Leah, thank you soo much for your videos. I'm a 59 year old widow, who lost my husband of 30 years to suicide in May of 2018. I've been trying to remodel our mountain cabin, for me to live in. My dad passed away in November of 2012, my mom in October of 2015, my husband in 2018 and my brother in October of 2022. I have NO ONE left in my life to help me do things. And I'm on disability and living WAY below the poverty level, now that it's just my monthly income to sustain me. I struggle EVERY SINGLE DAY. I can't buy the things I need, when I need them, near the end of the month. I have to wait for my next check to come in. I've learned a lot of things from watching others in person. However, YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE BEST! And your encouraging words of "You CAN do this this!" helps me not only in my projects BUT in my emotional state as well. You are a bright spot in an otherwise emotional day. Thank you for that. You touch others in more ways than just your job trade. THANK YOU for that! I pray that sharing my loss with you is not too much information. I pray that you get the likes and subscribers you need to reach your goals. Thank you for allowing me to share with you. God bless you today and always 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Bless your heart. Obviously God is blessing you with such a positive attitude!! He's showing you strength you didn't know you had. I'm so very sorry for your losses. I'm sure they feel monumental. Remember: WITH GOD, you CAN do it!! You'll be in my prayers.
You've been through too much. Find a Celebrate Recovery or Al-Anon group to work the 12 steps and recover from your losses. You need an accountability partner to talk all of this through . You can find a group nearby or online. Serenity awaits you
I am in my 70's doing everything alone to finish drywall, texture, soffits, trim etc., in a house I helped my spouse build from the ground up. However, he has dementia, is still here, constantly cussing me while I try to work. He was a master carpenter and builder for 50 years...now he eats, sleeps, cusses me, and breaks everything he touches. I have lost my spouse...just not to death. This is worse.
You should find out if your husband had a pension as you should be able to get it. Also find out about survivor benefits through Social Security on your husband’s benefits. Also see if you can apply for supplemental security Income, at social security.
I've always been terrible working with mud, watched so many videos and usually they are just full of rambling. Finally a video that explains all the details in less than ten minutes. God bless this woman.
Also if you need to sand you don't have to wait a day. Imo it's easier to sand after like 8 hours. Especially with 20 min mud. You could probably get away with 4 hours with 20.
Leah has several drywall / fixes / mud vids. She has the most wonderful vids that describe and also point out 'what to / not to do, what to look for, and she is just a great motivator. God bless Leah!
@@atedinahalf6288Or you can just use a hair dryer or heat gun and do it in half an hour. I don't usually have to sand. I just do it as she did - scrape it down with your drywall knife then add another layer of mud if needed then do a light sand if necessary. But usually I don't have to do any sanding - a wet sponge will suffice on very light raised areas.
@MealTeam6 Or you can keep watching videos like this and practice until you're good at it. Why hire a professional when you can do it yourself and save money?
I enjoyed this. I know an old-school plasterer in upstate New York who learned the trade from his dad. They did a LOT of work on hundred-plus year-old lath and plaster walls. He said his dad told him, "You can either be a plasterer, or you can be a sander." Nice work, thank you for this video!
@@justcurious3525, Yes, I tried to describe them to them but they had no idea. I no longer live anywhere near where I lived when I had use for them in the past and it was decades ago, so I was open to the idea a different name for them was used, but you obviously weren't thrown off by what I called them. Thanks for the input.
@@outtadarkness1970 A few years ago I was looking for bleach. I stopped a young fellow and asked where I could find Javex. He had no clue until I said "bleach". Then he took me directly to the Clorox. My wife usually shops for that sort of thing and she knew that the name had changed. I did not. The young fellow had probably never heard of Javex.
But I've done this and found it hard to get paint to stick if you are going to paint it. Maybe mix some water and polyvinyl acetate and coat it before painting. Some say to wait a month or more before painting and some say to wipe it down with water and some vinegar to neutralize some of the alkalinity. I'm not sure the perfect solution but I've definitely had paint peel off afterwards. I know to make sure it is thoroughly dry so vapor pressure doesn't cause the paint to peel, particularly with a high gloss paint that creates a rubber like coating.
there are billion of diy videos out there, but there's something human about your videos that is very cool and refreshing. thanks for putting these together.
Another tip i learned from a pro: have a 5 gal bucket filled with water and a sponge. When done using the paddle bit for mixing, throw it in the bucket. Before going to lunch or break, put the trowels/tools in the bucket. A quick wipe with the sponge, and everything is ready for more work and I only spent minutes cleaning.
I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude for finding your channel. I'm a middle-aged housewife with a husband in poor health. Our home needs lots of renovations and I know that if I want them done, I have to do them myself. Watching your videos gives me the confidence I need to take this on (I've done tiling and basic electrical work, so I know I can work with my hands and get dirty). Thank you so much! (My bathroom walls are in bad repair, but I was hoping I could give them a facelift without having to replace it all. Now I know I can!)
I am a building contractor from Australia, I taught myself how to plaster so I wasn’t waiting on subbies, it was trail and error but being a carpenter I know there’s more ways then one to do anything. I am so glad I taught myself the scratch coat method and keep it close, scape it and then top it, I still have to sand the top coat a bit because I am not as good as this lady. Thank you for reassuring me that I was going about it the right way
Should always sand the tip coat then when ya put your primer down and every coat of paint ya need to sand in-between coats not sanding isn't the way to go lol it just shoes lazy and bad work
Same ,I also had to learn .. I moved to the Nederland an contractors cost a fortune here an are booked out for the next year but I'm happy to learn then pay someone
Try a sponge mate. Just slightly dampened. It will for up the more water is on it so take care. The fir on the gyprock will sand off after a sealer/primer coat. I haven't sanded a patch or joint for at least 30years
@@jazzyjace1 is it lazy or is she better than you just an honest question for you to think about. Not trying to start shit, but I’ve watched this lady and she’s an expert in her trade at almost everything.She does mechanical carpentry you name it.
Been watching intermittently for half a decade now. I’ve worked for a dozen contractors/tradesmen in my time. You truly know how to think outside of the box! Thank you!!
Nice work, Leah. I use a pool finisher’s trowel for plastering work. It’s longer than the trowel you’re using and it’s got rounded corners. Faster coverage and you don’t end up chasing the edge marks that a regular trowel can leave.
