Plastering is an art that has been perfected over centuries, turning rough surfaces into smooth, polished works of art. Whether you’re a professional plasterer or a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle a home improvement project, having the right tools is crucial for achieving a flawless finish. The trowel is one of the most fundamental tools in the plasterer’s toolkit. However, not all trowels are created equal, and in this post, we will explore the different types of trowels you need when plastering and how each serves a unique purpose in the plastering process.
Finishing Trowels
Finishing, or plastering trowels, are the go-to tool for applying plaster to walls and ceilings. It has a flat, rectangular blade with slightly curved edges, allowing you to spread plaster evenly and create a smooth surface. The flexibility of the blade is essential for achieving a seamless finish without leaving behind any unsightly lines or marks.
When using a plastering trowel, it’s essential to maintain a consistent angle and pressure to ensure an even coat of plaster. Beginners may find it challenging to master this technique, but it becomes second nature with practice.
Gauging Trowel
Before you start plastering, you will need to mix your plaster to the right consistency. During this process is where the gauging trowel comes into play. It has a smaller, pointed blade perfect for scooping plaster from the mixing bucket and transferring it to your hawk (a flat, square tool used to hold the plaster during application).
The gauging trowel’s pointed tip allows for precise measurement of plaster, ensuring you get the correct ratio of plaster to water for the desired consistency. Mixing plaster accurately is essential for achieving a smooth finish and preventing problems like cracking or crumbling later on when the plaster dries.
Corner Trowel
Without the right tool, achieving neat, sharp corners in plasterwork can be a challenge. Enter the corner trowel. This specialised trowel has a triangular shape with one rounded corner and two pointed corners. The design of a corner trowel helps you create clean and crisp inside and outside corners when plastering walls.
To use a corner trowel effectively, load it with plaster and press it firmly into the corner, ensuring the rounded corner is against the wall. Drag the trowel upward, and the plaster will be shaped neatly to form a perfect corner. This tool saves a lot of time and effort in achieving professional-looking corners.
Bucket Trowel
When working with plaster, you need to transfer it from the mixing bucket to your hawk or directly onto the wall. For this task, a bucket trowel comes in handy. It has a broad, flat blade allowing you to scoop plaster efficiently and cleanly.
Bucket trowels often have a curved or pointed end, which can be useful for scraping out the last bits of plaster from the mixing bucket. They are also handy for cleaning up excess plaster from your tools and work area.
Edging Trowel
Creating clean edges and defined lines in plasterwork is crucial for a polished look. The edging trowel, with its long, thin blade, is designed for precisely this purpose. It’s ideal for edging around windows, doors, and other openings in the wall.
To use an edging trowel, apply light pressure and run it along the edges of the plaster to create sharp, clean lines. This trowel helps you achieve a professional finish by eliminating the need for tedious hand-trimming.
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