im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
Being a tile setter in California, none of the tapers use trowels, only knives. I was thrilled to learn from Ben I could use my flat trowel skills on mud! I sheetrocked my unfinished garage and turned it into a studio apartment. The techniques I learned from Ben helped me to finish the walls so nicely I ended up not texturing the walls. Now my garage walls look better than the rest of my house, lol Thanks for the ongoing education you drywally carpenter!
im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
Where I am I know some guys that just use knives and some that just use trowels. I am a stucco plasterer by trade so I am used to trowels but there are benefits to using knives in a lot of areas. I try to use knives to get the feel for them but I feel trowels have more control @@randomrazr If you will only buy one trowel you should buy a more rigid trowel. The flex trowel contours to the wall below the mud so it doesn't flatten. To flatten you need a rigid trowel. You flatten with your first coat and smooth with flex trowel on final coats. So if you buy only one you should buy a rigid, much more important in achieving smooth walls. You can use a rigid towel to smooth your final coats but you will have a difficult time flattening your first coats with a flexitrowel. I would get the 14", the wider blade is better for wider butt joints
@@Phazetic99 darn i wish u caught my commetn earlier. i ordered a 12 inch medium flex since its not to rigid but not to flexible since the guy in the video uses a 12 inch trowel :/
@@randomrazr best of both worlds maybe? I'm not too familiar with dewalt trowels, never touched one. Not sure how they stack up to the ones I'm used to, Marsheltown, Curry, and Nela. A 12" is pretty good size for a beginner though. It is easier to handle then a bigger trowel. It won't flatten as well but it will take some time to really experience the difference. I think it will be a good choice for you
I really appreciate your videos. You are my go to guy when it comes to drywall work. I am building my own house after a tornado destroyed my other house. Your videos have helped me so much in doing the work myself and saving tons of money. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Hey brother, very informative videos. i am a carpenter as well and decided a few years ago to start taping the board myself, to keep my jobs running smoothly and timely. Ive been paying attention to the small details and tips that you describe. I still spend extra time sanding than a full time taper would, but it is an art that you make look easy. thanks again
Excellent Video !! Thank you for those little tips , details you explain and techniques you've developed over the years. Being able to do it is one thing, having a clear, concise and skilled teaching technique is a whole different level ! Your trusty students with some drywall skill are going to learn good stuff here, especially the ones always looking to up their game !
Excellent help. I removed popcorn ceiling; removed wood panel and drywalled; updated fixtures; and repaired water damage to an excellent outcome. Thank you! You helped this novice get the job done.
I need to just say, I'm pretty amature but I've done a lot of drywall. From single bathrooms, to full apartments and offices. I've even been on 8 foot stilts doing an old theater remodel. I've learned by watching the old home shoes when I was a kid, and by trial and error along the way. I've always done a fairly good job, but had to take a lot of extra time. You sir, have really boosted my game! Im refinishing my basement and have learned tons from your videos. I also just enjoy watching them on a saturday morning or before bed. My girlfriend can't understand how I do it all day, then watch videos of somebody doing it to relax. Thank you so much for the simple concise videos. They are well filmed and thought out, without any unnecessary fluff, or the muttering endlessly through it that so many other videos have. Thanks again!
"Feather that like button" got me. Also, the cameraman zooming in when you said it was good enough was very helpful. On youtube it looks like every coat you do is flawless, so when trying to copy you I thought I was doing it wrong and kept going over it to get it flawless. Seeing what you consider "good enough" for the first coat was great.
Ben, I picked up the PlaneX 2. Wow! Game changer! I did a small drywall job and couldn't believe how nice it was. Then I used it for removing popcorn ceiling in a whole house. Customer couldn't believe I didn't dust up their house! Awesome tool.
My unofficial second job has been to chip away at a level 5 finish for my 2400 sq ft main floor. Our local subcontractors do half-assed work, so I ended up doing it myself. Your videos have been invaluable in improving my technique, and understanding which materials to use when to ensure a quality finish. This one in particular was helpful because you brought out the light. It was nice to see even a master drywall job requires a little sanding.