Now, don't take my comment to heart, it is something I tell every person that tells me that they like using a pool trowel. I ask you, if you had a liar, a thief, or a cheat in your house, would you want them to stay? Those trowel lines in mud tell you a story. That story is how thick is your mud? If you lay down a layer with a swipe of your trowel, and your next swipe you carve into the first layer, then you are not level somewhere. If you are adding mud, again, you are not level. Interpreting what kind of trowel lines you are laying down will tell you if you are making your wall level or not. If you don't see trowel lines then you are laying the perfect level. When they built pools, pools have round edges. Its super hard to get level, and not really important to get flat walls or bottoms. So they rounded off the trowel so you can't see the trowel lines. If you use a pool trowel on your wall, yes you are hiding your trowel lines, but you are not getting your wall flat. Your trowel is lying to you. It is saying it is flat but it's not. Everytime you use a pool trowel you are shaking hands with a liar, a thief, and a cheat
@ic99 If you think a wall is flat level and true you are fighting a fools errand. Most of us do not care how level flat and true the wall is. you want the patch to disappear in the wall. That is all that actually matters. I have worked many jobs as an electrician and can tell you almost nobody makes a flat wall. level 5 finish isn't flat, it is smooth without blemishes.
@@t0cableguy the immortal words of hack =) To be honest with you, I don't agree with anything you say. But you say you are an electrician so I get that you don't know the trade. If you would like, I could give you some lessons.
I've been really into improving my 1898 home in Colorado. It really does look quite beautiful!I I've successfully done the walls in my dining/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, living room, 2 hallways and a large walk-in closet. My biggest achievement was repairing the ceiling in the closet. Someone stepped on the slats. Broke several of them and put a decent sized hole. I replaced the slats. Resecured others. Cut away an almost 2 ft hole due to its damage. I've taken my time with filling the hole. Letting each layer/section dry completely. I've got one layer left. When I'd seen how much I had removed I was pretty freaked out! I knew my dad would flip when I asked him to help me fix it if I failed. I can't wait to how him the pictures of the before and after! I think he's going to be impressed 😃 I have to paint one bedroom and this closet yet. I've been in my project for approximately 5 months. Taking my time. NEXT UP... installing a new furnace and having carpet installed. Changing out the bathroom fixtures and dad's putting down new tile for me there. I'm very proud of myself! 1200 sft 🙃
What I love about your videos is that you go straight to the point and you show how it’s done. So many times I see a DIY video by a female, and I have to listen to her life story and why she chose to do it this way, and by the time she gets around to showing what she did, I’ve already fallen asleep.
Leah , i have to say that after all the years i have done carpentry, painting, mudding , etc. I Always learn something new from you. You approach is easy to understand, exciting and encouraging. Well done videos from someone such as your self is a gold mine. Thanks for the tips. Great job! Keep up the good work.
THAT WAS GREAT, CONCISE, EASY TO FOLLOW AND TO THE POINT. THANKS SO MUCH FOR TELLING ME EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WITHOUT WASTING MY TIME WITH INFO I DON'T NEED.
I didn't sand for twenty or more years. A few extra coats (feathered, and thin), complete coverage of the surface, and it was like a smooth plaster finish. My customers loved it. Zero mess.
Im a retired carpenter and have been around the joint compound dance quite a few times. One thing I need to point out is, there is two types of setting joint compound. The non sanding ( brown bag )and the sandable ( white bag ). In this application I suggest the non- sandable, for two reasons. One, it does not shrink back like the sandable and it gives a more firmer base and finished job. One other tip is to not wait until it is really set up to do the scraping. I did it about 30 - 40 miniutes or when it was just firm enough to were you can't move it by dragging your finger through it. One other thing is, you need to mix it wet enough so that you get a good bond to your existing surface. Leas looked a bit dry. 🤗
I assume you mean Durabond by the "brown bag". In my experience, Durabond is fantastic stuff for prefilling holes and voids and cracks, but I find it very difficult to make smooth, even with brush and trowel work after it starts to firm up, which makes it pretty unforgiving and stressful unless your trowel skills are quite good. I find the sandable quick sets much less stressful since it is easy enough to sand down any of your mistakes that you couldn't fix or didn't notice while you were working your brush and trowel (the big felt pads are the best brushes, IMO). That said, I totally agree with you about the extra durability and lower shrinkage (although I find it does still shrink a little) of Durabond, and would add that it seems to adhere better than the sandable quick sets. On nastier walls with large patches of unremovable paint, I would at least add some glue (maybe 5% glue to water) to the white bag stuff, whereas I think Durabond is probably ok without extra glue.
@@ThePlockets yes I was referring to the brown bag and The Durabond 90 minute . Yes the plan would be to not lay it on real thick, but to make sure that you feather it out and to not use a troweling knife no wider than 8 inches for your first coat. The trick is to make the mix wet enough so that it's easier to spread and feather out because you won't be sanding this coat anyway instead, just as I had mentioned in my last comment , you may need to just scrap any lap ridges should there be any otherwise I would just second coat it with the sandable type and then follow up with a bucket premixed compound. That method works very good with great results. One other tip worth noting is when you use the setting type of joint compound, you don't have to wait for it to dry completely before recoating, but just needs to set firmly. This obviously makes the job go quicker since you don't have to wait for complete drying between coats.
@@jsh3234 Interesting, so in plastering terms you are basically using durabond as a sort of thin base coat, sandable quick set as a brown coat, and regular compound for your top coat.
yooooo that skim coat, and water trowel is the game changer. i have been messing with my drywall for many hrs today, sanding and redoing it. I am happy i found this video so I can finally stop ;)
LOVE the thumbnail (very relatable) and the paintbrush is a SUPER tip. Not bothered by sanding, but the paintbrush is a super time workaround, and reduces cleanup, for sure. With troweling you can go over it many times and still have lumps (my superpower?) so this is a God-send.
I’ve learned so many useful tips from your videos. My dad was a wood worker and I learned a lot of tricks from him, but I have found even more here. Big thumbs up!
