I am a time served old school plasterer. I was plastering long before even walls were invented and i would never recommend using this method. As a final finish i always apply wood-chip or a very thick heavily embossed wallpaper and always replace the light-bulb with a very low 15 watt unit or damage the light fitting completely before the customer gets back home. As a rule i tell the customer to give it all a chance to fully dry before coming to any conclusions which as it happens is usually just about the same amount of time it takes for the cheque to clear 😉
@@CharlieDIYte Haha. Actually the old sponge routine fingy seems a revelation. I have myself in the past tried to liven up a fast drying wall with a wet cheap car cleaning sponge and it certainly has helped in hot weather when it's caught you with your pants down, but to have a dedicated tool and use it all the time, i can see it being a very helpful way to get a good flat finish. Plaster has a mind of it's own, it really does so i think you can't go too far wrong to have an additional weapon in your arsenal to beat the bugger before it beats you Great informative video's and entertaining to watch too. Cheers.
After watching this video i decided to buy a sponge trowel and boy it has changed my life. I have plastered the kitchen, washed the dishes and even used it to level off the rear garden. At this rate i will.soon run out of things to do.
Just finished my third plastered wall, always said plastering was for the professionals but videos like this encouraged me to have a go and I’m pleased I did. My tips would be 1. Start small to get the idea and timings, no more than 1 or 2 full plasterboards, I found 3L to 1/4 bag of multifinish (25kg bag) per board worked for me. 2. Just slap the plaster on the wall quickly (like dot and dab) then trowel it flat, there’s no way you are going to apply it as gracefully as the guy in the video so don’t try. 3. The Speedskim and Marshall sponge are your friends and the only way you will get anything close to professional. 4. Don’t be obsessed with perfect flatness, by the time you’ve painted it, rehung the rad and put some pictures up no one will notice (unless you invite a professional plasterer to dinner).
🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools. ☕Charlie DIYte Buy Me a Coffee Membership bit.ly/3xuQ3zb - access our incredible Discord DIY forum and help support my Channel. 👚Charlie DIYte Official Merch Store charlie-diyte.myspreadshop.co.uk/ - all new range of professionally designed merch.
I’ve just skimmed my living room and never skimmed a wall in my life and iam renovatingthe who house so got my self a Marshall town trowel and a ox ultra flex and decided to get a spunge rubber float and it definitely helped me to get a really good finish
Brilliant video for the beginner Charlie I do some plastering I'm not a expert but with sponge float I've found it far easier...thanks for sharing mate ...all the best
I know this guy and not only is he talented but he is a generally good guy. Anyone who thinks this was good tell a friend or/and family. Do it for Gerard. Because he deserves it. Like if u agree I \/
I have tried using the floats on skimming inside houses where people are living and I really think it does help flatten the walls. In the old days you would go over it three or four times to get a good polished surface. Here in the states when you have a good lime and gauging finish coat just the trowel works good. When you are working with a product that gives you less than an hour you really have to turn and burn as we call it. Thank you for your videos ! A wise School Administrator once told me” not every teacher is a craftsman- but every craftsman is a teacher”! How very true! Keep up the great videos. I love how you guys over there still plaster more than we do over here! Everybody wants to do drywall cause it costs less but the quality is not the same! All of our houses we own are plaster!
Use this method a lot due to doing a lot of heritage work where as the material is lime putty but never done it with multi/board finish. We all got our own ways of how we plaster, anything that makes the job easier is a bonus, jobs hard enough.
Nice video. Superflex trowels work great for flatting, lighter and easier on the user too. Sponging used with a flexible trowel can give excellent results on older walls and ceilings I find.
@@moregearsthenapushbike4772 really have no recollection of posting that comment and certainly don’t recommend using a flexy trowel to flatten. Should your username be ‘more gears than a push bike’?
I have used this method finishing with a nela flex trowl and yes it's much easier as a DIY to get good flat finish and less physical effort on joints ect ,your vids are really great and helpful thanks
@@pauldolton9118 timing don't have ,as many factors can make Difference heat ,plasterboard suction,and sometimes my own speed on wall coverage ,so it ts more a question of feel if wall too wet you be taking off and wall too dry you'd have to add water so float glides I found great vid by skill builder on RUclips how to plaster in one day or something like that hope that helps mate
Been a plasterer for a very long time sponging is no good your making more of the job you can tell buy the wall in the background its been messed with to much steel all the way
I’ve used one back in 2002 in London Plasterers started using it for float& set ( skim over hard wall ) and it really made a difference. No method beats two coat skimming ,in my opinion Good video, and very well explained btw
Interesting idea! Been plastering for 37 yrs now and I remember in college they taught us to use a wooden float on the final skim coat. Though most spreads out on site never bothered. TBH, will give it a go and have ordered one! Will update when I have given it a go! Thanks for the idea👍
I used a spunge float 5 years ago on a room the walls ended up perfect, I've just done 3 walls in my kitchen and I'm not happy with it I've ordered another one but I need it today it hasn't come yet so I'm going to screwfix now. I highly recommend them . You can get your walls spot on, no matter how good a plasterer you are you won't get it as good as a spunge float.