I’m actually most impressed by the videography… it’s so hard to show the white on white lift off, ridges, feathering, and the techniques on camera. Spotless work… informative as always. thanks for sharing!
thanks Ben, from hundreds of videos this was the first one that actually explained the techniques, how and why they are performed. Not simply feather, feather, pass, skim, let it dry.
You’re definitely a good teacher Ben. You’re technique & instructions are simple & easy to follow. Will be watching them a few times before attempting future projects.
My drywall secret technique is to put 45-minute compound on a bit heavy and use a dewalt orbital sander hooked up to a vacuum. I can get an excellent finish without being an expert putting the compound on.
This video is exceptional. Answered a lot of forgotten information I had about mudding joints. I did some mud today and forgot to flatten the middle, which luckily can be sanded, but this is sooo helpful. Thank you for the time to make videos.
This video was so helpful. I think the timing of it was key for me. I’ve followed you for about a year and do taping once a month or so for work. Great video!
If I could like this video twice (I.E. two thumbs up) I surely would. I've learned so much from watching and listening to you work, Ben. This video covers a few points I learned in practice after I was inspired to start (as a complete novice) from watching your content. You nailed some great descriptions of some super hard nuances to pick up on. Great stuff as always, keep up the great work sir!
Thanks for the closeups! My first skim coating job I did a few months ago I was fretting because I felt the mud should be silky smooth as the camera doesn't seem to pick that up. Once I get new drywall up in my garage I will be refreshing again on all your drywall videos!
You’re such a Classic Legend!! Never ceases to amaze me how easy you make it look. I have learned so much from you! Thanks for all that you share! Keep ‘em coming!! 🤙🏽
Super helpful, as always! As a novice mudder (for our home restoration), I have watched your videos over and over (and reference them often in my own reTired Renovators videos. One thing I haven't seen covered is that there is an element of hand strength required to mud successfully. I haven't seem very many videos of women doing drywall. All this to say, I have a trowel (and use it sometimes), but it seems really heavy to me. I've found a 12" taping knife is about as large as I can go on the final coat. I'll never be a professional, but I AM improving thanks to your videos!
Thanks for making this. I’ve been battling this for two years, trying different methods. Tomorrow I’m trying yours. Also, thanks for all your drywall videos in general. I’ve become my companies main drywall finisher. Hopefully I’m making you proud lol.
I've watched a ton of your videos, I'm trying to fix some failed joints and cracks before painting. You make it look so easy. I'd love to see how much mud is in your lift offs with a bright light from the surface. Thanks
Thankyou so much. This was one of the most if not the most helpful video for intermediate drywallers ( i do bathroom remodels). Everything you covered I kindof struggle with in this video. Thanks.
You’re the man. As a homeowner and weekend DIYer, I find your videos so helpful. You’re a wonderful teacher. But I have one question. What tools do I need to do a ceiling with now cracked seams/joints due to regular movement?
Thanks for explaining the nuances of angles and pressure. You've given me confidence so I've been working on the hallway drywall. Can you answer a question I've discovered? Is it ok to dampen first coat mud before putting a final or semi-final coat on it? Being a n00b, I don't work that fast and find that the mud is drying out before I can get the inside corners nice looking.
Great Videos.. Do you have any videos dedicated to sanding drywall mud? Do you do it in-between coats? What grit? mesh or regular sandpaper ? circular motion or back and forth ? How do avoid getting a super smooth drywall compound surface opposed to the raw paper All the details of sanding the mud .
First, your skills are mind blowing! Next, I'm in search of a good quality trowel. Any brand or characteristics I should look for? I'm in the US. Keep up the great work and making great videos!
Great video Ben! It's so hard to see the lift offs and imperfections you leave for sanding so I know how smooth I should get it before leaving to dry. Can you show more hot mud videos and how you work with it, possible wet sponge and scraping it before it's fully cured. Cole
Greetings from Brazil. Thought about using drywall in the house but it is difficult to find skilled labor for anything except mansonry. Most homes use drywall in false ceilings but even for this the labor is expensive.