I'm a painter and decorator. I do skim walls especially when I remove wall paper. You can ditch the hawk if you use a wet roller. If it still won't stick to the pile try adding some wet pva to your roller. This helps you save your back. As for the finishing tips here. Blinding. I can't wait to try it. I'm sick of coming to a skimmed wall and virtually having to skim it again because of the air bubbles and divots. Thank you for the help.
Excellent! I have a nasty mess in my 130 yr old dining room, after removing wallpaper. Now I can do the walls, using that method! Thanks. I was procrastinating, but now ready 😊
@@moonblinkhi can you tell me what topping mud is? I’m a beginner and trying to get my walls ready for repainting. They had some dings in it and first I used 45 but it seems like I wasn’t mixing it correctly then I just bought the premixed joint compound with the blue lid (dust control) and it’s working a little better but I know I’m doing something wrong still. Just trying to get to the point of painting. Thanks
Was it the like actually painted paper stuck to the weird cloth backing that has the string-dammits? (just curious as I'm currently dealing with that stuff and the tacks won't come out and Gah! Even on the Ceiling. They papered the Whole Thing sometime in the early 1900s )
So very helpful, Leah! I just received a very pricey quote for a patch job that I know I can do, and have done in the past, but I had it quoted because I didn't want to finish and sand it. I'm definitely going to do it myself now. As always, your videos are spot on, and your kind spirit shines through! Thanks again!
another banger by Leah (a.k.a. "Jane"), bravo mama, you remain the best, been a sub since you had less than 100k, will be very happy to see you hit that million cause you deserve it and 100 times it and more, much love and respect
Thanks for filling the gaps that my Dad left in his teachings. I still had so many questions and you've answered SO many of them for him. That really means a lot to me. Keep spreading the knowledge and the joy that comes with a job well done. Breath by breath. Blessing by blessing. You'll get to 1mil subs. Because YOU can DO this!❤
i did this on my bathroom wall and thought I was just cutting corners....but it's a legitimate technique!!! (I didn't finish the job in case the wall fell apart but it's completely intact. Yikes...now I have to finish it...what's a couple more years 🤣) Thanks Leah. If I could subscribe multiple times, I would. I've told everyone I know about you. 💛
This woman should have her own TV show. I've learned so much from watching her videos--she communicates / explains the processes far better than many of those home improvement shows.
Ok everyone time to share this channel everywhere you can as Leah needs our help and all these years Leah has helped us, time to pay it forward. 👍🏻🤷🏻♀️
The Thumbnail Is Hilarious For a second I thought this was a metal music recommendation from you Leah. But it turned out to be way more informative and just what I needed. I’m glad I saw this today. I am working on prepping my windows, for painting, and this is just what I needed. Thank you.
Good info. For smaller projects I like to use 10 to 20 miinute mud and mix it 7-8 minutes. When firm to touch I spray with light coat of water, then smooth over the area. Wait to dry, use primer, then color coat. For larger areas your schedule is best. Dry walling isn't far removed from plastering. I did work out a way to plug a hole of varying sizes using only mud. I straighten the sides of the hole and then measure it and transfer the measurements to a new piece of drywall. I cut the drywall 1/4 " small on each edge smaller than hole size. I screw in large screws into the new drywall securely to serve ss handles. Using slow set mud I butter all edges of both hole and patch piece. I pick up the patch by the screws and carefully fit it into the hole as all buttered sides meld into each other. I use the side of a trowel to scrape away the excess mud and to level all the patch edges with the hole. Wait until touch firm, remove screws and smooth over the joints and screw holes. Prime and paint. The joint compound becomes an adhesive and drys harder than drywall. I used to call the water spray stage as wet sanding. I don't figure the brush as being necessary. Great channel and subscribed.
Great video, I learned this method over 40 years ago and it beats the hell out of using drywall compound. In my area it's called Durabond. Another advantage is, unlike drywall compound, it doesn't shrink.
I’ve been dragging my feet over finishing my living room because I just wasn’t looking forward to the sanding. Now I know I don’t have to! Thank you so much!
The best tip for anyone having plastering work done, especially if you haven't used them before. Hold back some of the payment until you see the plaster dry in daylight. Wet plaster always looks great and is much more difficult to spot imperfections. It's even harder to judge via video. I taught myself a long time ago because there are many "plasterers" who are not very good at plastering or make a hell of a mess in the process.
Ah, yes. I rarely sand, but because I apply my own fairly heavy texture usually. Thanks for the tip. Your videos are on point, nice voice, and presented well.
wow. as usual you taught me SO much in such a simple and strait forward video. I wish i had this last year when i was fixing the walls after a wall paper tear out but i will know for next time. Thank you!!!
I can't thank you enough for this video! We have several rooms in our house with walls that have been papered, painted, papered again, and painted several times on top of that. I have been threatening to resurface those walls for the ten years we've been here, but I could not build up the nerve to begin doing the job, on account of the method I planned on using. I am now absolutely confident I can skim coat those pesky walls, and permanently bury the terrible mistakes of the previous owners. The house was built in 1890. The above description of the walls is only a guess at what is really there. I am sure there are many, many more layers than just two or three, of both paint and paper. I dug into one of them with and ice pick and stopped when it was over a quarter of an inch in and hadn't hit plaster yet. I say this whenever I am remotely on the subject: There are very few more effective ways to declare your hatred for someone, potentially your future self, than hanging wallpaper. Wallpaper is from the devil.
Two points: -When using 90 minute mud, make sure you get your tools cleaned before the mud hardens because it’s really hard if not impossible otherwise. That includes buckets and mixing paddles. -it’s really easy to burn up a smaller drill driver. It’s best to use a larger half inch drill that has a lot of torque and less RPMs. I don’t use it that often so I just got mine from Harbor Freight for about $50.
lol say's the lady with 40 or so yrs of experience! I've tried to teach people how to finish tape/plaster I just don't have the patients in me. I'm glad you can do it on you tube and maybe teach a few people. I'm a master taper/plaster of over 40 yrs and I stand behind her teachings so listen to what she say's. PS. I hate sanding to.
Thanks, Leah! Great tip at just the right time. I have some kitchen drywall patching to do in the next couple of weeks and I'm anxious to try this method. Nice that it doesn't leave all the dust that sanding would.