Put simply, sponge floating is good for evening out plaster on a wall where it was hard to get an even initial coat, say blue grit or hardwall/base coat. On plasterboard the only reason to spongefloat imo is if you screw up and let the 1st or second coat firm up without flattening properly, spongefloating will revive it enough to even it out.
I only ever use the sponge float method on walls that need it now my method is mainly sponge float 1st flatten with marshalltown Ss then finish of with a nela superflex the big test is shine a light on it when its painted you need to know what your doing with these flexitrowels yes it looks great when dry but be very careful as you can get very bumpy walls nice upload got a sub👍
Thanks Gordon - for the comment and the sub!! Makes sense that. Sounds like the superflex is great but you've got to be experienced to get the best out of it.
@@CharlieDIYte I agree I've been uploading my journey with the spongefloat method over the past year it's been alot of trial and error but got it sussed out now lol👍
A great practical video - love the detailed explanations given - reminds me of Gid Joiner - another of my favourite channels! Keep these practical vids coming Charlie!
Nice trowl operation. I now watch for the finite technique pros use. I do handyman repairs and do a bit of stucco repair. The sponge is a great idea. I know the green sponge very well. Thank you. Make money and trowl on.
Watching Gerard plaster with a cup of tea on a Saturday afternoon is oddly satisfying. Shame the rubber float got the plaster setting so fast that he couldn't have a cuppa of his own!
Tell Gerrard to give the speed skim another go I mainly do over skimming work in kitchen and houses like yours I use the speed skim to flatten and straighten up my fist coat it allows you to put the 1st coat on a little thicker as it seams to tamp the plaster and take out the water also the nela super flex 2 is far superior to the refina I'm like Gerrard traditional I only have 20 years on my back tho great video by the way
I've been mostly using a Wickes sponge float but after a while it starts to defragment and you end up with bits on the surface. Never tried a Marshalltown, it's much cheaper than Wickes one. The Wickes device is two tools in one because when the sponge has completely gone I scrape off the surface and use it as a float.
the refina superflex i have been using is really good but u can only use it for 2 rubs max when finishing as any more than that can leave bumps , best way steel trowel after sponging and 2 superflex trowells to finish leaving about 10-15 min in between trowels worked best for me
Rafina superflix what a beauty the best to use for finishing in any method of plastering and gerad and charlie plasteeing videos was the ones i watched just before i set of for my first ever job .And have subscride and been learning a lot of tips .👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I've been plastering for around the same time and all I've used in this time is a 14 inch stainless steel Marshall town. First coat second coat till job done. Can be time consuming. Its how I've been taught. But heard people are using all these new products. I say new but it's not really now is it. I've got some big hits coming up and its not getting any easier. Sponge floats, spatula's 🤔 I need to change my game abit to make it abit easier. Thanks for the review 👍
The best way for a DIY'er to get a good finish on a wall is to get a professional like Gerard to do it in the first place. Plastering is a 'Art' and all praise to those who can do it. My skill with plastering stops at re grouting an electrical conduit or plumbing run ;)
@@uBmaniac I don’t know but plaster in UK is very hard to sand, it’s not like level 5 stuff abroad which you can sand without any issues, but just plaster alone is not designed for sanding if you mess it up
@@uBmaniac A plaster will never sand plaster in UK and a good plasterer will have it smooth and flat and ready to paint, your not meant to sand plaster down and UK plaster is not designed to be sanded, I’ve never known fresh plaster sanded down, yes if it’s already been painted but that’s a different topic than the video
I'm new to speedskim. Got one ready waiting for me to pick up at screwfix. Next weekend I'm on a big ceiling where spongefloat and speedskim will both make a first appearance!
Hi Charlie. Actually that sponge float has been around for quite a while. I bought mine almost 20 years ago as it's recommended for use with One Coat plaster.
great finish ,be carefull not to leave the lines in finish,if trowlled at the wrong time,they have been out for many years,first used in the eighties, a german method for one coat gyps.
😂😂 yes now i have the refina superflex trowel I can't imagine life without it, any other just won't do Its amazing you can skip to work when you own a refina superflex trowel. Also available is the dog paw print sponge for dabbing in wet cement & concrete for outside jobs.😂😂
I live in Thailand and this has been the rendering method for donkeys years. They floats are simple plastic with spikes on, 50p maybe, then you buy 10p sponges to stick on the throw away as they wear out. Yes they give a mottled finish as there is no finish plaster here but because its so hot render dries out in minutes so the sponge keeps it damp. The technique here is generally two thin coats but you need to work fast. I had never rendered befored, but i rendered all the walls around my house with the sponge float and it looks great.
Back in the day we used a wooden Cross-Grain Float - Lasted years, always a great finish - try it - you'll be pleased you did - Excellent for internals, keeps the straight'n'true, no need for angle-tools - Needs a good old soaking at the start of every day though :-)
Thanks Peter. I read about those when I was researching for a small plastering job I did in the spare bathroom a few years back. Haven't been able to find anyone who's used one though - until now!
I was the same Peter, we used the cross grain float on all internal corners, window reveals etc. We also used a yellow pine setting float too, for 3 coat work, (setting trowel, setting float, setting trowel) , also used a "twitcher" for all internal corners etc. No corner beads then either, all corners formed and returned "wet".
