Sponge Float plastering in 2026

essexandy said:
Up until not that long ago we were getting most of our work finished with just two trowels.
That's not a flatten and two trowels, just the two. Now, never less than three and occasionally four! Pisses me right off.
As for the poxy stuff shrinking!
Any thickness anywhere, down a bead or a frame and the shite shrinks back loads. It's got to the stage where we're three coating down a lot of the beads.
I honestly don't think the product is fit for purpose anymore.
Click to expand...
Couldn’t agree more, I pva the dry edges before beading up. That helps stop it. I think I just need a new career.
 
Topspread16 said:
Couldn’t agree more, I pva the dry edges before beading up. That helps stop it. I think I just need a new career.
Click to expand...
We do almost all of the boarding we work on and it is rare for us not to have a bound edge to work over.
Little job we're on at the moment is an exception to that rule and there are cut edges everywhere. I nearly cried.
 
Sponge Float plastering in 2026

essexandy said:
We do almost all of the boarding we work on and it is rare for us not to have a bound edge to work over.
Little job we're on at the moment is an exception to that rule and there are cut edges everywhere. I nearly cried.
Click to expand...
Sponge Float plastering in 2026
 
I hardly use my trowel now literally only for laying on. I can't believe for so many 15 years I worked so hard...get it right with the sponge and it's too easy. Got to be careful though...too much water and over sponging weakens the plaster and more likely to get hairline cracking especially on ceilings.
 
Danny said:
Now its 2026 and @algeeman mentioned to me about sponge float skimming....

So, who is using a sponge for skimming?

I tried it many years ago and was not impressed but roll on to 2 knackered shoulders and a small cupboard I need to skim I am tempted to give it ago (as opposed to tape and jointing)

Most say its a better finish @BritishGypsum and @TheApprentice say it weakens the surface....
Click to expand...
I used a sponge float quite a bit a few years ago, don't bother with it mate. It messes with your timings and it actually adds time to your set. If things like Carpal tunnel or Strains are creeping in just switch over to a multi flex for your final pass or try to push your trowel rather than pulling towards you when its firming up, no matter how pressed for time you are.
 
danny said:
Now its 2026 and @algeeman mentioned to me about sponge float skimming....

So, who is using a sponge for skimming?

I tried it many years ago and was not impressed but roll on to 2 knackered shoulders and a small cupboard I need to skim I am tempted to give it ago (as opposed to tape and jointing)

Most say its a better finish @BritishGypsum and @TheApprentice say it weakens the surface....
Click to expand...

good evening mate
the firm im on for has some of be best spreads ive ever seen 70+ lads on at the minute with 25 live sites on

one of them skimmed out 5 bed in 7 days
then I took over the site
sponge skimming was flawless
over 3k to skim
brand new transit van off the firm + £25 a day
travel expenses

onsite 7.30 gone for 3.30
really nice lad

there's a boom coming now with a massive shortage of spreads
prices in all trades are soon to rocket
 
algeeman said:
good evening mate
the firm im on for has some of be best spreads ive ever seen 70+ lads on at the minute with 25 live sites on

one of them skimmed out 5 bed in 7 days
then I took over the site
sponge skimming was flawless
over 3k to skim
brand new transit van off the firm + £25 a day
travel expenses

onsite 7.30 gone for 3.30
really nice lad

there's a boom coming now with a massive shortage of spreads
prices in all trades are soon to rocket
Click to expand...
I hope so because ive been hearing that for 30 + years . Ha ha
 
Great! When it gets to £10 m2 labour only skimming.
I might come out of retirement.

2nd thoughts. I might do a couple of local jobs,
Just for a day or 2 per week.

3rd thoughts. Multifinish is s**t, even a tenner a metre wouldn't entice me back.
Stick it up your arse BG!!
 
essexandy said:
I've mentioned this before; I have had a carpet float in my armoury for over thirty years.
It doesn't get used very often, but when things aren't behaving as they should it can give a better finish, in a shorter time.
I'd also add that with the absolute shite plaster that BG have been churning out for a good while now, they are in no position to tell anyone how best to get an acceptable finish on it. Utter wankers!
Click to expand...
Carpet float w**k*r
 
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