HOW have even my other favourite youtube people let me down on this one, this makes so much sense from efficiency to final quality, even down to final aesthetics. Wet brushing to temporarily weaken only the very outside layer so that you can scrape imperfections smoother, not to mention way quicker and cleaner and sooner, it makes so much sense for lookong better and argualbly setting better, all while being able to work sooner and with fewer steps, not to mention doing the 2nd coat without need to wait too long, therewith only having to scrape it, it all makes so much sense I just wanna hug and laugh my ass off at the poor past me who finished his first big wall repair a few weeks ago😂
Detroit love you brother🙌🏾 and please continue to educate us on drywall at the advanced level only has shared I'm glad to witness drywall professionalism that is best thank you very much sir🤛👊🏾🤜👍🏾💯🔥
Waiting on my first coat to get dry, and I came across this video. Saved me so much suffering. Thank you a million times over, easiest video I've clicked the buttons for
Absolutely on the water 1st! I tell my boss and coworker all the time PUT THE WATER IN THE BUCKET, THEN THE MORTAR!! They wont do it! Then wonder why the bottom 1 1/2" and the entire sides of the bucket 6" high is straight dry powder
I work at a local hardware store in my community and I tell people to do all the time but rarely do I have people willing to try, but now I can show them this technique with this vid. thanks for this
I subscribed years ago. I love your videos. I have learned so many things from you. I’m almost 80, a widow doing many maintenance jobs or renovations on my own. I’m not big and not as strong as I used to be, and frankly my husband did the tough jobs, so I appreciate all the tips and tricks. Thank you Lea.
You are an excellent teacher. you are clear and concise but you also explain why you do what you do, so it can help lock in that knowledge. Great job! I just subscribed. 😄
This gave me the confidence to try my very first plastering job. And it came out nicely. Not perfect but good enough, and hopefully next time it will be even better. Thank you!
WhatI like about you Jane is that you don’t assume we already know about tools & methods. You start at the beginning like “this is a hammer & here’s how you use it.” That’s what most women need. Most how to home repair videos content makers don’t start at the beginning because they assume we know more than we do. This has inspired me to fix the settlement cracks in my walls & ceilings which I procrastinated for YEARS because I didn’t want sanded joint compound all over my furnishings.
My dad was a finish-plasterer by trade; the walls in our house truly were as smooth as glass. I remember him using the tools you used, thanks for the memories - and the lesson.
Not sure why your videos never came up in my feed sooner, but it looks like you were trying to hit a million subscribers a few months ago. And here I am subscribing with you at 1 million, 20 thousand subs. May your viewers keep subscribing by the millions! Great video, looking forward to watching more! Thank you for what you do, very helpful compared to some other handy-MEN I've watched!
I never make a move on home repair without seeing your videos FIRST. You are the best! You have such a flair for helping people learn and feel confident about trying!
Leah, I've been watching your videos for 10 years now! You've helped me with so many little things throughout my life, and now I finally bought a house and here I am again, 10 years later you saving my life! You are amazing and you deserve SO SO SO much love! Thank you for all your wonderful advice and knowledge these past 10 years! You are very much a legend!
been drywall taping for 40 yrs....the brush trick is an old plastering technigue....I use a 10-13 mil paint roller refill sometimes...Great to see females doing drywall taping !!!
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I made a free masterclass on how to create your dream home in 90 days DIY - check it out! www.seejanedrillcourse.com/register-home-masterclass
Only got 480p offer for this video!
Leah, thank you soo much for your videos. I'm a 59 year old widow, who lost my husband of 30 years to suicide in May of 2018. I've been trying to remodel our mountain cabin, for me to live in. My dad passed away in November of 2012, my mom in October of 2015, my husband in 2018 and my brother in October of 2022. I have NO ONE left in my life to help me do things. And I'm on disability and living WAY below the poverty level, now that it's just my monthly income to sustain me.
I struggle EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I can't buy the things I need, when I need them, near the end of the month. I have to wait for my next check to come in.
I've learned a lot of things from watching others in person. However, YOUR VIDEOS ARE THE BEST! And your encouraging words of "You CAN do this this!" helps me not only in my projects BUT in my emotional state as well.
You are a bright spot in an otherwise emotional day. Thank you for that. You touch others in more ways than just your job trade. THANK YOU for that!
I pray that sharing my loss with you is not too much information.
I pray that you get the likes and subscribers you need to reach your goals. Thank you for allowing me to share with you.
God bless you today and always 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
So sorry to hear of the loss of family and your husband. Try to remain positive.
Bless your heart. Obviously God is blessing you with such a positive attitude!! He's showing you strength you didn't know you had. I'm so very sorry for your losses. I'm sure they feel monumental. Remember: WITH GOD, you CAN do it!! You'll be in my prayers.
You've been through too much. Find a Celebrate Recovery or Al-Anon group to work the 12 steps and recover from your losses. You need an accountability partner to talk all of this through . You can find a group nearby or online. Serenity awaits you
I am in my 70's doing everything alone to finish drywall, texture, soffits, trim etc., in a house I helped my spouse build from the ground up. However, he has dementia, is still here, constantly cussing me while I try to work. He was a master carpenter and builder for 50 years...now he eats, sleeps, cusses me, and breaks everything he touches. I have lost my spouse...just not to death. This is worse.
You should find out if your husband had a pension as you should be able to get it. Also find out about survivor benefits
through Social Security on your husband’s benefits. Also see if you can apply for supplemental security Income,
at social security.
I've always been terrible working with mud, watched so many videos and usually they are just full of rambling. Finally a video that explains all the details in less than ten minutes. God bless this woman.
@MealTeam6 or keep trying
Also if you need to sand you don't have to wait a day. Imo it's easier to sand after like 8 hours. Especially with 20 min mud. You could probably get away with 4 hours with 20.
Leah has several drywall / fixes / mud vids. She has the most wonderful vids that describe and also point out 'what to / not to do, what to look for, and she is just a great motivator. God bless Leah!
@@atedinahalf6288Or you can just use a hair dryer or heat gun and do it in half an hour. I don't usually have to sand. I just do it as she did - scrape it down with your drywall knife then add another layer of mud if needed then do a light sand if necessary. But usually I don't have to do any sanding - a wet sponge will suffice on very light raised areas.