Very nice craftmanship plastering the entire wall straight. Over here all the plasterboards come with a recessed long edge so you only need to plaster over the edges and screw holes. The finished painted surface is actually level with the paper coating the boards come with. Makes it easy for a DIYer to get it perfectly straight but I suppose the boards are slightly more expensive.
Gerard and I were talking about that the other day. I guess you're in the States - thanks for the comment!! ? As a matter of fact we have those boards here too, and the insulated boards that made up the wall with the windows had the recesses edge. Certainly on the domestic front we tend to plaster the whole board though, rather than just the tapered edges.
@@CharlieDIYte I am actually in Sweden, interesting that there are such different processes while we are not that far from you. An example of the board is "Gyproc GN 13". They are used for domestic and commercial everywhere that you put plasterboard on wood or metal studs.
I tried plastering a wall in my house, it was a complete mess and was only descent after days and days of sanding, had to go out and buy a decent electric sander. Spent about a week hovering up the dust and kept on clogging the filter on my dyson was a complete nightmare wish I just got a pro to do it haha
Sorry to hear that, Ian, and yes Dysons are definitely not up to that sort of challenge. You should invest in a Henry if you're ever contemplating this again 👍
I've been using a sponge float on 1 coat and was just thinking shall i see what its like on multi finish. Answered my question as i gotta ceiling to do next.
@@cosworthjn2 I'd never employ a plasterer who applied just one coat. A guy did that on my bathroom here and the finish upsets me every time I walk in the room. Would have done a better job myself.
Good method, I use steel13-14 “ Marshalltown put on, flatten with Rafina spat, second coat steel Marshalltown then rafina superflex another once over then ox plastic. Have to try the sponge float method, especially if it speeds the process us.
Hi Charlie.so he trowelled on his first coat of plaster, flattened it out, second coat of plaster, flattened second coat then coarse sponged it then used flexi trowel?
I bought a Nela trowel a few years ago and it is great. The flex trowels are finally making their way into America. They make your job a lot easier! You guys over there have a lot better tools available!
Pop to your local Polish building supply market and try Cekol C45, Atlas Gipsar or Śnieżka Acryl Putz (all powders about £12 for 25kg) - you will get a perfectly white, smooth finish just with a skimming trowel. Then any latex or acryl emulsion paint to enjoy pleasant microclimate as gypsum takes and gives back humidity
ive been plastering a while and useing a sponge float seems to make the job harder,i put on with mt 16,keeping it flat,2nd coat with same,then flatten with refina plastic,then dry trowell with flexi.i think the sponge may work on larger areas ,im not knocking it and i havnt tried it yet but it just looks like more effort.
I’ve been through lots of plasterers and by and large there are ALWAYS imperfections. I go round with a tub of premixed easy sand filler, quick rub with a fine sand paper, job done. There are not many plasterers that will spend hours getting it perfect. Shine a strong light on it sideways it will look like the Swiss alps.
I don't sponge float but I absolutely swear by the super flex trowels. I use a nela one and it makes the job an absolute breeze. But only for the final stages
Glad you posted this video and it brings a few questions up for me. Why do plasterers use two coats in the UK? Is it because of the plaster material? In NL and DE I see plasterers and myself use Knauf MP75 or redband one coat and your finished in half the time. It doesn't cost any more than in the UK, but I see it is difficult to find at the likes of B&Q, Wickes, etc. In fact for large areas, to my amazement, they even spray the stuff on and finish it off in record time. I thought those sponge floats were for polishing, or are there different types? After trowelling the stuff on, flattening it, using a speedskim. Let it harden a bit and then use the sponge to polish the surface finishing quickly with a flexible trowel. Timing is everything and I regularly end up working like a maniac in some situations where the plaster is drying off, or I haven't got it on the wall fast enough. Polishing gives it a super smooth finish and no sanding required afterwards. No trowel marks. You don't mention it in the video, but I often wonder why manufacturers sell sanding equipment/vacuums in relation to plastering? I can only think, to sand, is for disasters or am I missing something? Less dust is always better. Anyway, thanks for posting the video, I get a lot of useful information and enjoyment watching them along with Skillbuilder and Plumberparts.
We use thistle multifinish or board finish which goes off quicker ,two coats gets a flatter wall,I give it a sponge float after the second trowel as it flatten the wall better then give it a cross trowel with 16’’ nela superflex trowel.For the video I only did one wall,but normally would put two walls on,it’s about 90mins setting time with thistle board finish.
iv been doing this for 20 years and the last couple of years iv made my own trowels out of long pvc stop beads smashing 40 mtrs a hit = 80 mtrs a day and out the gap by 2 oclock .money for jam
Nice work, my sitting room just plastered week ago 2 guys did it in a day and they are on horse. I'm thinking to get another plasterer for redoing it. Trying to find that their on vans this time.
This sponging & troweling (sometimes with a taping knife) method has been used for years by drywall mudders who don't want to get emphysema from constant sanding. I've always been happy with it, but I don't have the sense of timing to get that mirror finish that has always impressed my on real plaster walls; it was always very flat, but chalky. Glad to see it being put to use in a more traditional trade.