We do this at work too . When I do side jobs everything I do is separate because when you start feathering people start taking to much mud away from wear they intersect . Which will leave it hollow
When I block and skim drywall i usually go through and coat all of the butt joints then go back and coat the recessed edge joints. Since the drywall and previous dried joint compound suck the moisture out of the new mud the joints are usually dry enough to go over without doing major damage. But everyone had their won ways.
You will have less issues with ceiling butts if you stagger them like you did on the walls. Line coating your fasteners instead of spotting makes sanding much easier as well.
After doing my kids' bathroom ceiling (after not doing ceilings in YEARS), I'll never do another ceiling 🤣 I hated every minute of it 🤣 I'm not young and spunky anymore 🤣
Hey, great video. Interested on your thoughts of this method of finishing compared to how it would generally be done in the UK, completely covered with finishing plaster?
Wow. That was great. Excellent to have all of that detail from you. Sometimes it is hard for a pro to put words to each step, particularly when you have 400,000 people staring at your butt.
I just drywalled my basement ceiling. I had to minimally box in the steel beam which runs down the middle of it. Because of that i was able to install all the drywall, buying 3 different lengths, without any butt joints. With windows at each end and a lot of sunlight coming in at low angle, i was afraid any butt joints would show up. I have a 14” marshalltown curved trowel that puts a puts a perfect amount of mud and shape on joints. I’ve had that trowel for about 40 years.
Is there a way you can describe how much pressure you apply? I'm especially interested in the pressure used for the feathering the edge pass, then the following floating passes after that. I have a feeling that the pressure is a lot less than I think...thanks for your videos by the way, I have watched for a while and applied the knowledge you have taught me in my house :)
If I ever apply half of what I've learned from guys like this on RUclips...VC has a patreon or similar & def owe him and several others at least a Benjamin
im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
Skill of an artist, soul of a teacher; best on YT. Thanks, VC, on behalf of all home DIY hacks like me.
dude's so confident in his skills, he never wears white shirts.
The accuracy of this statement made me audibly laugh 🤣
I gave a small snort!
im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
@@randomrazr Definitely flexible for me. I prefer blue steel over stainless knives for this reason.
I read this and scrolled down and the next video he was wearing a white shirt. It made me sad
I’m an electrician who dabbles in the dark arts of drywall and every time I run into a new problem, you make a video that perfectly covers it.
Being a tile setter in California, none of the tapers use trowels, only knives.
I was thrilled to learn from Ben I could use my flat trowel skills on mud!
I sheetrocked my unfinished garage and turned it into a studio apartment.
The techniques I learned from Ben helped me to finish the walls so nicely I ended up not texturing the walls. Now my garage walls look better than the rest of my house, lol
Thanks for the ongoing education you drywally carpenter!
So Cal? GCH here. Ben has so many great videos. I've learned methods from him, as well. Never too old to learn something new!
im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
Where I am I know some guys that just use knives and some that just use trowels. I am a stucco plasterer by trade so I am used to trowels but there are benefits to using knives in a lot of areas. I try to use knives to get the feel for them but I feel trowels have more control
@@randomrazr If you will only buy one trowel you should buy a more rigid trowel. The flex trowel contours to the wall below the mud so it doesn't flatten. To flatten you need a rigid trowel. You flatten with your first coat and smooth with flex trowel on final coats. So if you buy only one you should buy a rigid, much more important in achieving smooth walls. You can use a rigid towel to smooth your final coats but you will have a difficult time flattening your first coats with a flexitrowel. I would get the 14", the wider blade is better for wider butt joints
@@Phazetic99 darn i wish u caught my commetn earlier. i ordered a 12 inch medium flex since its not to rigid but not to flexible since the guy in the video uses a 12 inch trowel :/
@@randomrazr best of both worlds maybe? I'm not too familiar with dewalt trowels, never touched one. Not sure how they stack up to the ones I'm used to, Marsheltown, Curry, and Nela. A 12" is pretty good size for a beginner though. It is easier to handle then a bigger trowel. It won't flatten as well but it will take some time to really experience the difference. I think it will be a good choice for you
Kevin Rider - Something about when you said "Welcome to Vancouver Carpenter, the most drywally carpenter on the internet" sounded like Mr. Rogers😆
I really appreciate your videos. You are my go to guy when it comes to drywall work. I am building my own house after a tornado destroyed my other house. Your videos have helped me so much in doing the work myself and saving tons of money. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Hey brother, very informative videos. i am a carpenter as well and decided a few years ago to start taping the board myself, to keep my jobs running smoothly and timely. Ive been paying attention to the small details and tips that you describe. I still spend extra time sanding than a full time taper would, but it is an art that you make look easy. thanks again
Excellent Video !! Thank you for those little tips , details you explain and techniques you've developed over the years.