@MealTeam6 Or you can keep watching videos like this and practice until you're good at it. Why hire a professional when you can do it yourself and save money?
There’s people that can show you how it should be done.
Then there’s a very few people that can teach explain and show how it’s done.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thats right!!!!!!!
You're like the Bob Ross of DIY... Thank you!
😂😅 omg, you’re not wrong. 😊❤
Next episode: using phthalo blue to find imperfections on your ceiling!
I enjoyed this. I know an old-school plasterer in upstate New York who learned the trade from his dad. They did a LOT of work on hundred-plus year-old lath and plaster walls. He said his dad told him, "You can either be a plasterer, or you can be a sander." Nice work, thank you for this video!
I was in Lowe's last week asking for lathing strips and they had no idea what I was talking about...🤦🏻♀️
@@outtadarkness1970 Lath or Lath Strips. Also used for trellises/lattices. I think you ran into a rookie 😉
@@justcurious3525, Yes, I tried to describe them to them but they had no idea. I no longer live anywhere near where I lived when I had use for them in the past and it was decades ago, so I was open to the idea a different name for them was used, but you obviously weren't thrown off by what I called them. Thanks for the input.
@@outtadarkness1970 A few years ago I was looking for bleach. I stopped a young fellow and asked where I could find Javex. He had no clue until I said "bleach". Then he took me directly to the Clorox. My wife usually shops for that sort of thing and she knew that the name had changed. I did not.
The young fellow had probably never heard of Javex.
I had no idea there was even such a thing as a “plasterer.” I thought I would be doomed to being a sander for the rest of my life 😅
I have learned to never doubt Leah, she knows what she is talking about. I'm sure your golden play button will be in the mail soon!
But I've done this and found it hard to get paint to stick if you are going to paint it. Maybe mix some water and polyvinyl acetate and coat it before painting. Some say to wait a month or more before painting and some say to wipe it down with water and some vinegar to neutralize some of the alkalinity. I'm not sure the perfect solution but I've definitely had paint peel off afterwards. I know to make sure it is thoroughly dry so vapor pressure doesn't cause the paint to peel, particularly with a high gloss paint that creates a rubber like coating.
Use primer before painting. It would stick very well
@@jasonthurston799 When you say "Vinyl polyacetate", I'm assuming you mean polyvinyl acetate ie; wood glue?
@@Vincerama Yep
You had me at “never sand”! I am just so grateful for Leah’s channel always being here to hook me up!!
Leah, this is the first time I've seen anybody do plastering that way. It's effective, simple and no dust! Thanks for sharing :-D
there are billion of diy videos out there, but there's something human about your videos that is very cool and refreshing. thanks for putting these together.
Another tip i learned from a pro: have a 5 gal bucket filled with water and a sponge. When done using the paddle bit for mixing, throw it in the bucket. Before going to lunch or break, put the trowels/tools in the bucket. A quick wipe with the sponge, and everything is ready for more work and I only spent minutes cleaning.
Doesnt work with hot mud like she was using
Nice tip. It's common sense, but sometimes people forget to stop and think.
Also .. re-spay the wall or have a pasting brush to manipulate areas that have dried to early
@@garys2149 yeah that would be a super bummer
I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude for finding your channel. I'm a middle-aged housewife with a husband in poor health. Our home needs lots of renovations and I know that if I want them done, I have to do them myself. Watching your videos gives me the confidence I need to take this on (I've done tiling and basic electrical work, so I know I can work with my hands and get dirty). Thank you so much! (My bathroom walls are in bad repair, but I was hoping I could give them a facelift without having to replace it all. Now I know I can!)
Work the projects like a job. Make a list, work the list. Spend 8 hours, like a job, on the project. No half projects. Good luck.
Come on everyone only 13,000 more subscribers needed (more is even better and welcomed) for a number that is very well deserved!
Thanks Clint...nice to see ya!
Well said Sir
I am a building contractor from Australia, I taught myself how to plaster so I wasn’t waiting on subbies, it was trail and error but being a carpenter I know there’s more ways then one to do anything. I am so glad I taught myself the scratch coat method and keep it close, scape it and then top it, I still have to sand the top coat a bit because I am not as good as this lady. Thank you for reassuring me that I was going about it the right way
Should always sand the tip coat then when ya put your primer down and every coat of paint ya need to sand in-between coats not sanding isn't the way to go lol it just shoes lazy and bad work
Same ,I also had to learn .. I moved to the Nederland an contractors cost a fortune here an are booked out for the next year but I'm happy to learn then pay someone
Try a sponge mate. Just slightly dampened. It will for up the more water is on it so take care. The fir on the gyprock will sand off after a sealer/primer coat.
I haven't sanded a patch or joint for at least 30years
@@kailaniandi A big clean sponge is very helpful.
@@jazzyjace1 is it lazy or is she better than you just an honest question for you to think about. Not trying to start shit, but I’ve watched this lady and she’s an expert in her trade at almost everything.She does mechanical carpentry you name it.
Been watching intermittently for half a decade now. I’ve worked for a dozen contractors/tradesmen in my time. You truly know how to think outside of the box! Thank you!!
Same! 👍
Thank you! I've been watching you from my old fixer upper...as a single woman in50s doing it on my own with no experience.
Nice work, Leah. I use a pool finisher’s trowel for plastering work. It’s longer than the trowel you’re using and it’s got rounded corners. Faster coverage and you don’t end up chasing the edge marks that a regular trowel can leave.
Excellent tool
Now, don't take my comment to heart, it is something I tell every person that tells me that they like using a pool trowel. I ask you, if you had a liar, a thief, or a cheat in your house, would you want them to stay? Those trowel lines in mud tell you a story. That story is how thick is your mud? If you lay down a layer with a swipe of your trowel, and your next swipe you carve into the first layer, then you are not level somewhere. If you are adding mud, again, you are not level. Interpreting what kind of trowel lines you are laying down will tell you if you are making your wall level or not. If you don't see trowel lines then you are laying the perfect level. When they built pools, pools have round edges. Its super hard to get level, and not really important to get flat walls or bottoms. So they rounded off the trowel so you can't see the trowel lines. If you use a pool trowel on your wall, yes you are hiding your trowel lines, but you are not getting your wall flat. Your trowel is lying to you. It is saying it is flat but it's not. Everytime you use a pool trowel you are shaking hands with a liar, a thief, and a cheat
@ic99 If you think a wall is flat level and true you are fighting a fools errand. Most of us do not care how level flat and true the wall is. you want the patch to disappear in the wall. That is all that actually matters. I have worked many jobs as an electrician and can tell you almost nobody makes a flat wall. level 5 finish isn't flat, it is smooth without blemishes.