Yeah superflex is so versatile,great on the walls,great for cleaning blood off the car,badgers,cats and many more,great in the bath after plastering,great for wallpapering but leaves shit everywhere if you don't clean it properly,great for wetting envelopes,it's the dogs bollox.
I always two coat and float in between coats it brings the fat to the surface and gives it a nice consistent pink colour once it’s dry and the fat is easier to trowel off and fill the wholes also use figure 8s or circular motion
Not in a million years would i use this method...plastered from the age of 16.. marshaltown trowel to lay on followed by a few goings over with a refina plastic trowel jobs a good un and way way quicker
Why don’t you just trowel up with the marshaltown? That’s all I ever did when I used to do it. Plastic trowels weren’t even invented I don’t think. What advantage is the plastic one? Also are they the same size trowels ?
@@shaunsart advantage of the refina plasic trowel is..... if you have ever used one.. saves time drags the water out of the plaster and you use less water when you trowel up . So all in it cuts the time you spend on each set.
So we use the rubber float to take away uneven plater? what happens if you put more plaster to smooth the trowel mark, is that not the correct method? 1:80
1:05 If you want to make really smooth finish why you use COARSE rubber float when there is also fine ones available? Or even better might be sponge float depending plaster that you are using.
I am a time served old school plasterer. I was plastering long before even walls were invented and i would never recommend using this method. As a final finish i always apply wood-chip or a very thick heavily embossed wallpaper and always replace the light-bulb with a very low 15 watt unit or damage the light fitting completely before the customer gets back home. As a rule i tell the customer to give it all a chance to fully dry before coming to any conclusions which as it happens is usually just about the same amount of time it takes for the cheque to clear 😉
That made me chuckle!
@@CharlieDIYte Haha. Actually the old sponge routine fingy seems a revelation. I have myself in the past tried to liven up a fast drying wall with a wet cheap car cleaning sponge and it certainly has helped in hot weather when it's caught you with your pants down, but to have a dedicated tool and use it all the time, i can see it being a very helpful way to get a good flat finish. Plaster has a mind of it's own, it really does so i think you can't go too far wrong to have an additional weapon in your arsenal to beat the bugger before it beats you Great informative video's and entertaining to watch too. Cheers.
haha proper old school 😂🤣🤣
Quality 😂😂
Haha u know all the tricks of the trade you oldschool boys🤣
After watching this video i decided to buy a sponge trowel and boy it has changed my life. I have plastered the kitchen, washed the dishes and even used it to level off the rear garden. At this rate i will.soon run out of things to do.
You haven't used it to lay the carpets?
Where did you buy it from?
@@mariosavva999 or paint the walls?
Just finished my third plastered wall, always said plastering was for the professionals but videos like this encouraged me to have a go and I’m pleased I did. My tips would be 1. Start small to get the idea and timings, no more than 1 or 2 full plasterboards, I found 3L to 1/4 bag of multifinish (25kg bag) per board worked for me. 2. Just slap the plaster on the wall quickly (like dot and dab) then trowel it flat, there’s no way you are going to apply it as gracefully as the guy in the video so don’t try. 3. The Speedskim and Marshall sponge are your friends and the only way you will get anything close to professional. 4. Don’t be obsessed with perfect flatness, by the time you’ve painted it, rehung the rad and put some pictures up no one will notice (unless you invite a professional plasterer to dinner).
Great tips. Take a look at this one too. It's a bit more definitive ruclips.net/video/Ksc2mghC-4c/видео.html
When did you start the sponge?
Did the wall feel firm and dry?
We were doing this almost thirty years ago with a grout float.
🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools.
☕Charlie DIYte Buy Me a Coffee Membership bit.ly/3xuQ3zb - access our incredible Discord DIY forum and help support my Channel.
👚Charlie DIYte Official Merch Store charlie-diyte.myspreadshop.co.uk/ - all new range of professionally designed merch.
instablaster...
I’ve just skimmed my living room and never skimmed a wall in my life and iam renovatingthe who house so got my self a Marshall town trowel and a ox ultra flex and decided to get a spunge rubber float and it definitely helped me to get a really good finish
Glad to hear that, Matty. 👍🏻
DIY plasterer tried Gerrards method ordered a Refina sponge float and superflex trowel what a finish thanks again
Sounds like a nice bloke and a tidy plasterer 👍
Charlie diyte the man who makes DIY videos with someone else doing all the work
Gerrard seems the real deal. Those walls that have dried. They look absolutely a lovely finish
Brilliant video for the beginner Charlie I do some plastering I'm not a expert but with sponge float I've found it far easier...thanks for sharing mate ...all the best
Thanks James, glad you found it useful. Good effort tackling plastering. 👏
Hi. I have been plastering for 16 years and I tried this today, couldn't believe how quick it is. Thank you.
From james at js plastering
I know this guy and not only is he talented but he is a generally good guy. Anyone who thinks this was good tell a friend or/and family. Do it for Gerard. Because he deserves it. Like if u agree
I
\/
Thanks Emma
gerard james that is ok :)
I have tried using the floats on skimming inside houses where people are living and I really think it does help flatten the walls. In the old days you would go over it three or four times to get a good polished surface.
