We’re always keen to shine a light on inspiring stories and the outstanding work of skilled craftspeople. If you’ve got a unique journey, a special project, or a craft you’re proud of, we’d love to hear from you. Share your story with us — you could be featured in a future edition.

Lime Plastering Completed at St Peter’s Church, Formby By Master Plasterer Mr Colin Morris

We’ve just completed the lime plastering works at the beautiful St Peter’s Church in Formby. Built in 1746, this classically proportioned church is a real gem and an important part of the town’s heritage. The present building was constructed to replace an earlier chapel that stood closer to the coast but was destroyed by a violent storm in 1739, prompting the decision to rebuild further inland where the church still stands today.

Crafting Character in Plaster

Penash Plaster Products Keeping Tradition Alive

In today’s construction industry, where speed and standardisation often dominate, decorative plasterwork continues to offer something unique — craftsmanship, character, and architectural distinction. In Australia’s capital region, Penash Plaster Products has built a strong reputation for delivering exactly that.

Based in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, the company specialises in handcrafted fibrous plaster, particularly decorative cornices and ceiling roses. Their products are locally manufactured and made to order, allowing them to suit both heritage restorations and modern interiors.

Penash combines traditional plastering skills with contemporary trade services. Alongside manufacturing decorative mouldings, the company provides plaster repairs, plasterboard installation, and specialist insurance work. This broad capability reflects the evolving role of modern plaster specialists, who must balance craftsmanship with practical construction demands.

Decorative plaster remains highly valued because it offers more than visual appeal. Cornices and ceiling centres help soften wall-to-ceiling transitions, conceal imperfections, and add architectural identity to a space. In heritage buildings, they are essential for authenticity; in new homes, they provide individuality and a sense of quality.

A key strength of Penash lies in its local production. Manufacturing within the ACT region enables close collaboration with builders and designers, ensures quality control, and allows custom profiles to be created efficiently.

Ultimately, Penash Plaster Products represents a craft tradition that continues to thrive. By combining time-honoured techniques with modern construction practice, the company demonstrates that decorative plasterwork remains an enduring feature of quality interiors.

Listen to Dean Podcast

Myths of Plastering By Master Plasterer David Winchester

Plastering is one of the oldest building crafts, and like any long-standing trade it has accumulated a fair number of myths. Some are harmless, others actively lead to poor workmanship or inappropriate repairs—especially in heritage buildings. Below are some of the most common plastering myths, explained and corrected.

The Evolution of Plaster Mixing Equipment in Britain

The history of plaster mixing equipment in Britain reflects wider transformations in construction practices, labour systems, and materials technology. From Roman occupation to the digital age, the way plaster has been prepared and applied has steadily advanced.

The Plasterers Podcast The Mick and Dave Show.

With over 3500 downloads this Podcast is becoming a must listen to

Each Episode we have a Special Guest Speaker, plus Knob of the week, normally goes to one of our troll, and Hero of the Week who we think has gone that extra mile

Basic Fibrous Part 1 How to Make a Panel Mould

A plaster panel mould is a purpose-made mould used to cast flat decorative plaster panels — usually for ceilings, wall panels, friezes, or ornamental features in fibrous plasterwork. Think of it as a reusable “form” that allows a plasterer or fibrous worker to reproduce the same decorative panel accurately and repeatedly.

This page is a Step by Step on how to construct a panel mould

The Shark bags

It’s not often you come across a product that genuinely benefits the domestic plastering market. When I discovered Shark Bags, my first thought was, I wish these had been around years ago when I was still on the tools.

For decades, plasterers have faced the same frustrating problem: what do we do with the wastewater from washing out buckets? The concept behind Shark Bags finally offers a practical, effective solution to an issue the industry has lived with for far too long. Read more about Shark Bags.

Give a listen to Mark on our podcast from earlier this month.

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.

The First Use of the Darby in Plastering

The darby is one of the most recognisable yet often overlooked tools in traditional plastering. Long, flat, and fitted with handles, it is designed to level wet plaster or render over large surfaces. While modern versions are made from aluminium or magnesium, the origins of the darby stretch back much further into the history of construction and finishing trades.

