Now that is impressive, I am thinking of trying this in the only room that has lost its cornice in my victorian house, so I was so pleased to find this, Thank you for your efforts to put this on.
Nice work ! Hard to find this ability and level of craftsmanship any more. I have done the same type of work for many years to make molds for a cast stone and plaster company. To help a friend, I took leave of absence and did a plaster cornice with a double bead rail 6" below it at his property in the countryside. I never went back to the outfit and ended up starting my own custom work company. Now, if i could just find a helper like Sarah ...
That crown mold looks great. I also fabricate plaster crown molds and medallions. I use plexiglass for the knife and two rails for the sled. I use a rail on the ceiling and a rail on the wall. Waxed of course. I am capable of molding the miter by hand but I run small sections on a bench and cut them with a diamond saw and install the miter afterward. It saves time and looks fantastic.
@TheNathandan Hi you need Hydrated lime and fine casting plaster the lime needs to soak overnight then you gauge enough Lime and plaster together to roughly build out the shape on the first run then gauge your second mix to complete the moulding The ratio of Plaster to Lime should not be weaker than 50% Regards
@MrArtisticsound Hi and thanks for your interest The main area you mention depends on the size of cornice and how many mitres there are the linear lengths to run properly would take approx three days but again depends on if the moulding contains enrichment how many mitres you can do again depends on size and detail possibly two to three in a day.The running mould is cut and filed to shape from a good gauge zinc and is backed with marine ply five mm smaller in size and well strengthend Regards
Nice video, why do you cut the internal miters at 45 degrees and fill in, is it not possible to run to the end and make up the other wall to it and then you would surely only have one cornice to fill in, just an observation, also if you are doing external corners do you finish a corner on both sides in one go as they meet or do you let one dry and make the other to it when dry, a video on external corners would be really informative, thanks.
Hi and thanks for watching we also run sections down on a bench when possible unfortuanatly with a lot of vVctorian and Edwardian mouldings the members are not always deep enough to allow that when you are picking up on an original run Regards Sarah
BEAUTIFUL WORK! I'm a drywall finisher & painter. When I'm called for jobs that require cornice restoration, I refuse because I dont know how. I wont do shoddy work. I have basic plastering skills but I should've learned cornice running and restoration long ago. After watching your video I am confident that I can do it well with time and practice. QUESTION- How do you make a template of the cornice if it is attached to the wall? I have no loose pieces to work with. Thanks, Scott
@Ninagirl1966 I've done basic quadrant profile repair and I took a mould of about 6 inches length off an existing portion with quick set casting plaster applied thickly so I didn't have to back it; just used some scrim to give it body. I then ran this through a table saw carefully at 90 degrees to the run direction to get the exact profile on the cut edge. This I used to trace onto a sheet of plywood which I cut and made into the horse. Hope that helps.
@volvot5se I know exactly what you mean. When we run a shallow moulding on a bench we deviate from the traditional moulding plaster and use use bagged veneer plaster. Diamond finish by USG here in america. It's very strong even down to 3/8" thickness. We reinforce the unit with nylon fiber and fiberglass mesh backing. I doubt if a historic commission would favor the use of veneer plaster, but it is very strong and achieves great detail.
@freddyflaps Hello thanks for your interest yes exactly as you have said or you can be posh and get it laser cut on heavier gauge metal which is great if you have a few moulds to run Regards Colin
Beautiful work! I have alwyas wanted to test my hand at this, but know I dont have the skill. It is humbling watching you do this. Simply amazing! Oh, quick question what is the name of the song played during this video?
Excellent. I admire the art imensly but what kind of plaster is being used, what is the mould/template made from, zinc? Thanks for posting I look forward to more. I am trying to repair my victorian cornice due to cracking (building movement or subsidence) but the damage is mainly large cracks running across the cornice diagonally. Alastair
Thanks a lot for that info. I thought it was zinc from some work I had done 40 years ago. If you have any more postings to you tube, please let me know, I luv 'em. Ally P
A wonderful exibition of skill and art. I would love to see a video of you making up the horse and the knife for the running the cornice. I have a book with a chapter on ornamental plastering and know how it is done but would love to see it on video. I taught my self how to do traditional 3 coat plastering and would love to try ornamental plastering. How did you learn? Did you build a mockup and practice. did you use additives to slow the set of the plaster?