Being able to do it is one thing, having a clear, concise and skilled teaching technique is a whole different level !
Your trusty students with some drywall skill are going to learn good stuff here, especially the ones always looking to up their game !
Thank you!
Excellent help. I removed popcorn ceiling; removed wood panel and drywalled; updated fixtures; and repaired water damage to an excellent outcome. Thank you! You helped this novice get the job done.
I need to just say, I'm pretty amature but I've done a lot of drywall. From single bathrooms, to full apartments and offices. I've even been on 8 foot stilts doing an old theater remodel. I've learned by watching the old home shoes when I was a kid, and by trial and error along the way. I've always done a fairly good job, but had to take a lot of extra time. You sir, have really boosted my game! Im refinishing my basement and have learned tons from your videos. I also just enjoy watching them on a saturday morning or before bed. My girlfriend can't understand how I do it all day, then watch videos of somebody doing it to relax. Thank you so much for the simple concise videos. They are well filmed and thought out, without any unnecessary fluff, or the muttering endlessly through it that so many other videos have. Thanks again!
"Feather that like button" got me. Also, the cameraman zooming in when you said it was good enough was very helpful. On youtube it looks like every coat you do is flawless, so when trying to copy you I thought I was doing it wrong and kept going over it to get it flawless. Seeing what you consider "good enough" for the first coat was great.
Ben, I picked up the PlaneX 2. Wow! Game changer! I did a small drywall job and couldn't believe how nice it was. Then I used it for removing popcorn ceiling in a whole house. Customer couldn't believe I didn't dust up their house! Awesome tool.
Yup. It may not be cheap but it can't be overstated how good the tool is.
My unofficial second job has been to chip away at a level 5 finish for my 2400 sq ft main floor. Our local subcontractors do half-assed work, so I ended up doing it myself. Your videos have been invaluable in improving my technique, and understanding which materials to use when to ensure a quality finish. This one in particular was helpful because you brought out the light. It was nice to see even a master drywall job requires a little sanding.
I’m actually most impressed by the videography… it’s so hard to show the white on white lift off, ridges, feathering, and the techniques on camera. Spotless work… informative as always. thanks for sharing!
thanks Ben, from hundreds of videos this was the first one that actually explained the techniques, how and why they are performed. Not simply feather, feather, pass, skim, let it dry.
You’re definitely a good teacher Ben. You’re technique & instructions are simple & easy to follow. Will be watching them a few times before attempting future projects.
Ben, your a very good instructor. I like when you explain ever detail.
Nicely done.... been banging away for over 40 plus years.... still learn...or relearn . something every time I watch....thank you
My drywall secret technique is to put 45-minute compound on a bit heavy and use a dewalt orbital sander hooked up to a vacuum. I can get an excellent finish without being an expert putting the compound on.
This video is exceptional. Answered a lot of forgotten information I had about mudding joints. I did some mud today and forgot to flatten the middle, which luckily can be sanded, but this is sooo helpful. Thank you for the time to make videos.
Thanks!
This video was so helpful. I think the timing of it was key for me. I’ve followed you for about a year and do taping once a month or so for work. Great video!
“Feather that like button”. That was awesome
If I could like this video twice (I.E. two thumbs up) I surely would. I've learned so much from watching and listening to you work, Ben. This video covers a few points I learned in practice after I was inspired to start (as a complete novice) from watching your content. You nailed some great descriptions of some super hard nuances to pick up on. Great stuff as always, keep up the great work sir!
