plasters and renders that are available these days.
Thanks for sharing
I sit here in awe at the skill. I know you say anyone can do it, but 99.9% of us are worried and lack the confidence to even try it, for the fear of failure and making a big mess of the job. As a father to 4 kids, this is one skill I would really like to learn. Id love to see you work with newbies and show how quickly they pick this up and for us to see their end result.
You just have to give it a go mate. I know it can be scary but start on a small patch and work from there. You should join our Welcome course if you're uncertain of how it all works. It's free and we showed you the full process of plastering in detail. Here's the link if you're interested pal. Cheers
plasteringforbeginners.co.uk/join
Great video mate, spot on. My big tip to add to this is lighting... I try and put a strong LED light directed from where the light will hit the face of the plastering once the room is decorated. Might be a window, ceiling downlights. When I use a light at 90 degrees to the face it's possible things will be missed that show up when the room is finished light hits at a tangent. It's so easy to rectify that while the plaster is still workable. I'm years in the business but have subscribed, you never stop learning, thanks!
+1.
I was skimming a small, previously artexed ceiling in the evening-time this December... Without my LED work light it would have been impossible to get it anything like flat or a decent finish.
I'm nearly 50 mate!been plastering since I supposed to be at school!just about know how to use this phone! You know your stuff. What I love about your videos is the testing of new rendering products, bang on!people consider me the best plasterer in Birmingham! I think not because products change and I need to keep up/move with the times,which you help me to do! Keep up the good work you do. Top geezer
Thank you for your kind words mate. I really appreciate that, especially coming from a man who’s been in the trade for so long.
Respect for your time served and thanks again for watching!
Been plastering for 40 years and always used the same trowel up until 2 years ago I now use the speed skim and flex trowel but also use sponge float after second coat, can’t get on with the plastic trowel but may give a try now to take shine off ,cheers pal
It changes everything doesn't it matey! Try the plastic for the final pass - it leaves an unbelievable finish! I don't think you'll regret it 😉
Great vid. I’ve watched everyone of your videos, some several times, as well as some tips from the plastering force channel but I think that’s gone now ☹️ Really pleased with the results I get, I’ve actually done some work for family and friends recently as well so I must be doing something right! I know there are traditionalists out there that say it can only be done a certain way and you plastering is trade that can’t be taught via TH-cam, but I’m not having it! From what I see the plastering industry especially the equipment has completely evolved over the last 5 years and with the right guidance, advise, tools & most importantly CONFIDENCE you CAN do it!! My finish is as good and better than some of the plastering I’ve had done in my house by reputable plastering companies. The only thing I’m working on now is speed, but that is coming naturally with practise as expected. Your channel has been a god send Blaine, it’s really pushed me to try and ultimately , succeed!!! I’ve developed my own system that works well for me, based on reviews and tips from yourself. I still watch all your new vids and revert to some old for techniques I may forget. If an area is too large for an initial hit then I use the ‘Extra Time’ sachets, works perfectly.
Keep doing what your doing dude, keep the content up!
My personal choice -
- 1st coat OX trowel
- Flatten Refina 900mm spat
- 2nd coat OX trowel
- Flatten Refina 900mm spay
- Flatten OX trowel
- Wet trowel - Refina Superflex 2
- Dry trowel - Refina plaziflex
👌👍😉
Great hearing from you and well done! It sounds like you're smashing it. Thank you for watching and keep up the good work. I look forward to hearing from your results in the future pal. Cheers 👍
Sounds to me your making it to complicated
Carl ashton It does sound complicated, you’re right. But it’s not
Great video. About to use speedskim for the first time and may give the ultraflex a go. You've confirmed what I thought. Keep up the good work, your channel is excellent, honest and a great source of learning for beginners and I imagine even for plasterers (although they probably won't admit it!) Best of luck with your channel.
Hi mate! Great hearing from you and thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it. Your channels cracking - well done for all your success! It's all over TH-cam so well done. Thanks again and good luck with the Speedskim - you'll love it 👍
I agree,very good channel mate,very helpful
Thanks Blaine, good video as ever. Really enjoying your tutorials. Love my refina and the quality finish it leaves.