@dontthinksosomehow Because the mould profile has to sit in the middle of the slipper this does not allow the mould to run into the corner also the mitre is best carved both ways at the same time its not like scribing in skirtings or the like where you cut back accross the mitre.when it comes to external mitres you set your rules up to have a rebate and a brace on the rule to run the mould bothways at once regards
Around 90% of drywall in the UK has a finish coat of Thistle Board finish applied for decorating,we also have a float coat called Thistle Bonding this will give added strength and extra fire protection this has a finish coat applied when set Ie: Thistle Finish you could then run a Cornice without a problem.
@benny5825 Yes plastering sand is fine washed.When gauging lime putty and plaster you have to mix it on the spot board the ring out your putty add your water then sprinkle in your plaster no less than 50% plaster then box it all together make sure you mix enough to build up the first run dont forget it starts to set quite quickly and keep everything as clean as possible Regards
How do you layer the plaster onto the wall in the corner? Must be difficult, as too much plaster can just drop down? Can you give me a solution on how to layer the plaster between the wall and ceiling ?
I use a heavy gauge zinc with a 18 mm marine ply horse this stops the mould chattering if you are really fussy you can get a local engeneering shop to cut the profile in stainless Regards
@LectricEel Hi and thanks for your comment Lime putty is only required if you are running long lengths as it stops the casting plaster expanding to much if you used casting plaster on its own on long lengths it would expand causing the moulding to part company from the background in your case on small areas you can use it neat without a backing coat but spray the area well with plenty of water
@volvot5se Also, some questions. How do you cut your metal knife? I use to use shears and files; it was very time consuming. That is why I switched to the plexi. Have you ever had your knifes cut by water jet? If I have to ever have metal cut again, I am definitely doing water jet. It's very affordable and accurate. And how long have you been doing this work? Family business?
Thanks for reply ,is washed sand the same as plastering sand? also how do you mix the plaster and lime putty together ,water first,whats the ratio thanks?
Hi when you use 50% Lime and 50% casting plaster it starts to set Quickly so when you apply it to the mitres it will build up without to much difficultly plus the suction from the background also makes the difference make sure you keep the shape with your joint rules
Hi Ramonetheonly The plaster used for running in situ is Fine casting plaster the gauge to lime should not be weaker than 50% Herculite is the next strength up mainly used for benchwork .Running over window areas requires just the rule to span the area but your mould would have a rabit fixed to the underside of the horse.coping with uneven walls and ceilings requires you to run screeds of lime putty and plaster on the wall and ceiling line.Hope this answers the your questions Regards Colin
Are you outside of the UK because different methods used abroad I would not know about as for using plaster and putty on drywall can be used but you would need to key it well and also seal the boards.You would have to run the mould using a rabbet on your running mould otherwise the paper on the drywall would tear as the mould was passed over the run
Hi There are a couple of ways to take a template of your cornice the first and more difficult is a clay squeeze the second way and the easiest is to cut through the moulding with a saw making sure the cut is square do this on a good section of the cornice then slip the zinc into the cut again make sure it is square to the wall and ceiling line and draw around your moulding. The saw cut can be easily repaired Hope this helps Regards Colin
Thanks for the comment yes agree with you about externals we do the same its not an easy one to explain to someone who has not seen it before All the best
Hi. I have always loved the art in cornice making. It is so rewarding. How long does ir take to do a room, say 15' x 15' ? How do you make the metal mould/runner? I find it fascinating, Thanks, Mervyn
Hi Steve Joint rules are various lengths of steel normally 4 inches in width with one end cut to a 45 degree angle used for carving your mitres they are honed on one edge.A float coat also known as a browning coat is a base coat on which you would apply your finishing coat too. Base coats are becoming rare in this modern world as plaster/wallboard is becoming a popular method as it only requires setting as for rabit it acts as a guide on your running mould only used in certain casesRegardsColin
@TheNathandan Just spinkle lime into the water dont mix but make sure the lime is covered by water then next day tip excess water off and putty is ready to use