@@t0cableguy the immortal words of hack =)
To be honest with you, I don't agree with anything you say. But you say you are an electrician so I get that you don't know the trade. If you would like, I could give you some lessons.
@@Phazetic99 that was a neat story
she helped me get through a few projects so she deserves it
I've been really into improving my 1898 home in Colorado.
It really does look quite beautiful!I
I've successfully done the walls in my dining/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, living room, 2 hallways and a large walk-in closet. My biggest achievement was repairing the ceiling in the closet. Someone stepped on the slats. Broke several of them and put a decent sized hole. I replaced the slats. Resecured others. Cut away an almost 2 ft hole due to its damage. I've taken my time with filling the hole. Letting each layer/section dry completely. I've got one layer left. When I'd seen how much I had removed I was pretty freaked out! I knew my dad would flip when I asked him to help me fix it if I failed. I can't wait to how him the pictures of the before and after! I think he's going to be impressed 😃 I have to paint one bedroom and this closet yet. I've been in my project for approximately 5 months. Taking my time.
NEXT UP... installing a new furnace and having carpet installed. Changing out the bathroom fixtures and dad's putting down new tile for me there. I'm very proud of myself! 1200 sft 🙃
You deserve millions of subscribers!!!!your teachings are priceless
What I love about your videos is that you go straight to the point and you show how it’s done. So many times I see a DIY video by a female, and I have to listen to her life story and why she chose to do it this way, and by the time she gets around to showing what she did, I’ve already fallen asleep.
Leah , i have to say that after all the years i have done carpentry, painting, mudding , etc. I Always learn something new from you. You approach is easy to understand, exciting and encouraging. Well done videos from someone such as your self is a gold mine. Thanks for the tips. Great job! Keep up the good work.
THAT WAS GREAT, CONCISE, EASY TO FOLLOW AND TO THE POINT. THANKS SO MUCH FOR TELLING ME EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WITHOUT WASTING MY TIME WITH INFO I DON'T NEED.
I didn't sand for twenty or more years. A few extra coats (feathered, and thin), complete coverage of the surface, and it was like a smooth plaster finish. My customers loved it. Zero mess.
As always, I learn something new from all your videos. At 75 I still learn. Thanks for sharing and God Bless!
Im a retired carpenter and have been around the joint compound dance quite a few times.
One thing I need to point out is, there is two types of setting joint compound. The non sanding ( brown bag )and the sandable ( white bag ). In this application I suggest the non- sandable, for two reasons. One, it does not shrink back like the sandable and it gives a more firmer base and finished job.
One other tip is to not wait until it is really set up to do the scraping. I did it about 30 - 40 miniutes or when it was just firm enough to were you can't move it by dragging your finger through it.
One other thing is, you need to mix it wet enough so that you get a good bond to your existing surface. Leas looked a bit dry. 🤗
I assume you mean Durabond by the "brown bag". In my experience, Durabond is fantastic stuff for prefilling holes and voids and cracks, but I find it very difficult to make smooth, even with brush and trowel work after it starts to firm up, which makes it pretty unforgiving and stressful unless your trowel skills are quite good.
I find the sandable quick sets much less stressful since it is easy enough to sand down any of your mistakes that you couldn't fix or didn't notice while you were working your brush and trowel (the big felt pads are the best brushes, IMO).
That said, I totally agree with you about the extra durability and lower shrinkage (although I find it does still shrink a little) of Durabond, and would add that it seems to adhere better than the sandable quick sets. On nastier walls with large patches of unremovable paint, I would at least add some glue (maybe 5% glue to water) to the white bag stuff, whereas I think Durabond is probably ok without extra glue.
@@ThePlockets yes I was referring to the brown bag and The Durabond 90 minute . Yes the plan would be to not lay it on real thick, but to make sure that you feather it out and to not use a troweling knife no wider than 8 inches for your first coat. The trick is to make the mix wet enough so that it's easier to spread and feather out because you won't be sanding this coat anyway instead, just as I had mentioned in my last comment , you may need to just scrap any lap ridges should there be any otherwise I would just second coat it with the sandable type and then follow up with a bucket premixed compound. That method works very good with great results.
One other tip worth noting is when you use the setting type of joint compound, you don't have to wait for it to dry completely before recoating, but just needs to set firmly. This obviously makes the job go quicker since you don't have to wait for complete drying between coats.
@@jsh3234 Interesting, so in plastering terms you are basically using durabond as a sort of thin base coat, sandable quick set as a brown coat, and regular compound for your top coat.
@@ThePlockets exactly.!!
yooooo that skim coat, and water trowel is the game changer. i have been messing with my drywall for many hrs today, sanding and redoing it. I am happy i found this video so I can finally stop ;)
LOVE the thumbnail (very relatable) and the paintbrush is a SUPER tip.
Not bothered by sanding, but the paintbrush is a super time workaround, and reduces cleanup, for sure. With troweling you can go over it many times and still have lumps (my superpower?) so this is a God-send.
People subscribe. It cost you nothing to do so, but a lot to Jane. I just did. Thank you for helping others.
I’ve learned so many useful tips from your videos. My dad was a wood worker and I learned a lot of tricks from him, but I have found even more here. Big thumbs up!
1 million subscribers . That’s freaking awesome . Hard work has paid off
You are lovely Leah! Thank you for everything you teach us 🫶🏻🇨🇦
I'm a painter and decorator. I do skim walls especially when I remove wall paper. You can ditch the hawk if you use a wet roller. If it still won't stick to the pile try adding some wet pva to your roller. This helps you save your back. As for the finishing tips here. Blinding. I can't wait to try it. I'm sick of coming to a skimmed wall and virtually having to skim it again because of the air bubbles and divots. Thank you for the help.