Back in my day, plasterers as a rule used only one trowell for the application.
My personal favorite was a Marshaltown 11” with a camel back handle.
Itwould be customary for plasterers to use a worn trowell for the finish white coat, especially for the trowling process.
I had a longer cement finishers trowell which was 24” that i used in lieu of a darby in small areas like closets for flatening the work.
Can you do a video on how to measure how many bags of plaster estimated per wall/room please
It's Very Very educated video!!!! You have a lot of knowledge and helped Me and many Many People.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you watching 👍
Good video I've got the Marshaltown flexi, stainless steel speedscim 900 and just bought the rafina 1200 plastic rule. Amazingly with all the new products and trends there is very little from the manufacturers as to use. Trial and error, until your input, which is as usual spot on.
I been in the trade for 20 years. Spot on mate, spot on
Cheers pal. I really appreciate that 👌
@@PlasteringForBeginners what size are these trowels? N skeemskims? Thanks guys great video
Brilliant video mate. Nice to see all the different stages. I've got the 1200 and 600 ox speed skims. Tend to use the 600 more than the 1200 as I only do small areas at the moment. 👍👍
Thanks mate I really appreciate that! Good set up mate - the 600mm is a lovely size to use my friend!
Just nearly finished a full room with curved ceilings went on a btec course for a week passed that with a merit I do do property maintenance as my job but I do love the plastering side thanks for all the info it has come in useful
Not a problem mate and good luck with your plastering! Thank you for watching pal. Cheers 👍
Great vid; cheers for breaking this all down so clearly.
Not a problem mate thank you for watching! Cheers 👍
Excellent video Blaine, thought you might have included sponge floating in your process aswell! Keep up the good work mate👍
Thanks for watching pal and I'm glad it helped. Cheers 👍
Great video,I don't think you would gain this much information and knowledge going to a building college.👍
Perfecto... think I've been using Refina too soon. Cheers Blaine.
No worries mate!
I'm a decorator by trade, and I'd love to be in after you bud, a lot of plasterers I'm in after just don't have the attention to detail.
Can I use all purpose mud instead of plaster on the walls? Thank you 🙏🏻
Another quality video Pal keep them coming 👍
Thanks mate I really appreciate that!
Been waiting for this one mate!
I’ll have one of those hoodies 🤣
Haha I'll get it sent over pal! Great hearing from you Marcus, cheers 👍
Great tutorials.
Thanks for helping us newbies our.👍
Not a problem. Thank you for watching 👍
Cheers for the videos watched afew now as gonna have ago plastering afew walls. Enjoyed this one especially about when to use the tools. Cheers
Not a problem! Thank you for watching my friend 👍
Great video. I put my plaster on with a marshal town gold perm trowel then after that I have a brilliant worn in flex trowel closes the walls up straight after Iv put it on I used that till the end
Another top quality video, Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us 👍.
Not a problem mate - thank you for watching!
Hi matey , I’ve been caught out with the flex trowels leaving undulations , by using them too early. I use the ox speedskim sf and your bang on with that . Great vid mate 👍❤️
Haha I definately have mate!! It's a shocker 😭 Thanks mate - great hearing from you. Cheers!
hi i am a plasterer who has always used low end trowels, i am looking for a better trowel that can be good for the smooth plaster that is applied before the grout. could you recommend the right trowel for me?
Hi Blaine, thanks for the great content. I have a couple of questions I hope you will answer...1) what size Refina Superflex 2 do you recommend 2) what size Speedskims plastic and metal do you recommend and finally, who do you subscribe to that has great construction/ building content.
Hi mate!! So I would go for the 16" Superflex because it fattens a bigger area with less effort and I personally recommend the 900mm Speedskim. I think that's a nice all rounder!! Ha good question....I love Skill Builder but to be honest I don't watch many DIY channels. I just want to get away from it all after work and doing up houses so I avoid it like the plague 😂😂
Best video yet pal... Spot on.... That last trowel looked abit late in my opinion... I've never trowelled when there are darl dry bits on the wall..... Still looks a good job though 👍
Thanks a lot mate, I really appreciate that! It did turn fast to be fair - I actually agree haha! Cheers pal 👍
I have always use marsh town as base. Just order superflex 1 and refina speed skims and plaza flex looking forward to the finsh
My mentour. Thanks as always.