@allypullin Hi and thanks for your comment.The plaster is casting plaster mixed 50% Lime putty and 50%+ casting plaster run with a zinc profile backed with 18mm ply tools you will need for your repairs are a set of joint rules and a variety of small tools unless you are replacing long runs of cornice you would not need a running mould the tools mentioned should suffice Regards
@datzfast Yeah that cant be done with Lime putty and plaster the set is to quick but you can use that method on external mouldings using sand and cement Regards Sarah
Thanks for your comment.Yes you would normally take a template as years ago each plasterer would make the running mould himself as to the builders design ,So not one mould would be the same in anyway.One mould would be used on the estate being built so you can imagine if three plasterers worked on the same site each tradesman's mould would differ in size by a small amount and would not match another man's work unless they were all made by an engineering firm Regards Colin
@formidablepower Hi solid running is dying out it is mainly fibrous work these days if you are lucky you may find a few people who still use this method There is a trainee college I think they are based in Kent called Gold Trowel I know they teach fibrous work that involves running down solid on a bench give them a try Regards Colin
We mostly have to repair lengths of original mouldings so we have to run into these so running down on a bench is not always the option because a lot of original mouldings members are sunken below the ceiling line mainly because the original moulding was run on the plaster screeds and then the ceiling and walls were the set afterwards Regards Colin
Hi thanks for your question all depending on what finish you require for ares to be painted fine washed sand and cement will be fine but still sieve with fine mesh for areas of a natural finish powdered stone such as York or Derbyshire Sandstone Etc mixed with White Cement Hope this helps Regards
Hi Class A plaster is plaster of Paris when running in situ you cant use it neat hence the Lime if you tried to use it without the lime it would expand to much and part company with the background we only use it neat when running down on a bench or taking cast's from a reverse mould Hope this helps Regards Sarah
Thanks for your comment due to ill health wont be posting in future I served a five year apprentiship with three brothers in the sixties we restored many heritage properties in and around south of England I learned much from them also I had from very early days a book I kept close at hand was called Plastering a Craftsmen Encyclopaedia Pegg and Stagg stil available today Regards
Hi Plaster of Paris is used for moulding The only difference is there are several grades of plaster used in industry from low to high tensile strength we use the standard Casting Plaster to run mouldings in situ if you are casting ornaments etc you would not add Lime Regards Colin
@benny5825 Hi and thanks for watching.The answer to your question regarding external run mouldings is a gauge of 2 to 1 washed sharp sand and cement Regards Colin
The mix has to be Lime Putty and Casting Plaster when mixed together the ratio of plaster must not fall below 50% oterwise your finished moulding would be to soft
Now that is impressive, I am thinking of trying this in the only room that has lost its cornice in my victorian house, so I was so pleased to find this, Thank you for your efforts to put this on.
I just love this little video. I've just watched it for the 10th time. I find it calming and soothing.
Sarah you are a class act...very nicely done......and nice techniques with the gauging trowel and joint rule...........respect
Hi I always found this side of plastering as very satisfying and rewarding keep it up as there does not seem to be many of us left
Regards
Nice work ! Hard to find this ability and level of craftsmanship any more. I have done the same type of work for many years to make molds for a cast stone and plaster company. To help a friend, I took leave of absence and did a plaster cornice with a double bead rail 6" below it at his property in the countryside. I never went back to the outfit and ended up starting my own custom work company. Now, if i could just find a helper like Sarah ...
That crown mold looks great. I also fabricate plaster crown molds and medallions. I use plexiglass for the knife and two rails for the sled. I use a rail on the ceiling and a rail on the wall. Waxed of course. I am capable of molding the miter by hand but I run small sections on a bench and cut them with a diamond saw and install the miter afterward. It saves time and looks fantastic.
@TheNathandan Hi you need Hydrated lime and fine casting plaster the lime needs to soak overnight then you gauge enough Lime and plaster together to roughly build out the shape on the first run then gauge your second mix to complete the moulding
The ratio of Plaster to Lime should not be weaker than 50%
Regards
nice to see it run insitu , spent a long time in germany runing loads of external cornice all in insitu regards stuy
Love the video, it was very informative and a joy to watch.
