Learning plastering

[johnandrew]

I want to do a plastering course so I can have a go at some lime plastering in our garage and other places. I have never plastered before but have some knowledge of lime.

Should I

a.) Do a modern plastering course over 10 weeks (30 hours) to gain the tool skills and then apply what I have learned to lime.
b.) Do a 2-day (16 hours) lime plastering course and then build up my tools skills from there.
c.) Other

 

[Nigel Watts]

b.), or if not c.), with Mike Wye's video.

 

[inwood]

I learnt basic modern plastering on a two day course with these guys (http://www.plasteringworkshop.co.uk/). The course was excellent. You get the chance to carry out a basic float to blockwork with gypsum skim as well as patch repairing, and skimming a plasterboard ceiling. I was amazed at the result that everyone was able to achieve given it was only a two day course. This will give you the 'plastering' skills (i.e. how to use hawk and float properly) and enough opportunity to practice.

I then did a lime plsatering course with Ty-Mawr which gave me the understanding of the different types of lime, how they should be used and gave some (limited) time to 'have a go'.

After that there's plenty of experts on this forum to give advice and I haven't looked back since.

 

[johnandrew]

Inwood - that's the way I was going to go but have now signed up for the Ty-Mayr two day course in May.

Maybe I will do the modern plastering course next time in September.

 

[BMcD]

Why not just go to college to learn it properly, instead of just having a go for a few hours and spending the best part of £500.00 odd quid for the privillage? Whether using gypsum or lime, the basic skills of plastering have not changed, though they do take time and practice to master. It's then just a matter of learning the characteristics of the materials, which frankely can not be done over a weekend as they too take time and practice. Subjects such as lath and plaster or built heritage can be brought up during theory lessons and discussed, especially with the current change towards sustainability. You may even inspire the next generation tradesmen to become consevationists.

http://www.calderdale.ac.uk/courses_details.php?id=558

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Educati...ForAdultLearners/Adultlearninggrant/index.htm

 

[Ian Bond]

Just seen this in the local paper (West Yorks)

Plaster training

A Pudsey based specialist plastering firm is running restoration training courses for the public and building trade professionals.
Ornate Interiors will run a range of courses including lime plastering techniques and repairing historic plaster work from September [2010].
Sue Clifford, business development manager said demand had led the firm to add extra one day courses to the programme.
More details by emailing:

Sue@ornateinteriors.co.uk

or calling (0113) 236 0864.

I'm pleased to see that people are interested in spreading the knowledge (pun intended) of using lime, and conserving historic plasterwork. Very encouraging.

 

[johnandrew]

Ooo! Thanks for posting that Ian.

I used to live around the corner from this company and now live within easy driving distance.

 

[Ian Bond]

Reading things like that in the local Telegraph & Argus is a rare and pleasant surprise. I nearly fell off me chair. Remembered this thread on PPUK and had to post.

 

[inwood]

Why not just go to college to learn it properly, instead of just having a go for a few hours and spending the best part of £500.00 odd quid for the privillage? Whether using gypsum or lime, the basic skills of plastering have not changed, though they do take time and practice to master. It's then just a matter of learning the characteristics of the materials, which frankely can not be done over a weekend as they too take time and practice. ]

I wasn't suggesting that a weekends course would give you all you need to know. But it will give you the basic knowledge of the tools and how to use them. It will also give you the confidence to have a go yourself. At £250 for the weeknd I thought it was worth every penny and proably better targetted at johnandrews requirements than a lengthy college course. I don't expect at any point to know it all and am learning all the time from other people and my own experiences (and mistakes :shock: )

 

[Moo]

Why not just go to college to learn it properly,

That could be quite a difficult thing to do if you've got a full-time job that funds a mortgage and children.