Thank you my friend!!
Awesome tutorials mate ,thanks for sharing you wisdom
Thanks for watching mate. I really appreciate it 👍
I brought a ragni stainless steel trowel just to see how I got on and the results haven't been to bad at all. We've extended our house and it's to safe money now. I'm now going to look for a rigid trowel and maybe either a superflex or plasiflex I think
Good choice mate you won't regret it!
Great video mate, well explained 👏
Literally thinking about this the other day when you posted a video. Thanks! Keep up the great content
Cheers pal!
I am from Jamaica and I do plaster work here I need your help
Good video ; good precise explanation
Thank you so much!!
Been plastering on and off for around 10 years this has helped as iv only ever had the base trowel now looking to expand and maybe look at more regular work how iz using the speed skim for somebody who has never tried one before does it take long to get used to ?
Another great easy to understand video Blaine
Can you do a video of best trowels to use for rendering or reply to my question
Cheers mate
Thank you mate and just your standard plastering trowel pal - that's always the best tool to use! Thanks again for watching 👍
@@PlasteringForBeginners thanks Blaine I have posted a question regarding rendering on the Facebook page I know you're busy but if you could answer that I'd appreciate that
Hi Blaine, Great video mate, totally agree I much prefer using my marshalltown nearly all the way through my set......., you don't have a enough trowels you have to buy more lol ... 👍
Haha you are right! There are lots of Trowels!
What’s sized did you go for on the trowels and the speedskims?
Can you show exactly what is the angle between the wall and the trowel on the 1st coat and the 2nd coat .. is there any difference ... And this technique with smoothing in both directions how does it work ... for me the trowel sticks for the wall
Great video, thanks you! How long do we have for applying the plaster in stage 1 before using the speedskim?
Excellent vid as always.
So today I skimmed a ceiling and wall with my trusty marshalltown. Flattened both coats with my ox speedskimST. Then used my mates nelaflex II gold to finish and the difference from the marshaltown was night and day.
I’m a DIYer, so don’t want a gazillion trowels, however if I bought just one more trowel to complement what I have what would you suggest? I’m leaning between the nelaflex II gold (as I was impressed after using it just once) or the refina superflex 2 (18in). Would really appreciate your opinion on this. Cheers 👍
You can't beat the old Marshalltown can you ha!! I personally love the Refina Superflex Trowels. They just work - there's nothing fancy about them but they are the best Flexi trowels on the market! Always Refina for me pal 👍
Plastering For Beginners thanks bud.......but which refina superflex? There’s 3 of the buggers and they all seem to be for different stages of plastering. I’ve also just bought the speedskimSF metal blade as I have a long corridor ceiling to do and hoping it will help me even more when finishing. 👍
What type plaster are you using in the example video? Did you ever use Knauf MP75? The finishing process looks quite a bit different then im used to in NL, Belgium, Germany, Poland with knauf plaster. Put on 2-10mm with a stiff trowel, flatten it with a straight edge, quick scrape it with a spatula. Sponge it till its creamy, scrape it carefully with a spatula. Finish it with a spatula. And optionally wet it when dry and polish it with a spatula (not the speedskim types). I wonder if this different way of working is because of different type of plaster or just a different way of working with the same result.
Blaine what small trowels do you carry in the artillery for tricky situations like pipe trowels, margin trowels etc also which water brushes etc rather than just bigger trowels and spats.
Cheers
This video should help mate. I go into plastering little fiddly bits explaining which tools I use 👍
Thanks pal
Hello, I have a question at what stage should I use Ox PO10914 Pro Carbon Steel Plasterers Trowel , i will be very grateful for your answer
As someone who is about to take the plunge and attempt to plaster my first wall I find your vids great. One question though, I'm only planning to wallpaper the wall after, do I still need to give the wall a final wet and dry trowel to polish?