@MrArtisticsound Hi and thanks for your interest The main area you mention depends on the size of cornice and how many mitres there are the linear lengths to run properly would take approx three days but again depends on if the moulding contains enrichment how many mitres you can do again depends on size and detail possibly two to three in a day.The running mould is cut and filed to shape from a good gauge zinc and is backed with marine ply five mm smaller in size and well strengthend Regards
Nice video, why do you cut the internal miters at 45 degrees and fill in, is it not possible to run to the end and make up the other wall to it and then you would surely only have one cornice to fill in, just an observation, also if you are doing external corners do you finish a corner on both sides in one go as they meet or do you let one dry and make the other to it when dry, a video on external corners would be really informative, thanks.
Hi and thanks for watching we also run sections down on a bench when possible unfortuanatly with a lot of vVctorian and Edwardian mouldings the members are not always deep enough to allow that when you are picking up on an original run
Regards
Sarah
BEAUTIFUL WORK! I'm a drywall finisher & painter. When I'm called for jobs that require cornice restoration, I refuse because I dont know how. I wont do shoddy work. I have basic plastering skills but I should've learned cornice running and restoration long ago. After watching your video I am confident that I can do it well with time and practice. QUESTION- How do you make a template of the cornice if it is attached to the wall? I have no loose pieces to work with. Thanks, Scott
@yobbsmissesalge Many thanks for your interest setting out your running rules is very important so it is worth taking time over
Regards
@Ninagirl1966 I've done basic quadrant profile repair and I took a mould of about 6 inches length off an existing portion with quick set casting plaster applied thickly so I didn't have to back it; just used some scrim to give it body. I then ran this through a table saw carefully at 90 degrees to the run direction to get the exact profile on the cut edge. This I used to trace onto a sheet of plywood which I cut and made into the horse. Hope that helps.
@volvot5se I know exactly what you mean. When we run a shallow moulding on a bench we deviate from the traditional moulding plaster and use use bagged veneer plaster. Diamond finish by USG here in america. It's very strong even down to 3/8" thickness. We reinforce the unit with nylon fiber and fiberglass mesh backing. I doubt if a historic commission would favor the use of veneer plaster, but it is very strong and achieves great detail.
Thanks for your kind words much appreciated the lime makes it pliable also slows up the expansion
Regards
nice to see run insitu!! ran loads of external cornice all insitu in germany now back in wales
@freddyflaps Hello thanks for your interest yes exactly as you have said or you can be posh and get it laser cut on heavier gauge metal which is great if you have a few moulds to run
Regards
Colin
Beautiful work! I have alwyas wanted to test my hand at this, but know I dont have the skill. It is humbling watching you do this. Simply amazing! Oh, quick question what is the name of the song played during this video?
Excellent. I admire the art imensly but what kind of plaster is being used, what is the mould/template made from, zinc?
Thanks for posting I look forward to more.
I am trying to repair my victorian cornice due to cracking (building movement or subsidence) but the damage is mainly large cracks running across the cornice diagonally.
Alastair
Thanks Steve hope you get more enquiries it really does pay well
Regards
Colin
Thanks a lot for that info. I thought it was zinc from some work I had done 40 years ago. If you have any more postings to you tube, please let me know, I luv 'em.
Ally P
Sorry for late reply I think its is called Caire Delune might be by debusy
A wonderful exibition of skill and art. I would love to see a video of you making up the horse and the knife for the running the cornice. I have a book with a chapter on ornamental plastering and know how it is done but would love to see it on video. I taught my self how to do traditional 3 coat plastering and would love to try ornamental plastering. How did you learn? Did you build a mockup and practice. did you use additives to slow the set of the plaster?
May I ask what you use to face off your moulds? I always fashion mine out of a zinc soaker.
@dontthinksosomehow Because the mould profile has to sit in the middle of the slipper this does not allow the mould to run into the corner also the mitre is best carved both ways at the same time its not like scribing in skirtings or the like where you cut back accross the mitre.when it comes to external mitres you set your rules up to have a rebate and a brace on the rule to run the mould bothways at once regards
@LectricEel Glad to be of assistance regards
Around 90% of drywall in the UK has a finish coat of Thistle Board finish applied for decorating,we also have a float coat called Thistle Bonding this will give added strength and extra fire protection this has a finish coat applied when set Ie: Thistle Finish you could then run a Cornice without a problem.
