It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next.

In this episode:
• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting
• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day
• Updates on Stephen’s new CPD training platform for professionals
• How Rich’s platform, Expertible, is helping homeowners access independent conservation advice
• How you can shape future episodes with your feedback

🎯 Got a question or an idea for future episodes? Reach out via our websites below.

Book a 1-to-1 consultation: https://www.expertible.com
Explore Stephen’s CPD training: https://www.beconservation.com
Register interest for our Conservation Day:
https://bit.ly/conservation-day-survey

🔔 Follow to get notified about new episodes as we launch a brand new series soon – including one focused on timber and internal finishes.

In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCommon causes of ceiling failure in older buildingsRepairing and replacing traditional decorative plasterworkReal-world tips from decades of experience working on Victorian and Edwardian homesHow to blend new and original plaster seamlesslyWhether you're dealing with sagging ceilings, cracked cornices, or missing mouldings, this episode will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when working with lime plaster in period properties.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for expert advice on maintaining and restoring older homes📣 This wraps up our series on lime — next, we’re diving into a whole new theme. Hit the bell to be notified when the next series goes live!🔗 Links👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00 Introduction00:40 A brief history of decorative plasterwork03:08 A brief history of fibrous plasterwork05:52 Forms of plaster and mixes 07:49 Changes in decorative plaster through the 17th and 18th centuries11:14 Whether to repair or replace14:00 Cleaning plaster details and taking a squeeze17:16 Applying soft distemper17:48 Taking a squeeze19:58 Installing new/replacement cornices and details25:00 The most challenging, rewarding, impressive jobs30:19 Running moulds and what lies behind32:33 Decorative plaster34:10 Aggregates, hair and additives48:31 Closing49:14 Outro

In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro.

🧱 We discuss:

● What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters)

● How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement

● Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues

● Why modern materials often makethings worse

● DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists

● The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors

● Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings

● What goes wrong when corners arecut

● What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings

🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals
👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist

📌 Who is this for?
Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.

🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here

Contents

00:00 Introduction

00:54 Sean’s background

04:07 Worshipful Company of Plaisterers

05:45 Apprentices

07:13 Working at distance from home

08:30 Ceiling constructions and laths

11:53 Choosing riven or sawn laths

13:35 Application and fixing of laths

18:21 Gaps between laths

19:49 Reed as a backing

23:03 Board backings

24:41 Earth plasters

27:07 Identifying ceiling constructions

28:19 Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair

33:17 Patching ceilings

34:13 Checking the soundness of a ceiling

37:10 Repairing lath and plaster

41:41 Causes of ceiling failures

46:28 Lime plaster mixes

50:19 Hot lime mortar mixes

51:26 Hydrated (bagged) lime

53:04 Using plasterboard

55:29 Overboarding a ceiling

58:27 Concluding comments

59:18 Outro