Hi mate! I would - it's good practice so I would do it as if it was a finished wall! It's the best way to learn 👍
Hey. I'm giving plastering a go, this weekend, on a small downstairs toilet wall. I've got the tools required, and a speed skim. Can you do one coat, speed skim, then 2nd coat, sponge, and speed skim again. Would that be enough?
Excellent videos, I love it that I can have a go. Question on plastic trowel to finish, I dont own one (yet) best to use the Super-Flex and get a shiny finish?
Also, how long do DIYers leave between bonding a celling and PVA ready to Multi Finish?
Hi! Great videos! they have taught me so much and yesterday I braved my first ceiling. Your videos gave me the confience to do this so thank you! I am now looking to upgrade my cheap £7 trowel for one (or maybe 2) better ones. I would like a good allrounder do do the early stages and maybe a finishing trowel. Please can you advise? I was quite comfortable yesterday with a 14 inch or the ceiling. However maybe a 16 inch would get less lines and therefore be a good compromise between weight and finish? Or would you stick with a 14 for a beginner? You mention the marshaltown permaflex is a good allrounder. I've looked at their website but it looks like they have many finishing trowels in the permaflex range. Could you maybe send a link to a suitable permaflew allrounder trowel please?
Regarding a flexi-trowel, it seems like Refina have a superflex 1, 2 and 3 but I'm struggling to understand the difference.
thanks in advance! Ben
One other question which maybe you know the answer to. As you know, trowels have a slight bow. Is this bow symetrical or only one direction? I am left handed, do I need a special trowel or can they all be used by left handers?
Very best
Love your videos!!!!!❤️
Thank you!!
hi i am a plasterer who has always used low end trowels, i am looking for a better trowel that can be good for the smooth plaster that is applied before the grout. could you recommend the right trowel for me?
Where do you buy all your trowels from, ive been plastering 15yr and up until last year I used a Marshall town stainless for everything but recently added a nela mediflex and I love the finish you get.
Crackin job next vid go thru this after sponging what ya think?
Good idea, cheers pal!
You should review the Marshalltown ProSkim, it is their competitor to the Speedskim, available in 30-120cm lengths. It has been out for a few months now.
It's looks exactly like the Refund Spatula!
Hi what's main reason you don't just use super flex 3 from start to finish....I've seen people use 18 inch plastic to lay on aswell....what ya think🤔🤔
Really nice video - about to have to plaster a flat and it’s been a while since I’ve plastered, but I am competent having got an nvq at the end of a long course years ago lol.
I have a large selection of feather edges and trowels - mainly marshalltown, my favourites being 16 inch 18 and 20 (or 21? Inch) apart from where the work requires a smaller trowel for access (all the way down to a small tool of course!)
. I tend to lay on with a 16 inch - as I find that easy to control and work and is so much faster and flatter than anything. Smaller.
I often will float and set a wall if it’s too horrible to start with screeds / feather edge etc and really strive get as good flatness as possible so I’m really interested in trying speed skims - I’ve never owned or used one. What one would you recommend size wise to start esp given I’m very happy with large trowels anyway. (Indeed I bought a few months back a 24 inch (=600mm) marshal town finishing trowel I’m looking forward to using - which only relatively recently became available) but clearly the longer the tool the larger the average distance between peaks and troughs … do you reckon a 900 is a good start …? That gives me another 50 percent on the trowel I expect to mainly be using… and should I start with a metal or plastic one … to add to my armoury …?
I saw on another (recent) video elsewhere someone strongly recommending the latest Refina over the speedskim … what do you reckon ? Thanks ! Terrific videos. Really like your gentle, encouraging, knowledgable style.
Hi Blaine
Is it possible to finish using a speedskim?
Another good film 👍👍
Thanks mate!!