Here in the states when you have a good lime and gauging finish coat just the trowel works good. When you are working with a product that gives you less than an hour you really have to turn and burn as we call it.
Thank you for your videos !
A wise School Administrator once told me” not every teacher is a craftsman- but every craftsman is a teacher”! How very true! Keep up the great videos. I love how you guys over there still plaster more than we do over here! Everybody wants to do drywall cause it costs less but the quality is not the same! All of our houses we own are plaster!
Cant beat a good spread! What a nice chap too! All the best.
Use this method a lot due to doing a lot of heritage work where as the material is lime putty but never done it with multi/board finish. We all got our own ways of how we plaster, anything that makes the job easier is a bonus, jobs hard enough.
Exactly. Thanks for the comment 👍
Nice video. Superflex trowels work great for flatting, lighter and easier on the user too. Sponging used with a flexible trowel can give excellent results on older walls and ceilings I find.
Thanks Dean.
you don’t flat with a flexible trowel 😂 you want a stiff trowel or it won’t be flat ffs
@@moregearsthenapushbike4772 really have no recollection of posting that comment and certainly don’t recommend using a flexy trowel to flatten.
Should your username be ‘more gears than a push bike’?
I have used this method finishing with a nela flex trowl and yes it's much easier as a DIY to get good flat finish and less physical effort on joints ect ,your vids are really great and helpful thanks
what were your timings between applications, how long did you wait before sponge then trowel?
@@pauldolton9118 timing don't have ,as many factors can make Difference heat ,plasterboard suction,and sometimes my own speed on wall coverage ,so it ts more a question of feel if wall too wet you be taking off and wall too dry you'd have to add water so float glides I found great vid by skill builder on RUclips how to plaster in one day or something like that hope that helps mate
Been a plasterer for a very long time sponging is no good your making more of the job you can tell buy the wall in the background its been messed with to much steel all the way
I’ve used one back in 2002 in London
Plasterers started using it for float& set ( skim over hard wall ) and it really made a difference.
No method beats two coat skimming ,in my opinion
Good video, and very well explained btw
Interesting idea! Been plastering for 37 yrs now and I remember in college they taught us to use a wooden float on the final skim coat. Though most spreads out on site never bothered. TBH, will give it a go and have ordered one! Will update when I have given it a go! Thanks for the idea👍
I was taught to float second coat with my then yellow pine float
Guy makes it look so easy ...cool plastering chap
I used a spunge float 5 years ago on a room the walls ended up perfect, I've just done 3 walls in my kitchen and I'm not happy with it I've ordered another one but I need it today it hasn't come yet so I'm going to screwfix now. I highly recommend them . You can get your walls spot on, no matter how good a plasterer you are you won't get it as good as a spunge float.
Put simply, sponge floating is good for evening out plaster on a wall where it was hard to get an even initial coat, say blue grit or hardwall/base coat. On plasterboard the only reason to spongefloat imo is if you screw up and let the 1st or second coat firm up without flattening properly, spongefloating will revive it enough to even it out.
very useful bit of info on plastering and would get a sponge float for sure makes it look much easier as to save a bit of time like. many thanks.
I only ever use the sponge float method on walls that need it now my method is mainly sponge float 1st flatten with marshalltown Ss then finish of with a nela superflex the big test is shine a light on it when its painted you need to know what your doing with these flexitrowels yes it looks great when dry but be very careful as you can get very bumpy walls nice upload got a sub👍
Thanks Gordon - for the comment and the sub!! Makes sense that. Sounds like the superflex is great but you've got to be experienced to get the best out of it.
@@CharlieDIYte I agree I've been uploading my journey with the spongefloat method over the past year it's been alot of trial and error but got it sussed out now lol👍
You could use the super flex to put your second coat on and then see it to the end of your final trowelling brilliant bit of kit to have mate 👍👍
Thanks mate. That's great to know!
A great practical video - love the detailed explanations given - reminds me of Gid Joiner - another of my favourite channels! Keep these practical vids coming Charlie!
Here in Ireland we’ve used the orange sponge float for years leaves a great finish
Some of the best plasterers have come from your shores 👍
Wished I had seen this earlier. Just plastered my bathroom ceiling, came out okay, but sponging would have put it on a different level.😂👍🏻
Nice trowl operation. I now watch for the finite technique pros use. I do handyman repairs and do a bit of stucco repair. The sponge is a great idea. I know the green sponge very well. Thank you. Make money and trowl on.
Watching Gerard plaster with a cup of tea on a Saturday afternoon is oddly satisfying. Shame the rubber float got the plaster setting so fast that he couldn't have a cuppa of his own!
Tell Gerrard to give the speed skim another go I mainly do over skimming work in kitchen and houses like yours I use the speed skim to flatten and straighten up my fist coat it allows you to put the 1st coat on a little thicker as it seams to tamp the plaster and take out the water also the nela super flex 2 is far superior to the refina I'm like Gerrard traditional I only have 20 years on my back tho great video by the way
Another great and helpful video for us diyers cheers mate all the best
I've been mostly using a Wickes sponge float but after a while it starts to defragment and you end up with bits on the surface. Never tried a Marshalltown, it's much cheaper than Wickes one.