Excellent! I have a nasty mess in my 130 yr old dining room, after removing wallpaper. Now I can do the walls, using that method! Thanks. I was procrastinating, but now ready 😊
@@moonblinkhi can you tell me what topping mud is? I’m a beginner and trying to get my walls ready for repainting. They had some dings in it and first I used 45 but it seems like I wasn’t mixing it correctly then I just bought the premixed joint compound with the blue lid (dust control) and it’s working a little better but I know I’m doing something wrong still. Just trying to get to the point of painting. Thanks
simply hang new drywall over it. way easier and faster in the long run.
Was it the like actually painted paper stuck to the weird cloth backing that has the string-dammits? (just curious as I'm currently dealing with that stuff and the tacks won't come out and Gah! Even on the Ceiling. They papered the Whole Thing sometime in the early 1900s )
Dang. I wasted days watching videos before finding your simple, clear explanations! Now to work. Thank you, and I liked & subscribed.
Leah, you’re simply the best! You deserve that Play button! You WILL get it..
She is so underrated. I really appreciate her videos. Very practical.
So very helpful, Leah! I just received a very pricey quote for a patch job that I know I can do, and have done in the past, but I had it quoted because I didn't want to finish and sand it. I'm definitely going to do it myself now. As always, your videos are spot on, and your kind spirit shines through! Thanks again!
another banger by Leah (a.k.a. "Jane"), bravo mama, you remain the best, been a sub since you had less than 100k, will be very happy to see you hit that million cause you deserve it and 100 times it and more, much love and respect
Thanks for filling the gaps that my Dad left in his teachings. I still had so many questions and you've answered SO many of them for him. That really means a lot to me.
Keep spreading the knowledge and the joy that comes with a job well done. Breath by breath. Blessing by blessing. You'll get to 1mil subs.
Because YOU can DO this!❤
Thanks. You always make great videos. We have lost craftsmanship in our country.
i did this on my bathroom wall and thought I was just cutting corners....but it's a legitimate technique!!! (I didn't finish the job in case the wall fell apart but it's completely intact. Yikes...now I have to finish it...what's a couple more years 🤣)
Thanks Leah. If I could subscribe multiple times, I would. I've told everyone I know about you. 💛
This woman should have her own TV show. I've learned so much from watching her videos--she communicates / explains the processes far better than many of those home improvement shows.
Ok everyone time to share this channel everywhere you can as Leah needs our help and all these years Leah has helped us, time to pay it forward. 👍🏻🤷🏻♀️
You asked so nicely. How could I not subscribe?
The Thumbnail Is Hilarious
For a second I thought this was a metal music recommendation from you Leah. But it turned out to be way more informative and just what I needed. I’m glad I saw this today. I am working on prepping my windows, for painting, and this is just what I needed. Thank you.
I see Robert Smith
I thought it was a burningman video!
Good info. For smaller projects I like to use 10 to 20 miinute mud and mix it 7-8 minutes. When firm to touch I spray with light coat of water, then smooth over the area. Wait to dry, use primer, then color coat. For larger areas your schedule is best. Dry walling isn't far removed from plastering. I did work out a way to plug a hole of varying sizes using only mud. I straighten the sides of the hole and then measure it and transfer the measurements to a new piece of drywall. I cut the drywall 1/4 " small on each edge smaller than hole size. I screw in large screws into the new drywall securely to serve ss handles. Using slow set mud I butter all edges of both hole and patch piece. I pick up the patch by the screws and carefully fit it into the hole as all buttered sides meld into each other. I use the side of a trowel to scrape away the excess mud and to level all the patch edges with the hole. Wait until touch firm, remove screws and smooth over the joints and screw holes. Prime and paint. The joint compound becomes an adhesive and drys harder than drywall. I used to call the water spray stage as wet sanding. I don't figure the brush as being necessary. Great channel and subscribed.
I love this woman. She is clear, thorough and to the point. Great tips as well ❤
I’ve been subscribed for so long I remember when this video was first uploaded. Great teacher and channel.
Great video, I learned this method over 40 years ago and it beats the hell out of using drywall compound. In my area it's called Durabond. Another advantage is, unlike drywall compound, it doesn't shrink.
Thank you, that's great to know. My old house is a creaker and I'd like to patch the current cracks only once.
I’ve been dragging my feet over finishing my living room because I just wasn’t looking forward to the sanding. Now I know I don’t have to! Thank you so much!
YOU ARE WONDERFUL !!!!!!THE WAY YOU TEACH IS EXCELLENT!!!!!
I watched this video with Joy and I'm not even thinking of fixing anything. I was just enjoying the show and the way it was informative
The best most detailed home improvement videos on RUclips and believe me I’ve watched tons.
The best tip for anyone having plastering work done, especially if you haven't used them before. Hold back some of the payment until you see the plaster dry in daylight. Wet plaster always looks great and is much more difficult to spot imperfections. It's even harder to judge via video.
I taught myself a long time ago because there are many "plasterers" who are not very good at plastering or make a hell of a mess in the process.
Leah is a national treasure
Ah, yes. I rarely sand, but because I apply my own fairly heavy texture usually. Thanks for the tip. Your videos are on point, nice voice, and presented well.
wow. as usual you taught me SO much in such a simple and strait forward video. I wish i had this last year when i was fixing the walls after a wall paper tear out but i will know for next time. Thank you!!!
I can't thank you enough for this video! We have several rooms in our house with walls that have been papered, painted, papered again, and painted several times on top of that. I have been threatening to resurface those walls for the ten years we've been here, but I could not build up the nerve to begin doing the job, on account of the method I planned on using. I am now absolutely confident I can skim coat those pesky walls, and permanently bury the terrible mistakes of the previous owners. The house was built in 1890. The above description of the walls is only a guess at what is really there. I am sure there are many, many more layers than just two or three, of both paint and paper. I dug into one of them with and ice pick and stopped when it was over a quarter of an inch in and hadn't hit plaster yet.
I say this whenever I am remotely on the subject: There are very few more effective ways to declare your hatred for someone, potentially your future self, than hanging wallpaper. Wallpaper is from the devil.
I always feel empowered when I watch your content! THANK YOU
Wow! An impressive result. That wall really looked like hell in the beginning.