Over The Pond

Hands That Shape History: Carolyne Chardac Story

My name is Carolyne Chardac, I live in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I have always been a creative girl since I was young. I was born and raised in the south near New Orleans, I grew up going into opulent historical homes, always being impressed with decorative arts and I feel this subconsciously led me to where I am today. In my free time, I love nature and find my peace traveling to Utah and Wyoming to hike and explore. I love to discover wildlife in their natural habitat. I am a huge advocate for the American Bison and conservation of this national mammal. I am the proud mother of an English Mastiff named Winston and two sons. I enjoy listening to music while I work and you will find my Spotify list is long and varied.

Master Plasterer Mr Justin Brimmer

Justin Brimmer, a Master Plasterer with over 35 years of hands-on experience in traditional and heritage plastering. My life’s work has been dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic buildings across the UK, Australia, and now the USA, where I continue to uphold and promote the timeless craft of plastering. Specialising in lime plastering, lath and plaster, decorative mouldings, and conservation work, I combine centuries-old techniques with a deep understanding of historic materials and modern conservation standards. Every project I undertake is guided by precision, respect for architectural heritage, and a passion for craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

Give a listen to Justin on our podcast from earlier this month.

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

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

Plastering: Basic Plastering Skills by David Winchester is the ultimate beginner’s guide to mastering plastering. Written by a third-generation plasterer and experienced tutor, this book covers essential techniques—from preparing surfaces and fixing boards to internal and external plastering.

With clear instructions, over 100 colour photos, and step-by-step guidance, it’s ideal for Level 1–2 students, apprentices, and DIY enthusiasts. Learn proper tool use, safety practices, and professional finishes that last. Whether you’re repairing a wall or starting a trade career, this practical, visual handbook builds confidence and skill. Smooth your future—start plastering the right way today!

The book shop

Plasterwork Decorative Mouldings

Plasterwork: Decorative Mouldings by David Winchester is an expertly crafted, richly illustrated guide to the art of decorative plastering. Covering everything from simple panel moulds to more advanced fluted columns and ornamental work, the book walks readers through each stage of the process with clear, practical explanations. Beautiful full-colour photographs and detailed diagrams make complex techniques easy to follow, whether you’re a student, apprentice, or DIY enthusiast.

Author David Winchester—a seasoned plasterer and lecturer—brings decades of hands-on trade experience to the page, combining traditional craftsmanship with accessible instruction. The book also includes a helpful glossary of key terms and interactive learning elements such as quizzes and word searches, making it ideal for both classroom use and self-study.

Readers have praised Plasterwork: Decorative Mouldings for its clarity, visual layout, and practical value. One reviewer described it as “an excellent resource—a must for any plasterer,” noting the quality of the step-by-step guidance and illustrations.

Whether you’re learning the trade, enhancing your decorative skills, or seeking inspiration for your next project, this book provides everything you need to create stunning plaster mouldings with confidence and precision.

The book shop

Columns, Cornices & Curves

Columns, Cornices & Curves by David Winchester is the ultimate guide for anyone ready to advance their plastering and decorative moulding skills. Aimed at Level 3 students, apprentices, and skilled DIYers, this comprehensive handbook explores complex plasterwork such as curved walls, arches, coffered ceilings, and ornate cornices. Winchester’s expertise shines through every page, combining clear explanations with vivid, full-colour images that make even the most intricate methods easy to follow.

The book includes practical learning tools such as a glossary of technical terms, quizzes, and activities to help reinforce key concepts. Reviewers and educators praise it as an “excellent, easy-to-understand pictorial guide,” widely used in plastering courses for its clarity and depth.

David Winchester, a master craftsman and experienced lecturer, brings decades of real-world experience into a practical, classroom-friendly format. His passion for the trade and dedication to teaching make this an inspiring and invaluable resource.

Whether you’re mastering decorative features or striving for architectural-level finishes, Columns, Cornices & Curves gives you the confidence, precision, and knowledge to bring elegance and craftsmanship to your plastering work. Transform every surface you touch—build with skill, detail, and artistry.

The book shop

Ryan’s Fibrous workshop

Vaulted Barrell ceiling repairs at Tranby School

When Tranby School discovered water damage to one of its historic vaulted barrel ceilings, they asked Swart Plaster Mouldings to carry out a sensitive and accurate restoration. The ceiling — a key architectural feature of this period building — had previously been subjected to poor-quality repairs, concealing original details and causing ongoing issues.

Rachel has been busy working on a curved ceiling

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