Choosing the right plastering trowel is key to achieving a high-quality finish on plastering jobs. While personal preferences vary, certain qualities can help you identify the best trowel for most plastering tasks.
This guide will highlight the key features when selecting a plastering trowel. It will help you ensure that the trowel meets your needs for durability and performance.
Let’s get straight to the point.
When choosing a plastering trowel, focus on blade material (carbon steel for durability, stainless steel for rust resistance), handle comfort (wooden or rubber grips), and size (smaller trowels for beginners and detailed work, larger trowels for faster coverage).
Brands like Marshalltown and Nela are popular for their reliability. However, regular maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling carbon steel blades, is essential for long-lasting performance.
The right trowel paired with good technique will help achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Why Plastering Tools Matter?
Plastering is essential to construction, and the right tools can significantly impact the result. A plasterer’s trowel is one of the most important tools in their kit.
A plastering trowel is used to apply, smooth, and polish plaster on walls or ceilings. A good trowel can distinguish between a professional finish and an uneven, messy job.
The Basics Of A High-Quality Plastering Trowel
A high-quality plastering trowel should offer:
- Durability: The trowel must withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
- Comfort: A comfortable grip is essential for extended use.
- Flexibility: The right balance of flexibility can help create a smooth finish.
Knowing what makes a trowel suitable for different plastering tasks is important, especially when many options are available.
Types Of Plastering Trowels
Plastering trowels come in various sizes, most commonly 11-inch and 13-inch. The smaller 11-inch trowel is great for beginners because it is easier to handle.
In contrast, a 13-inch trowel covers more ground quickly, making it ideal for professionals. Many plasterers keep trowels of different sizes in their toolkits for flexibility in various tasks.
This ensures they can adapt to jobs requiring detailed precision or larger surface coverage.
Key Features of a Good Trowel
- Blade Material
The blade’s material is critical. The best choices are trowels made from carbon steel or stainless steel.
While stainless steel is rust-resistant, it can sometimes warp over time. Carbon steel blades are durable but need careful maintenance to avoid rust.
- Handle Comfort
Trowels traditionally had wooden handles, but newer models feature rubber grips, which provide better comfort and control. Choosing between a wooden or rubber handle is often down to personal preference, but rubber handles are more comfortable during prolonged use.
- Size of the Blade
The length of the blade matters. Longer trowels are more difficult to control, making shorter ones ideal for beginners or working in confined spaces.
On larger surfaces, however, longer trowels allow for faster work.
Choosing The Right Blade Material
The two primary materials for plastering trowel blades are carbon steel and stainless steel. Each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Carbon Steel:
Carbon steel is known for its strength and durability. It is favoured by professionals who need a long-lasting tool. However, it requires regular maintenance, as it can rust if not properly cared for.
To prevent corrosion, the blade should be cleaned and oiled after each use and stored in a dry place.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel trowels are resistant to rust, making them a low-maintenance option. However, they can be prone to warping, which may affect the quality of the finish.
Modern manufacturing processes have improved the durability of stainless steel trowels, making them a popular choice for many plasterers.
Carbon Steel Vs Stainless Steel
While both materials can perform well, carbon steel trowels tend to last longer if properly maintained. The key trade-off is that carbon steel requires more care, while stainless steel offers ease of maintenance but may need replacement sooner due to warping.
Handle Design And Comfort
The handle of a plastering trowel is just as important as the blade. Even the best trowel will be easy to use with a comfortable grip for long periods. Handles are usually made from:
Wood
Traditional wooden handles are durable and provide a natural feel. Some plasterers prefer the simplicity and sturdiness of a wooden handle.
Rubber Or Cork
Modern trowels often feature rubberised grips or cork handles for enhanced comfort. These materials reduce fatigue and allow for better control, especially during extended plastering sessions.
Trowel Sizes And Their Uses
11-Inch Trowels
Best for beginners and smaller plastering jobs, 11-inch trowels provide greater control and are easier to handle.
13-Inch Trowels
Ideal for larger surfaces, these trowels allow for faster plastering but require more experience and strength to use effectively.
Many plasterers prefer multiple trowels of different sizes to cover a range of tasks efficiently.
How To Maintain Your Trowel
Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your trowel. Here are some key tips for keeping your trowel in top condition:
- Clean After Each Use:
Always clean the trowel after use to remove plaster residue. For carbon steel blades, ensure the trowel is completely dry to prevent rust.
- Regular Oiling:
Apply a thin layer of oil after cleaning for carbon steel trowels to protect against rust. This is especially important in humid environments.
- Avoid Damage:
Please don’t use your trowel for scraping or any task it wasn’t designed for. Over time, this can weaken the blade and damage the handle.
- Sharpen the Blade:
A trowel’s edge can dull or become uneven over time. Occasionally sharpen the blade to maintain a smooth finish when plastering.
Understanding Technique: Using The Trowel Effectively
A well-made trowel will only guarantee good results with the proper technique. The angle at which the trowel is held against the wall is important for a smooth finish.
Holding the trowel too far from the surface may result in uneven application, while holding it too flat can make it harder to move the plaster around.
Trusted Brands And Recommendations
Marshalltown and Nela are among the most reliable brands for plastering trowels. These brands are known for their durable, high-quality trowels, catering to professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Marshalltown
Marshalltown trowels are popular for their balance and performance. They offer carbon and stainless steel options, with many professionals recommending their gold stainless steel Permashape trowels for long-lasting use.
Nela
Many plasterers favour Nela trowels because of their flexibility and lightweight design. Available in various sizes, they also feature comfortable cork or wooden handles, making them ideal for extended use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best plastering trowel ultimately depends on the type of work you’re doing, your experience level, and your personal preferences. A smaller trowel with a stainless steel blade is a good starting point for beginners.
Professionals, on the other hand, often invest in more expensive, high-quality carbon steel trowels.
When choosing a plastering trowel, always consider the following:
- Blade Material: Stainless steel for ease of maintenance or carbon steel for durability.
- Handle Comfort: Choose wooden or rubber handles based on your preference.
- Size: A smaller trowel for detailed work or beginners and a larger trowel for covering large areas quickly.
You can produce a smooth, professional finish on any plastering project with the right trowel and proper technique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plastering Trowel
What Is a Plastering Trowel?
Plastering trowels apply plaster to the surface and even the materials out for a smooth finish. When using this tool, the user should place the correct amount of plaster on its flat surface to apply to the wall or floor. Like most things, using a plastering trowel is easy once you know how.
What Are Different Trowels Used For?
A trowel is a small hand tool for digging, applying, smoothing, or moving small amounts of viscous or particulate material. Common varieties include the masonry trowel, garden trowel, and float trowel.
What’s the Difference Between a Plastering Trowel and a Finishing Trowel?
Application of the Finish Coat requires the edge of the plastering trowel to be perfectly flat, smooth and free from any nicks. Therefore, who can use any trowel for the backing coat if a good finish is to be obtained? A good trowel in good condition is necessary if a good finish is to be achieved.
How to Choose a Plastering Trowel?
When selecting your plastering trowel, you must consider the following factors: the ideal trowel size, which will affect your control, speed, and pressure when plastering, and the finishing trowel, which, if light and ultra-flexible, will take all the pressure from your joints.
What Size Trowel Is Best for Plastering?
Use a 14″ plastering trowel. This sized trowel can spread a good amount of plaster with optimum control. It isn’t too stressful on your joints and is a great weight to work with.
