Plastering Tools
Plastering, one of the ancient arts in construction industry can dramatically bring pleasant changes in wall appearance. Wouldn’t it be great if you can do your own plastering jobs? Besides fun, it will save you from emptying your wallet! Well, in the age of information technology, you will find numerous sites on web that will guide you in “do it yourself” plastering. However, being a skilled plasterer, you need to identify and use precise plastering tools for your work. Let me share the information regarding these tools that you may want in your collection.
Plastering tools should ideally comprise of tool bags, variety of trowels, power mixers, plasterer’s buckets, stilts, plasterers featheredge, nixing paddles, plastering float, plasterer’s bath and many more. Let us have a look at few of the important tools in detail.
Stilts
Stilts form very important constituent of your plastering tools especially when you are planning to do ceiling work. It makes your job a lot easier. There is no need of rafter boards if you have good quality stilts with you. With the scope for internal movement and adjustable legs, it offers you great stability when you are plastering your ceiling. Most of them come with inbuilt shock absorbers.
I will suggest you get adjustable plastering stilts that will help you to access the required height continuously. The use of aluminum makes them lightweight and you get great stability with their rubber feet and bracing at foot and calf.
Trowels
While looking for trowels, you will come across a range of these tools and you need to choose wisely depending upon the nature of your plastering job. If the job requires professional craftsmanship then I suggest you to go for a plastering trowel that comes with “pre-worn shape blade” due to following advantages.
- Made up of pure stainless steel, it offers longer life span than its counterparts.
- As they help eliminate ripple marks and lines, they offer you a smooth plastered surface and a professional look to overall work.
- Due to its precise shape, they is very easy to handle even if you are a beginner.
- The durasoft handle makes them very comfortable to hold and maneuver.
Specific trowels are used for decorative finishes like Venetian, veneer or Marmorino. In such cases trapezoid trowel is used made up of stainless steel with polished radial edges.
Plastering Float
Many newbies are confused with this term and usually mix up with trowels. Well, let me tell you, both things are different. Unlike trowels, a plastering float is made up usually of poly carbonate (high impact polystyrene). So, it is useful when heavy duty work is involved. Once a backing of coat is done, the float is used for filling minor imperfections in the plaster and providing a bas for top coat.
Hawk
Again, in this category of plastering tools, you will come across range of hawks. Some new hawks come with a detachable handle and sponge rubber callous preventer. With round corners and smooth edges, it is 9 inches square heavy gauge aluminum board that holds mixed working plaster.
Plasterer’s Featheredge
Made up of lightweight aluminum, one edge is flat while other is tapered. While the flat edge is used to tamp concrete, its tapered edge is used for straightening and smoothing the plasterworks.
Plasterer’s Bath
Also known as Turbo Tub, it is light yet strong and made up of unbreakable polyethylene (HDPE) material. You can use it as water trough and can be transported easily.
Plasterboard Saw
It is another important addition to your plastering tool bag with its tempered yet hard blade. Its high impact plastic handle offer you comfortable grip.
Other plastering tools that can be mentioned are plumb lines, straight edges, plumb levels, string line, rasp, trimming knife and buckets. It is necessary to invest in the good gear required for plastering as they will help you to get superior professional finishes. You can order these plastering tools online.