Great video. So many how to videos lack any nuance, or real world situation's. What a helpful idea.
Good video! I like your detailed explanations. and (at time 3:16) going back over the procedure.
Your videos were so helpful for me while I finished my basement. Thank you!
I mean, I just love your videos. They're immensely enjoyable to watch.
Thanks for the closeups! My first skim coating job I did a few months ago I was fretting because I felt the mud should be silky smooth as the camera doesn't seem to pick that up. Once I get new drywall up in my garage I will be refreshing again on all your drywall videos!
Had to smash the Like button for the RUclips algorithm before I started watching because you always provide value man. We appreciate you man.
You’re such a Classic Legend!! Never ceases to amaze me how easy you make it look. I have learned so much from you! Thanks for all that you share! Keep ‘em coming!! 🤙🏽
Super helpful, as always! As a novice mudder (for our home restoration), I have watched your videos over and over (and reference them often in my own reTired Renovators videos. One thing I haven't seen covered is that there is an element of hand strength required to mud successfully. I haven't seem very many videos of women doing drywall. All this to say, I have a trowel (and use it sometimes), but it seems really heavy to me. I've found a 12" taping knife is about as large as I can go on the final coat. I'll never be a professional, but I AM improving thanks to your videos!
Great video. This is exactly where I am on drywalling my shop. I’ve always struggled with butt joints to edge joints. This will help tremendously!
Thanks for making this. I’ve been battling this for two years, trying different methods. Tomorrow I’m trying yours. Also, thanks for all your drywall videos in general. I’ve become my companies main drywall finisher. Hopefully I’m making you proud lol.
Appreciate the demonstration of the swoop in from a dry area. Wish I would have known that about 3 weeks ago. :) I'll have that for next time though.
I've watched a ton of your videos, I'm trying to fix some failed joints and cracks before painting. You make it look so easy. I'd love to see how much mud is in your lift offs with a bright light from the surface.
Thanks
thank you. I been leaning a lot from your teaching
Great video Ben-always informative and it's great to learn the different technique!
he is the best drywall teacher on RUclips
Thank you kindly for your tutorials
Thankyou so much. This was one of the most if not the most helpful video for intermediate drywallers ( i do bathroom remodels). Everything you covered I kindof struggle with in this video. Thanks.
Great to hear!
Great tips. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Love the channel keep them videos coming. Look forward to your videos everyday.
Very informative video thanx for sharing your knowledge
Legit going to be doing that ceiling joint you added on at the end tomorrow, great timing! Thanks lol
Fun to watch an artist at work!
Very good explanation
You’re the man. As a homeowner and weekend DIYer, I find your videos so helpful. You’re a wonderful teacher. But I have one question. What tools do I need to do a ceiling with now cracked seams/joints due to regular movement?
Great video again Ben really enjoy your videos
Love the way you explain
Thanks for explaining the nuances of angles and pressure. You've given me confidence so I've been working on the hallway drywall.
Can you answer a question I've discovered? Is it ok to dampen first coat mud before putting a final or semi-final coat on it? Being a n00b, I don't work that fast and find that the mud is drying out before I can get the inside corners nice looking.
Excellent instruction!
Great video. Loved your Bob and Brad reference at the beginning. Hope you never need their services.
I've been waiting for this video. Looking forward to applying your technique on my project. We'll see how that goes...
Great Videos.. Do you have any videos dedicated to sanding drywall mud? Do you do it in-between coats? What grit? mesh or regular sandpaper ? circular motion or back and forth ?
How do avoid getting a super smooth drywall compound surface opposed to the raw paper
All the details of sanding the mud .
Amazing video like always and so helpful and entertaining so keep up the great work Ben.
I needed this last week. There's still more to do though. Thanks!!
Love the technique I have to try that on my next job
First, your skills are mind blowing! Next, I'm in search of a good quality trowel. Any brand or characteristics I should look for? I'm in the US. Keep up the great work and making great videos!