I have a wall full of bumps and lumps and was trying to straighten it out, was driving me mad how my trowel would pull all the damn plaster off the wall and leave the lumps intact, after doing it really slowly i realised the trowel would bend with pressure and form a c shape that would drive into the wall deeper than the rest, causing my lumps... should've watched this sooner lol ordered an Ox standard trowel now, lets see if that fixes it
Top video im just starting skimming a room for first time ur videos really helped . Stop showing off that a 32 inch waist will be too big for u 🤣
Hahaha thank you mate!! Hope the plastering goes well and thank you for watching!
Hi,my son is starting a plastering course at college.Which trowels should I look at buying him .TIA
Hi m8, always used a good old Faithfull marshalltown permashape, never tried any other brand, recently got to grips with the speedskim st, works a treat, was thinking of trying anither brand of trowel, ox nela etc what trowel in their ranges is a do it all like the MT permashape, from laying on to wet trowelling
I'm not a professional plasterer but I quite confident to do small jobs and around my own home. I've always used a 16" Ragni trowel, I only mention it because I've never heard you mention that brand. Do you rate them? I've been very happy with mine. Ta.
I've never really used them to be honest mate but I know people do. If it works for you sick to it pal! No point changing 👍
Must admit I’m a bit of a fossil and stick with my Marshaltowns. I had 1 of the first Nelas but it fell a part. Got miffed with my speed skim when the blade knicked and went back to y trusty Carbon steel. But I like the look of that trowel
What do you think about using a flexi like the Superflex 2 following a sponge float? Is it better to stick with the MT to get the sponge lines out, before moving to the Superflex 2 for finishing?
It all depends on your preferred timings mate, but I tend to use my marshalltown to get sponge lines out then I use the refina superflex 2 to pull it all in after
Makes sense that Stewie3ify! 👍
Help me out please !,, most steel trowels are far too flexible for applying dry stiff lime plaster. A midget trowel at 8x3 inch makes spreading the lime plaster easier, but I cannot get it flat on the wall. Thus, I guess a 10 or 11 inch stiff carbon steel trowel cann help me, but please advise which manufacturer type is stiffest and most durable. Not interested in wooden or pladtictrowels, thank you kindly 🙏
I just use one trowl for everything to expensive
It's worked until now mate so there's nothing wrong with that!
Yeah, I fully get this, I’ve always done the same. BUT having tried a mates nelaflex II trowel for finishing it was a different level and so I’ll be adding a 2nd trowel to my bucket. 😁
If a £50 trowel is out of your budget maybe you should charge a bit more for your work pal
Just thinking about getting into plastering hence why I’ve been trawling through TH-cam for hints n tips, great vids by the way.
Would you recommend going on a course and if so where would you suggest?
Do the plastic trowels need bedding in at all?
Hey thanks for teaching can you start giving us links for tools 🔨 please
Hi, I'm going to invest in the Marshalltown Permashape trowel. Do you or anyone in the comments section reading this recommend a specific size? I'm debating 13" & 14". I know, there's not allot in them.. I'll be doing basic DIY / home renovation but want to get better at plastering and maybe take it further in the future, so I don't mind the £55 investment now.
Hello m8 what size trowel is good for putting on skim coat , ( Newbie )
Thanks for the video! Would you use the speed skim to flatten after both coats? And how long would you leave it till you use it? I have one and have only used it once or twice as I seemed to be taking all the plaster off the wall with it
you cant flatten with speed skim or anything that has any flex in it (pretty obvious you need something stiff n not flexy)
Looking at getting a marshaltown permashape but online they are calling it a finishing trowel, is this right for putting on plaster
How flat are you keeping the spat to the wall when flattening mate?
Marshall town all the way apart from the very last trowel. Then i use the nela superflex been plastering 25 years and I hate speed skim junk.
If you lay it on flat you dont need it
Fair enough matey!!
Can you give me these new tools links and which Cement you used
Thumbs up ty
Just looking to get started as a plaster myself. Mbeen recommended this (Marshalltown MPB145GSD) any good? And if so what is it best for?
Good instructional video - thanks for sharing 👍
Not a problem, thank you for watching mate! Cheers.