The Wickes device is two tools in one because when the sponge has completely gone I scrape off the surface and use it as a float.
the refina superflex i have been using is really good but u can only use it for 2 rubs max when finishing as any more than that can leave bumps , best way steel trowel after sponging and 2 superflex trowells to finish leaving about 10-15 min in between trowels worked best for me
Rafina superflix what a beauty the best to use for finishing in any method of plastering and gerad and charlie plasteeing videos was the ones i watched just before i set of for my first ever job .And have subscride and been learning a lot of tips .👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks mate. Glad you've found them useful 👍🏻
@@CharlieDIYte your welcome buddy
I've been plastering for around the same time and all I've used in this time is a 14 inch stainless steel Marshall town.
First coat second coat till job done.
Can be time consuming. Its how I've been taught. But heard people are using all these new products. I say new but it's not really now is it.
I've got some big hits coming up and its not getting any easier.
Sponge floats, spatula's 🤔
I need to change my game abit to make it abit easier. Thanks for the review 👍
I'm a time served plasterer. Been using these in Spain for over 10 years
Great video Charlie I like the collaboration with other builders too.. Keep it up!
Thanks mate!!
The best way for a DIY'er to get a good finish on a wall is to get a professional like Gerard to do it in the first place. Plastering is a 'Art' and all praise to those who can do it. My skill with plastering stops at re grouting an electrical conduit or plumbing run ;)
Yes, I agree. I can do small areas and repairs but I always get a top pro to plaster larger areas. I know my limitations.
Charlie s a far better guy than Ramsey . He’s genuine to boot
Thanks Terry 👍
Much easier than sanding after the act. Fantastic!
I don’t think anyone does sanding in uk
@@M.E63 professional painters and decorators
@@uBmaniac I don’t know but plaster in UK is very hard to sand, it’s not like level 5 stuff abroad which you can sand without any issues, but just plaster alone is not designed for sanding if you mess it up
@@M.E63 I'm from the UK and work in the trade. You still have to sand it down to get a perfect paint finish
@@uBmaniac A plaster will never sand plaster in UK and a good plasterer will have it smooth and flat and ready to paint, your not meant to sand plaster down and UK plaster is not designed to be sanded, I’ve never known fresh plaster sanded down, yes if it’s already been painted but that’s a different topic than the video
Just got myself an ox ultraflex... Brilliant kit
Using nela superflex 16’’ now
I'm new to speedskim. Got one ready waiting for me to pick up at screwfix. Next weekend I'm on a big ceiling where spongefloat and speedskim will both make a first appearance!
Let me know how you get on 👍
@@CharlieDIYte I will :-)
Hi Charlie. Actually that sponge float has been around for quite a while. I bought mine almost 20 years ago as it's recommended for use with One Coat plaster.
I was doin this in 1997 in Ireland this is not a new idea
great finish ,be carefull not to leave the lines in finish,if trowlled at the wrong time,they have been out for many years,first used in the eighties, a german method for one coat gyps.
Love Gerard and will be calling him back, as a modern technology adopting plasterer (lol), to finish off my Birmingham-based Edwardian terrace.
Should've said. Thanks Charlie, great video again
😂😂 yes now i have the refina superflex trowel I can't imagine life without it, any other just won't do Its amazing you can skip to work when you own a refina superflex trowel. Also available is the dog paw print sponge for dabbing in wet cement & concrete for outside jobs.😂😂
That's good to know. Thanks buddy 👊🏻
I live in Thailand and this has been the rendering method for donkeys years. They floats are simple plastic with spikes on, 50p maybe, then you buy 10p sponges to stick on the throw away as they wear out. Yes they give a mottled finish as there is no finish plaster here but because its so hot render dries out in minutes so the sponge keeps it damp. The technique here is generally two thin coats but you need to work fast.
I had never rendered befored, but i rendered all the walls around my house with the sponge float and it looks great.
Back in the day we used a wooden Cross-Grain Float - Lasted years, always a great finish - try it - you'll be pleased you did - Excellent for internals, keeps the straight'n'true, no need for angle-tools - Needs a good old soaking at the start of every day though :-)
Thanks Peter. I read about those when I was researching for a small plastering job I did in the spare bathroom a few years back. Haven't been able to find anyone who's used one though - until now!
I was the same Peter, we used the cross grain float on all internal corners, window reveals etc. We also used a yellow pine setting float too, for 3 coat work, (setting trowel, setting float, setting trowel) , also used a "twitcher" for all internal corners etc. No corner beads then either, all corners formed and returned "wet".
The super flex trowel is one of my tools and it is brilliant I spray plaster and it’s brilliant for only fine finishing
Could probably use a wooden derby in a similar way. Like concrete work.
Very nice craftmanship plastering the entire wall straight. Over here all the plasterboards come with a recessed long edge so you only need to plaster over the edges and screw holes. The finished painted surface is actually level with the paper coating the boards come with. Makes it easy for a DIYer to get it perfectly straight but I suppose the boards are slightly more expensive.