Hi Leah, always thank you. I have a ceiling I need to repair because of water damage. Now, I can use this technique instead.
This is the first drywall finishing tutorial that didn't intimidate me. I have a lot of wall patching to do that I've been putting off.
Two points:
-When using 90 minute mud, make sure you get your tools cleaned before the mud hardens because it’s really hard if not impossible otherwise. That includes buckets and mixing paddles.
-it’s really easy to burn up a smaller drill driver. It’s best to use a larger half inch drill that has a lot of torque and less RPMs. I don’t use it that often so I just got mine from Harbor Freight for about $50.
😂😂😂😂 ok professor know-all .
@@daveribbons3050well then, you just let that 90 minute mud dry overnight and tell me how it goes.
@@daveribbons3050 Hey, he's trying to give some helpful tips. Why are you bagging on him?
lol say's the lady with 40 or so yrs of experience! I've tried to teach people how to finish tape/plaster I just don't have the patients in me. I'm glad you can do it on you tube and maybe teach a few people. I'm a master taper/plaster of over 40 yrs and I stand behind her teachings so listen to what she say's. PS. I hate sanding to.
Thanks, Leah! Great tip at just the right time. I have some kitchen drywall patching to do in the next couple of weeks and I'm anxious to try this method. Nice that it doesn't leave all the dust that sanding would.
HOW have even my other favourite youtube people let me down on this one, this makes so much sense from efficiency to final quality, even down to final aesthetics.
Wet brushing to temporarily weaken only the very outside layer so that you can scrape imperfections smoother, not to mention way quicker and cleaner and sooner, it makes so much sense for lookong better and argualbly setting better, all while being able to work sooner and with fewer steps, not to mention doing the 2nd coat without need to wait too long, therewith only having to scrape it, it all makes so much sense I just wanna hug and laugh my ass off at the poor past me who finished his first big wall repair a few weeks ago😂
You always make great content ! Great work
I love the picture 📷 used for this video. It reminded me of all the fun sanding can be 😂.
I always learn the best stuff from you Leah.
Detroit love you brother🙌🏾 and please continue to educate us on drywall at the advanced level only has shared I'm glad to witness drywall professionalism that is best thank you very much sir🤛👊🏾🤜👍🏾💯🔥
Your the Bees-knees Leah 🫡 Keep these videos rolling baby 👏 Cuz you doin the lords work for alot of folks.
Waiting on my first coat to get dry, and I came across this video. Saved me so much suffering. Thank you a million times over, easiest video I've clicked the buttons for
Absolutely on the water 1st! I tell my boss and coworker all the time PUT THE WATER IN THE BUCKET, THEN THE MORTAR!! They wont do it! Then wonder why the bottom 1 1/2" and the entire sides of the bucket 6" high is straight dry powder
Hi Leah, I don't have any home projects going on, but because this is a lesson from you,
I watch! Still working on my Girlguide badges. Be prepared!
Dealing with the dust from sanding is the worst, so I'm definitely going to try this water troweling technique.
I work at a local hardware store in my community and I tell people to do all the time but rarely do I have people willing to try, but now I can show them this technique with this vid. thanks for this
Babe, I just love how U make people feel confident. U r an excellent teacher. Thank you! I’ve been watching U for over 3 yrs.
I subscribed years ago. I love your videos. I have learned so many things from you. I’m almost 80, a widow doing many maintenance jobs or renovations on my own. I’m not big and not as strong as I used to be, and frankly my husband did the tough jobs, so I appreciate all the tips and tricks. Thank you Lea.
Leah, you are the best. That is something I've never heard of.
Leah I love your channel and your tips. I have watched you for years. I wish I knew you personally. You are the best.
Never a video without learning something. Pure excellence.
Thanks for this, Congratulations on the 1M
You are an excellent teacher. you are clear and concise but you also explain why you do what you do, so it can help lock in that knowledge. Great job! I just subscribed. 😄
This gave me the confidence to try my very first plastering job. And it came out nicely. Not perfect but good enough, and hopefully next time it will be even better. Thank you!
Great work! You did a great job explaining and very well presented. Keep up the great tips and tricks for us novices/DiYEr’s ☺️
WhatI like about you Jane is that you don’t assume we already know about tools & methods. You start at the beginning like “this is a hammer & here’s how you use it.” That’s what most women need. Most how to home repair videos content makers don’t start at the beginning because they assume we know more than we do. This has inspired me to fix the settlement cracks in my walls & ceilings which I procrastinated for YEARS because I didn’t want sanded joint compound all over my furnishings.
My dad was a finish-plasterer by trade; the walls in our house truly were as smooth as glass.
I remember him using the tools you used, thanks for the memories - and the lesson.
Not sure why your videos never came up in my feed sooner, but it looks like you were trying to hit a million subscribers a few months ago. And here I am subscribing with you at 1 million, 20 thousand subs. May your viewers keep subscribing by the millions! Great video, looking forward to watching more! Thank you for what you do, very helpful compared to some other handy-MEN I've watched!
There was no place to choose to subscribe.
I like your videos, you are a very experienced crafts lady, and very pleasant .
Thanks for your tips. 😊
Been doing this for years because I didn’t want to clean up dust. Water is your friend. Use it!
Leah is a treasure and should be on television or "TV".
I never make a move on home repair without seeing your videos FIRST. You are the best! You have such a flair for helping people learn and feel confident about trying!
More people should be watching these videos. They're getting more and more advanced.
What a wonderful video. It shows that you have experience teaching people how to work with their hands. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You are one of a kind. Glad to see you still making videos. They're always so helpful. God bless
Water Trowel! Thank you Leah for the reminder, I'll add a spray bottle to my set of drywall knives. Much better than dust.
Leah, I've been watching your videos for 10 years now! You've helped me with so many little things throughout my life, and now I finally bought a house and here I am again, 10 years later you saving my life! You are amazing and you deserve SO SO SO much love! Thank you for all your wonderful advice and knowledge these past 10 years! You are very much a legend!
been drywall taping for 40 yrs....the brush trick is an old plastering technigue....I use a 10-13 mil paint roller refill sometimes...Great to see females doing drywall taping !!!
40 yr professional home improvement/general contractor here. Great job and tips. Large Sponges also work well.