First off great video again my man 👍 that wall looks super flat top job. I’ve done a couple couple jobs now and I’d say I’m getting faster with each one but ruffle how long would it take to do a complete double room? And I’ve been looking at the stainless blades for the speed skim was that a 600 or 900 you was using? Keep up the good work Blaine 👌
Hello Calvin! Great hearing from you - good to see your still plastering pal. Good man and thank you for the support - I really appreciate it! It all depends on sizes but i'd aim to do a double room in a day. But it's taken me a while to get to that point (and you have to adjust to wet angles). Hope this helps and good luck my friend!
So I’d be aiming for about two days which I can live with cheers bud.
Hi mate. I’ve been doing some plastering myself on jobs when I can’t wait for a plasterer to come and I always have issues with the speedskim leaving no drag marks that look like dry bits?! What am I doing wrong as it’s driving me mad?
They need time to break in. The ribs on the blade can be quite aggressive! Maybe give them a little sand down and try again. They break in over time and it’s brilliant when they do. Hope this helps my friend 👍
I'm going to give the flexi a bash I'm a 1 trowel old school. Your right about the pressure on the joints. Do you reckon I'll get away with a superflex 2 and a plasi final pass or would you advise superflex1 and a 2?
They do help mate - my elbow screams at me when I just use my trusty Marshalltown ha! The Superflex 2 is perfect mate, you don't need the original one as well. It's a great trowel to use my friend, I think you'll like it. It's my favourite 👍
Lo del curso gratuito, es gratuito?????? Pone añadir al carro......... Creo que no es gratuito.
hey Blane, loving the videos. Went out and bought the speedskim ST. And i see you recommend the SF line as well. What about the PF range?
Brilliant mate!! You'll love it. It's ok but I much prefer the Plaziflex to be honest pal 👍
Brilliant mate!! You'll love it. It's ok but I much prefer the Plaziflex to be honest pal 👍
Exactly the method i use. Plus the speed skim doesn't liven the plaster up makes the set a little bit qiucker and i use midi flex i stead of the steel speed skim
Makes sense pal and thanks for the heads up on the Ragni corner Trowel. Cheers 👍
What size speedskims are you using?
Great video. One question I've been advised using a plaziflex for flattening in stages. Would you advise that. I've had one for ages but haven't actually used it. Just always stuck to the one trowel
I think it's too flexible for flattening mate - there's too much flex in the blade. It creates ripples in your plaster.
@@PlasteringForBeginners thanks mate. Luckily I didn't use it for that. Saw your videos on the speed skim and I'm hooked so just purchased a couple of them now
What brush do you use mate
Hi mate, thanks for helping me with your video. I have a question. Can I use Marshaltown permashepe for rendering? If yes, which size do you recommend? Otherwise which one can I use?
Thanks.
Of course mate - if anything I recommend it if it's a new trowel because it helps to break it in. I'd go for a 14" if you're using it for both rendering and finishing. Hope this helps my friend!!
What is the name of the other two you have in your hand
Do you still use the speed skim and superflex trowels on a ceiling or is it mainly just for doing walls?
Yeah you can use it on a ceiling mate. It's easier with stilts but by all means use them 👍
Wat's wrong with Paul Curry trowels? Great job bro
Never heard of them pal... I'll look out for them. Cheers!
Curry are the best here in the US in my opinion great job amigo.
Could you do a video on skimming applying towels. I know you use the permaflex but any trowel that's not knocked in is shit to use. So is there an alternative
I'll try and get a video sorted my friend 👍
Very Good very nice
Price is
Thank you!
The days of having a skimming trowel and a rendering trowel have long gone lol every plasterer seems to have 6 trowels for 1 set 😎
Steve O'Connell u can’t beat the marshy for laying on both coats imo, I use an ox trowel and felt brush for the final pass!
@@kf5541 14inch marshalltown ss for me all day long seen some messes left by lads who put on, lay down and finish with the flexi an plastic trowels. I get that it all leaves a nice "uniform" finish plastic etc but me personally and more inportant for the customer you want it looking top drawer when it's painted
Good points lads!!
tip top mate
Cheers mate!