Photo Cross Grain Float curtesy of Martyn Griffiths
Word from the Editor
Welcome to the 12th edition of Lath and Plaster!
We’re excited to share some big news – we’ve just launched our very own podcast, That’s Skimming Alright. Hosted by Mick and Dave from our editorial team, this is the first of many episodes to come, so make sure to give it a listen.
In this edition, you’ll find a fantastic line-up of features:
- Why Yellow Pine is Ideal for Devil Floats – by Mick Hargreaves
- Celebrating 25 Years: Dutch Guild of Plasterers in the UK – by Keith Langden
- Why Traditional Plastering Skills Are Disappearing – by David Winchester
- Reviving Norfolk Craft Heritage: A Pargetting Journey – by James Collier
We hope you enjoy this issue, tune into the podcast, and share your feedback with us. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an edition!
Editor David Winchester
Meet the Team
Lath and Plaster is run by a friendly team of skilled plasterers. Each person on the team has experience in different aspects of the plastering trade. They work hard and know a lot about both old and new plastering methods. The team is happy to share their knowledge and teach others
That’s Skimming Alright
Thinking about getting into teaching plastering but not sure where to start?
Mick and Dave have spent years on the tools before moving into the classroom, bringing over three decades of combined experience teaching plastering.
In this episode, we explore the journey from trowel to teacher. You’ll learn what qualifications are actually required, how to make the leap from site work to education, and what it’s really like to train the next generation of plasterers.
Whether you’re ready for a career change or simply curious about passing on your skills, this episode will give you a clear picture of the opportunities — and the challenges — of teaching the trade.
We’ve started a private Facebook group to share updates and connect — join us there! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1855695035325470
Why Yellow Pine is Ideal for Devil Floats By Mick Hargreaves
The devil float is used because it levels the first coat of plaster and scratches it so that the next coat will bond properly. This has been the same job for thousands of years, ever since plasterers first worked on Egyptian tombs.
Celebrating 25 Years: Dutch Guild of Plasterers in the UK By Keith
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming the Dutch Guild of Plasterers (Het Neerlandsch Stucgilde) to the United Kingdom for a remarkable study tour.
Why Traditional Plastering Skills Are Disappearing by David Winchester
Step into an old house or historic building and run your hand along the wall — you may notice something different. Instead of the perfectly flat, uniform surfaces of modern drywall, these walls have a subtle texture, a soft warmth, and a quiet depth. What you’re feeling is traditional lath and plaster — a technique that has shaped buildings for centuries.
Mary Little
Mary works along with her father and brother at the family business Plaster Mouldings Direct, their journey spans over three decades of passionate work producing and installing top-quality plaster, stone, and specialty mouldings.
From Vision to Reality: The Shark Bag Success Story
My plastering journey began about 12 years ago when we bought our first house. It was a fixer-upper, and we were on a tight budget! That meant I had to learn some new skills fast—plastering being one of them. I was already quite handy, and I picked it up quickly. Before long, I was achieving a finish as good as any professional plasterer I knew.
Reviving Norfolk Craft Heritage: A Pargetting Journey By James Collier
Since returning from my travels in Romania, I’ve been back in Norfolk putting the finishing touches on this project
Swart Plaster Mouldings: Crafting Heritage, Restoring Elegance
Welcome to Swart Plaster Mouldings Ltd — where traditional craft meets timeless beauty. Whether you’re restoring a Victorian townhouse, or adding architectural grandeur to a modern home, Swart offers bespoke plaster mouldings and lime plastering services that bring character, quality, and heritage to every corner.
The 1972 Building Workers’ Strike, By David Winchester
The building workers’ strike of 1972 was one of the most important strikes in Britain after the Second World War. It involved hundreds of thousands of workers from many different building trades. They came together to demand better pay, safer working conditions, and shorter hours. The strike showed that even in a difficult industry to organise, workers could take action and win major gains.
Colins Morris Blog
Mr. Colin Morris began plastering at the age of 16, when he was offered an opportunity by a family friend at Fylde Plasterers in Blackpool, Lancashire. From the start, he displayed a natural aptitude for the trade — the skills came easily, and as his confidence grew, he began to appreciate its architectural artistry.
Master Plasterers and Freemen
The Master Plasterer Certificate honours individuals who have attained the highest level of skill in the plastering industry, demonstrating exceptional expertise, craftsmanship, and mastery developed over many years of dedicated practice.
Introducing the Lath & Plaster Plastering Trilogy!
Crafted by experts and trusted by students, this collection takes you step-by-step through the art and technique of plastering in both paperback and affordable e-book formats. Available now:
Basic Plastering Skills
Your go-to guide for repairs, plasterboard installs, and perfect finishes. Ideal for apprentices and DIYers ready to nail the fundamentals.
Plasterwork Decorative Mouldings
100 full-colour pages of inspiration and technique for panel mouldings, columns, and more. Plus, quizzes and crosswords to keep your skills sharp.
Columns, Cornices & Curves
The Level-3 favourite! Thirty detailed chapters and a comprehensive glossary take your plastering from functional to flawless.
Subscribe
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Over the Pond with Olde World Walls & Ceilings
Driven by a passion to return to his plastering roots, Randy Clark founded Olde World Walls & Ceilings. He assembled a team of the most skilled, knowledgeable, and respected plasterers he knew, taking on some of the most challenging and distinctive projects available. Every project is approached as a unique opportunity to showcase craftsmanship and excellence
Learn Plastering: Skills for Beginners
Your go-to guide for repairs, plasterboard installs, and perfect finishes. Ideal for apprentices and DIYers ready to nail the fundamentals.
Contact us
We’re always on the lookout for inspiring stories and the remarkable work of skilled craftspeople . If you have a unique journey, project, or craft you’d like to share, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story—you could be our next featured creator. Let’s celebrate creativity, one craft at a time.
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