I need more info Are you talking fibrous Cornice or Gyproc coving
silly question. but what do use to cut the zinc. do you cut it riough with say a snips then file????
@benny5825 Yes plastering sand is fine washed.When gauging lime putty and plaster you have to mix it on the spot board the ring out your putty add your water then sprinkle in your plaster no less than 50% plaster then box it all together make sure you mix enough to build up the first run dont forget it starts to set quite quickly and keep everything as clean as possible
Regards
How do you layer the plaster onto the wall in the corner? Must be difficult, as too much plaster can just drop down? Can you give me a solution on how to layer the plaster between the wall and ceiling ?
What mix would you use for external moldings,thanks
I use a heavy gauge zinc with a 18 mm marine ply horse this stops the mould chattering if you are really fussy you can get a local engeneering shop to cut the profile in stainless
Regards
@LectricEel Hi and thanks for your comment Lime putty is only required if you are running long lengths as it stops the casting plaster expanding to much if you used casting plaster on its own on long lengths it would expand causing the moulding to part company from the background in your case on small areas you can use it neat without a backing coat but spray the area well with plenty of water
@volvot5se Also, some questions. How do you cut your metal knife? I use to use shears and files; it was very time consuming. That is why I switched to the plexi. Have you ever had your knifes cut by water jet? If I have to ever have metal cut again, I am definitely doing water jet. It's very affordable and accurate. And how long have you been doing this work? Family business?
Thanks for reply ,is washed sand the same as plastering sand? also how do you mix the plaster and lime putty together ,water first,whats the ratio thanks?
Hi when you use 50% Lime and 50% casting plaster it starts to set Quickly so when you apply it to the mitres it will build up without to much difficultly plus the suction from the background also makes the difference make sure you keep the shape with your joint rules
Hi Ramonetheonly The plaster used for running in situ is Fine casting plaster the gauge to lime should not be weaker than 50% Herculite is the next strength up mainly used for benchwork .Running over window areas requires just the rule to span the area but your mould would have a rabit fixed to the underside of the horse.coping with uneven walls and ceilings requires you to run screeds of lime putty and plaster on the wall and ceiling line.Hope this answers the your questions
Regards
Colin
Are you outside of the UK because different methods used abroad I would not know about as for using plaster and putty on drywall can be used but you would need to key it well and also seal the boards.You would have to run the mould using a rabbet on your running mould otherwise the paper on the drywall would tear as the mould was passed over the run
Hi There are a couple of ways to take a template of your cornice the first and more difficult is a clay squeeze the second way and the easiest is to cut through the moulding with a saw making sure the cut is square do this on a good section of the cornice then slip the zinc into the cut again make sure it is square to the wall and ceiling line and draw around your moulding. The saw cut can be easily repaired Hope this helps
Regards
Colin
Thanks for the comment yes agree with you about externals we do the same its not an easy one to explain to someone who has not seen it before
All the best
Thanks Roy glad you like it and thanks for your appreciative comment
hi just wondering what mix would you use for external molds in sand and cement,eg wall caps panel molds etc.thanks
Hi. I have always loved the art in cornice making. It is so rewarding. How long does ir take to do a room, say 15' x 15' ? How do you make the metal mould/runner? I find it fascinating, Thanks, Mervyn
HI Have had some profiles cut by laser or CNC but this is only for high class work normally we cut by hand and file to shape
Regards
Hi Steve Joint rules are various lengths of steel normally 4 inches in width with one end cut to a 45 degree angle used for carving your mitres they are honed on one edge.A float coat also known as a browning coat is a base coat on which you would apply your finishing coat too. Base coats are becoming rare in this modern world as plaster/wallboard is becoming a popular method as it only requires setting as for rabit it acts as a guide on your running mould only used in certain casesRegardsColin
We use joint rules for internal and external Mitres these are specially honed tools for the job.