Gerard and I were talking about that the other day. I guess you're in the States - thanks for the comment!! ? As a matter of fact we have those boards here too, and the insulated boards that made up the wall with the windows had the recesses edge. Certainly on the domestic front we tend to plaster the whole board though, rather than just the tapered edges.
@@CharlieDIYte I am actually in Sweden, interesting that there are such different processes while we are not that far from you. An example of the board is "Gyproc GN 13". They are used for domestic and commercial everywhere that you put plasterboard on wood or metal studs.
I tried plastering a wall in my house, it was a complete mess and was only descent after days and days of sanding, had to go out and buy a decent electric sander. Spent about a week hovering up the dust and kept on clogging the filter on my dyson was a complete nightmare wish I just got a pro to do it haha
Sorry to hear that, Ian, and yes Dysons are definitely not up to that sort of challenge. You should invest in a Henry if you're ever contemplating this again 👍
@@CharlieDIYte haha that's strange you said that just got a henry last week
Sponge floating,is the same as using a brush,then go over with super flex.that will give you the same result.great vid👍👍
Really nice to watch such a lovely trowel action.
He's good, Isn't he! Thanks for the comment 👍
I've been using a sponge float on 1 coat and was just thinking shall i see what its like on multi finish. Answered my question as i gotta ceiling to do next.
using a sponge float since 1996, makes the job a lot easier, and sets it off a bit quicker too.
Thanks Liam. Great to hear that, as not everyone seems to be a fan.
I've seen a few plasters using this new method on sites now and they say it's a great timesaver.....👍
Thanks - good to hear and thanks for taking the time to comment.
One coat 👎
@@cosworthjn2 Who said one coat??
@@CharlieDIYte time saver = 1 coat
@@cosworthjn2 I'd never employ a plasterer who applied just one coat. A guy did that on my bathroom here and the finish upsets me every time I walk in the room. Would have done a better job myself.
Good method, I use steel13-14 “ Marshalltown put on, flatten with Rafina spat, second coat steel Marshalltown then rafina superflex another once over then ox plastic. Have to try the sponge float method, especially if it speeds the process us.
This is a really brilliant method
Hi Charlie.so he trowelled on his first coat of plaster, flattened it out, second coat of plaster, flattened second coat then coarse sponged it then used flexi trowel?
Yes. For a more traditional approach, check out the full video here ruclips.net/video/Ksc2mghC-4c/видео.html
I use a medium rafina sponge followed by the nela goldflex 16” and 8” to finish up. Really nice trowels and great price.
I bought a Nela trowel a few years ago and it is great. The flex trowels are finally making their way into America. They make your job a lot easier! You guys over there have a lot better tools available!
Pop to your local Polish building supply market and try Cekol C45, Atlas Gipsar or Śnieżka Acryl Putz (all powders about £12 for 25kg) - you will get a perfectly white, smooth finish just with a skimming trowel. Then any latex or acryl emulsion paint to enjoy pleasant microclimate as gypsum takes and gives back humidity
ive been plastering a while and useing a sponge float seems to make the job harder,i put on with mt 16,keeping it flat,2nd coat with same,then flatten with refina plastic,then dry trowell with flexi.i think the sponge may work on larger areas ,im not knocking it and i havnt tried it yet but it just looks like more effort.
I’ve been through lots of plasterers and by and large there are ALWAYS imperfections. I go round with a tub of premixed easy sand filler, quick rub with a fine sand paper, job done. There are not many plasterers that will spend hours getting it perfect. Shine a strong light on it sideways it will look like the Swiss alps.
Hi Charlie, great job 👍
I don't sponge float but I absolutely swear by the super flex trowels. I use a nela one and it makes the job an absolute breeze. But only for the final stages
Glad you posted this video and it brings a few questions up for me. Why do plasterers use two coats in the UK? Is it because of the plaster material? In NL and DE I see plasterers and myself use Knauf MP75 or redband one coat and your finished in half the time. It doesn't cost any more than in the UK, but I see it is difficult to find at the likes of B&Q, Wickes, etc. In fact for large areas, to my amazement, they even spray the stuff on and finish it off in record time. I thought those sponge floats were for polishing, or are there different types? After trowelling the stuff on, flattening it, using a speedskim. Let it harden a bit and then use the sponge to polish the surface finishing quickly with a flexible trowel. Timing is everything and I regularly end up working like a maniac in some situations where the plaster is drying off, or I haven't got it on the wall fast enough. Polishing gives it a super smooth finish and no sanding required afterwards. No trowel marks. You don't mention it in the video, but I often wonder why manufacturers sell sanding equipment/vacuums in relation to plastering? I can only think, to sand, is for disasters or am I missing something? Less dust is always better. Anyway, thanks for posting the video, I get a lot of useful information and enjoyment watching them along with Skillbuilder and Plumberparts.
We use thistle multifinish or board finish which goes off quicker ,two coats gets a flatter wall,I give it a sponge float after the second trowel as it flatten the wall better then give it a cross trowel with 16’’ nela superflex trowel.For the video I only did one wall,but normally would put two walls on,it’s about 90mins setting time with thistle board finish.
