When it comes to plastering, whether you're a professional or a dab hand at DIY, having the right tools is essential to a neat and tidy finish. Not only should your
plastering tools be high quality, they should also offer a comfortable and ergonomic feel for the neatest and most professional finish. In this guide, we explore the essential tools of the trade from basics like
trowels and
hawks that will set you off on the right foot, to more
specialist gadgets that will ensure your job is completed to the highest standard.
The Fundamental Tool Kit
Trowels for Precision Application
In any plastering project a basic
trowel is your most essential bit of kit. Every plastering application requires a trowel for plaster application an precision.
Plastering trowels come in a variety of types and materials:
Steel Plastering Trowels: Typically the material of choice amongst professionals due to their durability, corrosion resistance and ability to produce a professional and smooth finish. Steel plastering trowels can be found in
stainless steel for corrosion resistance and
spring steel for added durability.
Plastic Plastering Trowels: Sometimes chosen for their lightweight feel and as a cheaper alternative to steel. Sometimes,
plastic trowels may be chosen for more delicate applications too.
Plastering finishing trowels: A trowel used in the final stages of plastering to achieve a smooth surface finish. Also used in skimming applications over dry lining work.
Midget Trowels: Small trowels used for plastering in hard to reach areas.
Bucket Trowels: Used for scooping plaster from the mixing bucket and applying onto a plasterers hawk.
Bucket trowels have a tapered, flat edge, sort of like a spade. They can be flat or designed with a sloping groove in the centre. They help keep a clean workspace and allow for precision when loading plaster onto a hawk.
Gauging Trowels: Perfect for plastering hard to reach areas that require a rounded tip such as around pipework.
Gauging trowels are pointed trowels with a rounded edge.
Spatula Trowel: A
spatula shaped trowel is ideal for detailing plaster work such as flattening (a technique used to even out a coat of plaster). Spatula trowels are also used for plaster application in hard to reach areas.
Corner Trowels: Trowels specifically designed for plastering corners where two walls meet. Plastering corners can also be carried out using a standard trowel, however
corner trowels can help achieve a neater result and faster.
Plastering Accessories for a Professional Finish
Every
plastering toolkit needs some extra gadgets to get the job done right. Aside from the basics like
mixing buckets,
water brushes, and
protective sheets. It's also important to consider more specialist tools for precision finishes.
Plastering Buckets
Mixing plaster demands reliable, sturdy buckets. Most plasterers prefer to opt for plastic buckets or large, flexible plastic tubs as these are sturdy with a large capacity. It is essential to look for something that is durable and easy to clean, particularly if you are using an
electric plaster mixer.
• Choose a
plastering bucket thats sturdy and strong
• Choose the right capacity bucket for the job
• Make sure it can withstand the force of a plaster mixer if using
Water Brushes
Water brushes are used both before and after plaster application for several reasons. It's essential to choose a good quality brush that will not leave bristles in your work. A good brush should also be able to absorb and apply water effectivley. Using a paint brush is no good as these are designed for the application of a much thicker substance. In plastering, water brushes are sometimes used to moisten a surface before application. This is done as part of proper prep work to reduce plaster shrinkage. It's also a tool used after application for smoothing, roughening and cleaning work.
• Ideal for prep and finishing work
•specially designed to absorb and apply water to walls
Hawks
For more extensive plastering jobs, the comfort and ergonomics of
hawks become paramount. A plasterers hawk is used to hold plaster as you work, creating a transportable surface for plaster preparation. Hawks are usually plastic or stainless steel. Look for one with a comfortable handle and an appropriate size for your project.
• Choose a hawk with a comfortable handle
•
Lightweight hawks are ideal for large jobs
• Choose the right size hawk for your project
Floats
A
plastering float is a flat sponge or piece of foam with a handle. Floats are used in various plastering applications but most commonly for smoothing and levelling. However, specialist floats can also be used for adding texture. Perfect for creating a smooth and professional looking finish.
• Great for eliminating imperfections
• Can also be used to add texture to walls and surfaces
Finishing Knives/Skims
Skimming is a plastering technique carried out to achieve a thin, smooth layer of plaster. Skimming is typically done on walls that already have more of a 'finish' such as interior walls that have already been plastered before or plasterboard.
Finishing knives and
skim tools are used to apply skim coats or thin layers of plaster.
•Used in skimming and plastering applications
•Helps to achieve a thin, smooth layer of plaster
Scrim Tape
Scrim tape, also known as
fibreglass mesh tape or drywall tape, is a type of tape used in plastering to reinforce joints and seams between sheets of plasterboard (sometimes referred to as drywall). It can also be used to prepare cracks for fill on existing plasterboard. Scrim tape helps to enhance the durability of plasterboard joints and make the overall finish seamless.
• Used for reinforcing joints between
plasterboard
• Also used for filling cracks and holes
• Helps to achieve a smooth and seamless finish
When it comes to
plastering tools, quality is non-negotiable. Poor quality tools can mean poor quality results. At Dry Lining Supplies, our product catalogue includes a variety of
plastering tools from the best brands in the industry. Whether you're thinking about taking on a plastering job as a DIY project or looking into professional plastering as a career choice we hope this guide has provided a helpful insight into the tools needed for the job.