Great video Ben! It's so hard to see the lift offs and imperfections you leave for sanding so I know how smooth I should get it before leaving to dry.
Can you show more hot mud videos and how you work with it, possible wet sponge and scraping it before it's fully cured.
Cole
Greetings from Brazil. Thought about using drywall in the house but it is difficult to find skilled labor for anything except mansonry. Most homes use drywall in false ceilings but even for this the labor is expensive.
Amazing video like always and so helpful. Thank you very much
Great tips. Thank you.
Good tips, Thanks
We do this at work too . When I do side jobs everything I do is separate because when you start feathering people start taking to much mud away from wear they intersect . Which will leave it hollow
When I block and skim drywall i usually go through and coat all of the butt joints then go back and coat the recessed edge joints. Since the drywall and previous dried joint compound suck the moisture out of the new mud the joints are usually dry enough to go over without doing major damage. But everyone had their won ways.
Could you explain the different types of trowels and their uses. And when to feather with which trowel . Thank you
You will have less issues with ceiling butts if you stagger them like you did on the walls. Line coating your fasteners instead of spotting makes sanding much easier as well.
Hey man,
As always a very informative video.
Anyhoo thanks once again for sharing.
✌️
I'm new to this channel, excellent videos
After doing my kids' bathroom ceiling (after not doing ceilings in YEARS), I'll never do another ceiling 🤣 I hated every minute of it 🤣 I'm not young and spunky anymore 🤣
Hey, great video. Interested on your thoughts of this method of finishing compared to how it would generally be done in the UK, completely covered with finishing plaster?
Wow. That was great. Excellent to have all of that detail from you.
Sometimes it is hard for a pro to put words to each step, particularly when you have 400,000 people staring at your butt.
Again, great info...,
Back to daughter's basement for 3rd. coat tomorrow AM. 😀
Good tip thank you. How much coats do you do, tape plus 3 coats?
Very Helpful. Tack Ben!
Brother VC,
Great movie!
Question: is it OK to mud over paint, if there's a small low spot?
Thanks
Nice lighting is everything when mudding right
NICE edit on this one!
Hooray! You got your cameramen back
Another good one, thanks.
Thanks!!!
I just drywalled my basement ceiling. I had to minimally box in the steel beam which runs down the middle of it. Because of that i was able to install all the drywall, buying 3 different lengths, without any butt joints. With windows at each end and a lot of sunlight coming in at low angle, i was afraid any butt joints would show up.
I have a 14” marshalltown curved trowel that puts a puts a perfect amount of mud and shape on joints. I’ve had that trowel for about 40 years.
Is there a way you can describe how much pressure you apply? I'm especially interested in the pressure used for the feathering the edge pass, then the following floating passes after that.
I have a feeling that the pressure is a lot less than I think...thanks for your videos by the way, I have watched for a while and applied the knowledge you have taught me in my house :)
If I ever apply half of what I've learned from guys like this on RUclips...VC has a patreon or similar & def owe him and several others at least a Benjamin
You rock bro.
Do a video where you hold the drywall with the towel and scrape it on with the hawk
1:48 very smooth
How do you make it look so easy dude like bro you are so good at this
“a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
im looking at getting a flat trowel from dewalt. they have a 0.4mm ultra flex, 0.5mm medium flex, and a 0.7mm thick rigid flex trowel in 12, and 14. which "flex" model would u get? would u want one that is super rigid or one thatis flexiable?
What thickness blade do you use? How much flex?
I’m Polish and can teach you a lot about drywall.
Drywallerey? Great content!
It's just nice seeing somebody mudding that's not me!!
Great content as always. I definitely “feathered” that like button lol
Poreousity! WOO! I just learned a new word.
Ben, is there a advantage or difference between using a square ended trowel vs using a rounded ended trowel for drywall finishing when applying mud?
Using a rounded trowel makes it difficult to feather your edges.. I never use a rounded trowel for finishing
Could not find it. But do you have a video on drywalling a tub surround?
You make an otherwise very boring “how to” into something I enjoy watching. Well done 👍🏼
Thanks :)