I pressed liked.. for Gerard 👍
iv been doing this for 20 years and the last couple of years iv made my own trowels out of long pvc stop beads smashing 40 mtrs a hit = 80 mtrs a day and out the gap by 2 oclock .money for jam
Top spread he is.Just look at that dry wall ,looks flawless.I like the idea of the sponge but not sure how it would work when youve got a few walls on
It pulls in quicker when sponged so if on big ceilings or walls especially in summer ,don't get ahead of yourself ,fall back and close in
Think I’ll get one and give it a go!
Rwf 0067 aka Gaz as been using that method for a while
Did u give the wall a dry trowel after your cross or was that it
I gave it a dry trowel as well.
gerard james how can you be a spread of 27 years and think a sponge float is a new system????
I know it’s been used for years,but it’s new to me.
Iv got a refina super flex and they are amazing for the final trowel
Where did you get superflex from?
@@gerardjames7539 they're on amazon. Check out plastering for beginners on RUclips too.. He uses them for finishing and has great tuts on plastering.
Nice work, my sitting room just plastered week ago 2 guys did it in a day and they are on horse. I'm thinking to get another plasterer for redoing it. Trying to find that their on vans this time.
What that means
We yhave been using sponge finishing for over 20 years in Italy! Mainly on lime plater though....
Hi folks hope your all well is Gerald still using the sponge? is it helping in the warmer weather
Cheers
Yes using all the time now with Nela superflex trowel it’s brilliant
Brilliant blemish free ?would u say your getting a better finish now using the sponge cheers
Yes a lot better finish,I wish I’d used the sponge and superflex trowel years ago.
Gerrard is the business
He certainly is David, and a lovely guy to boot!
This sponging & troweling (sometimes with a taping knife) method has been used for years by drywall mudders who don't want to get emphysema from constant sanding. I've always been happy with it, but I don't have the sense of timing to get that mirror finish that has always impressed my on real plaster walls; it was always very flat, but chalky. Glad to see it being put to use in a more traditional trade.
I’ve used the gyproc jointing sponge on tape and jointing hrs ago.
I'm definitely sponge floating next time, it's agg to do it the old way. Speed float for me next as well 👍
Sponge float and 16’’ superflex trowel is brilliant,started using Nela trowel.
I've used these for years.....
.. as push blocks for my router table
Sounds more like the rubber grouting trowels you have ! .. 🙄
The sponge ones would be rather soft I'd imagine but I could be wrong ... 😏
Great idea l'm gona try that 👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎
Good video lads
Thanks 👍
Best tip today on yt. Cheers fella.
Thanks mate. I really appreciate that!! 👍
Good vid. Thank you from Los Angeles. Thank you.
Thanks so much, and I'm humbled that you've found my video in Los Angeles. 👍
Yeah superflex is so versatile,great on the walls,great for cleaning blood off the car,badgers,cats and many more,great in the bath after plastering,great for wallpapering but leaves shit everywhere if you don't clean it properly,great for wetting envelopes,it's the dogs bollox.
What is that brown plaster? Is it Gipson based? In nz our plaster is white in colour.
Yes gypsum based thistle board finish
Wow great talent
I love his accent :)
Brummi I think
Yam yam?
Only thing is if u don’t keep it clean over time, it leaves scratches behind the skim that slightly show up under light
Fair point 👍🏻
I was using a sponge float 30 years agp.....worked especially well with siraphite not new at all
I always two coat and float in between coats it brings the fat to the surface and gives it a nice consistent pink colour once it’s dry and the fat is easier to trowel off and fill the wholes also use figure 8s or circular motion
That’s what I found you get more of a consistent colour finish.
I was told using a sponge doesn't compact the skim down enough compared to using a trowel
Brilliant I’ve got to get one of these rubber floats cheer well explained larrysullivan in London
Thanks Larry 👍
I can wait they will bring out a WI-FI version before I get much older.
Not in a million years would i use this method...plastered from the age of 16.. marshaltown trowel to lay on followed by a few goings over with a refina plastic trowel jobs a good un and way way quicker
Why don’t you just trowel up with the marshaltown? That’s all I ever did when I used to do it. Plastic trowels weren’t even invented I don’t think. What advantage is the plastic one? Also are they the same size trowels ?
@@shaunsart advantage of the refina plasic trowel is..... if you have ever used one.. saves time drags the water out of the plaster and you use less water when you trowel up . So all in it cuts the time you spend on each set.
My da been using a sponge for the last 30 years always told us you get a better finnish .and it is
Thanks Keith, that's good to know 👍
Nice job, did you had to break in the superflex before using or was did you use it straight out of the box? Thanks
Gerard hasn't bought a superflex yet, he's using his normal Marshalltown trowel in this video.
Good to go straightaway
So we use the rubber float to take away uneven plater? what happens if you put more plaster to smooth the trowel mark, is that not the correct method? 1:80
1:05 If you want to make really smooth finish why you use COARSE rubber float when there is also fine ones available?
Or even better might be sponge float depending plaster that you are using.
medium is the ideal one mate
This guy's great, it's like he's the Hell's Kitchen version diyre plastering.
Funny you should say that as I thought that Charlie looks like Gordon only better looking and a fab personality.