Hi Steve Many thanks will answer your questions asap
Regards
@TheNathandan Just spinkle lime into the water dont mix but make sure the lime is covered by water then next day tip excess water off and putty is ready to use
@allypullin Hi and thanks for your comment.The plaster is casting plaster mixed 50% Lime putty and 50%+ casting plaster run with a zinc profile backed with 18mm ply tools you will need for your repairs are a set of joint rules and a variety of small tools unless you are replacing long runs of cornice you would not need a running mould the tools mentioned should suffice
Regards
@datzfast Yeah that cant be done with Lime putty and plaster the set is to quick but you can use that method on external mouldings using sand and cement
Regards
Sarah
Thanks for your comment.Yes you would normally take a template as years ago each plasterer would make the running mould himself as to the builders design ,So not one mould would be the same in anyway.One mould would be used on the estate being built so you can imagine if three plasterers worked on the same site each tradesman's mould would differ in size by a small amount and would not match another man's work unless they were all made by an engineering firm
Regards
Colin
@artregeous Many Thanks Regards
@formidablepower Hi solid running is dying out it is mainly fibrous work these days if you are lucky you may find a few people who still use this method There is a trainee college I think they are based in Kent called Gold Trowel I know they teach fibrous work that involves running down solid on a bench give them a try
Regards
Colin
We mostly have to repair lengths of original mouldings so we have to run into these so running down on a bench is not always the option because a lot of original mouldings members are sunken below the ceiling line mainly because the original moulding was run on the plaster screeds and then the ceiling and walls were the set afterwards
Regards
Colin
Hi thanks for your question all depending on what finish you require for ares to be painted fine washed sand and cement will be fine but still sieve with fine mesh for areas of a natural finish powdered stone such as York or Derbyshire Sandstone Etc mixed with White Cement Hope this helps Regards
where are you based?
Your comment is very much appreciated
Thanks
Sarah
@LectricEel Casting plaster will only give you 20 mins at the most you have not got a bad batch regards
Hi Class A plaster is plaster of Paris when running in situ you cant use it neat hence the Lime if you tried to use it without the lime it would expand to much and part company with the background we only use it neat when running down on a bench or taking cast's from a reverse mould
Hope this helps
Regards
Sarah
Nice work. Cool vid. Thx.
@eav0567 Hi and thanks for viewing i cant remember the title of the music but i will try to find it and let you know Regards Colin
Thanks Ron for the comment can I now add therapist to the side of my van LoL!
Love your Vid by the way
Regards
Colin
@MultiBob2002 Many Thanks for your comments
Regards
Colin
Sarah my new favorite plasterer.
@Rabidavid Many Thanks for your comment
Regards
Colin
Thanks for your comment due to ill health wont be posting in future I served a five year apprentiship with three brothers in the sixties we restored many heritage properties in and around south of England I learned much from them also I had from very early days a book I kept close at hand was called Plastering a Craftsmen Encyclopaedia Pegg and Stagg stil available today Regards
Hi Plaster of Paris is used for moulding The only difference is there are several grades of plaster used in industry from low to high tensile strength we use the standard Casting Plaster to run mouldings in situ if you are casting ornaments etc you would not add Lime
Regards
Colin
Glad to be of assistance
Regards
@benny5825 Hi and thanks for watching.The answer to your question regarding external run mouldings is a gauge of 2 to 1 washed sharp sand and cement
Regards
Colin
We are based in Shepperton England
Regards
The mix has to be Lime Putty and Casting Plaster when mixed together the ratio of plaster must not fall below 50% oterwise your finished moulding would be to soft
many thanks for your comment and taking time to view Regards
Thank you so much for this. RontheBuilderx
@allypullin Thanks I have a video on how to make an Arch on a bench you may find interesting at my channel volvot5se
Regards
Colin
Many thanks for your comments I will try to find out the name of the piece of music as I deleted the video editor footage it will let you know asap
Thanks for your comment as you ask a few questions I will get back to you asap
Time is a little tite at the moment
Regards
Thank you for watching
Regards
No weaker than 50% Lime putty and 50% Plaster Hope this answer's the question
Regards
GULP ! Now that is skill.
Sarah is totally beautiful....
@dewexdewex Many Thanks for your comment regards Colin