Essential Plastering Tools: The Complete Kit List for 2026

Why the Right Plastering Tools Make All the Difference

After thirty years in the trade, I’ve seen countless DIY enthusiasts and apprentice plasterers struggle with cheap tools that make good work nearly impossible. The difference between a £15 budget trowel from a car boot sale and a properly balanced Marshalltown isn’t just comfort—it’s the quality of finish you can achieve.

Professional plastering demands precision tools that respond to your movements. A quality hawk and trowel combination becomes an extension of your arm, allowing you to achieve that mirror-smooth finish on a skim coat. Poor tools create drag marks, uneven surfaces, and wrist fatigue that compounds over hours of work.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need in your plastering toolkit for 2026, from essential basics to specialist equipment. Whether you’re learning plastering fundamentals or upgrading your professional kit, you’ll find specific product recommendations, current UK pricing, and the insider knowledge that only comes from years on site.

The Essential Core Kit: What Every Plasterer Needs

Before investing in specialist tools, you need the fundamentals. These are the non-negotiables that you’ll use on virtually every job, from small patch repairs to full room skims.

Trowels: Your Most Important Investment

The plastering trowel is your primary tool—the one you’ll hold for hours every day. Quality matters enormously here, and it’s worth spending £40-60 on a premium trowel rather than settling for a £15 budget option.

UK plasterers typically use these trowel types:

• Finishing trowel (11-14 inches): For applying and smoothing skim coats and finishing plaster. The 13-inch Marshalltown MXS73D (around £52 at Screwfix) is the industry standard
• Pre-worn finishing trowel: Some plasterers prefer these slightly rounded edges for final trowelling—Refina offer excellent pre-worn options (£45-55)
• Gauging trowel (6-7 inches): For mixing small batches, filling gaps, and detailed work around corners and edges (£18-25)
• Bucket trowel: Specifically for scraping buckets clean—saves your expensive finishing trowels from unnecessary wear (£12-18)

The Hawk: Your Mobile Plaster Platform

A plasterer’s hawk holds your working plaster while you apply it to walls and ceilings. The ideal hawk is lightweight but rigid, with a comfortable handle that doesn’t cause hand fatigue during extended use.

Key considerations when choosing a hawk:

• Size: 13-14 inches square is standard for most work. Larger (16 inches) for ceiling work, smaller (11 inches) for detailed areas
• Material: Aluminium hawks (£18-28) are lightweight and won’t rust. Plastic hawks (£8-15) are cheaper but flex more and wear faster
• Handle design: Closed-back handles provide better balance. The Refina aluminium hawk with closed-back handle (£25-32) is excellent for all-day comfort

Expect to pay £15-35 for a quality hawk that’ll last for years. Brands like Marshalltown, Refina, and Faithfull are reliable choices available at Wickes, Screwfix, and Travis Perkins.

Mixing Equipment: Getting the Consistency Right

Properly mixed plaster is crucial for workability and finish quality. Hand-mixing bags of multi-finish or bonding coat is exhausting and produces inconsistent results. Professional plasterers use power mixing equipment.

The Health and Safety Executive recommends using power tools with dust extraction where possible to minimize silica dust exposure. When mixing, always add plaster to water (never water to plaster) to prevent lumps forming.

Surface Preparation and Application Tools

Before applying your first coat of plaster, proper surface preparation determines how well the plaster adheres and how smooth your final finish will be.

Preparation Essentials

• Scraper and filling knife (3-6 inches): For removing loose material and filling small gaps before plastering (£6-15 each)
• Wire brush: Cleaning dusty or flaking surfaces, especially on old plasterwork or brickwork (£4-8)
• PVA solution and roller: Sealing porous surfaces before plastering—though some plasterers prefer modern bonding agents (£12-18 for 5L PVA)
• Spray water bottle: For misting walls and keeping plaster workable longer (£3-6)
• Dust sheets and masking tape: Protecting floors, fixtures, and edges from plaster splashes (£15-30 for reusable cotton sheets)

Application and Finishing Tools

Different plastering jobs require different application methods. Beyond your main trowel, these tools handle specific situations you’ll encounter regularly:

• Angle trowel (internal/external corners): Creates crisp corners without overworking the plaster (£15-25)
• Sponge float: For smoothing and texturing render or creating stipple finishes (£8-15)
• Plastic or rubber float: Essential for applying and leveling base coats or external render (£12-20)
• Devil float (nail float): Creates a scratched surface on base coats for improved adhesion (£18-28)
• Feather edge (6-8ft aluminium): For ruling off render or base coats against screeds (£25-45)
• Darby (4-6ft): Similar to feather edge but used for flattening large ceiling areas (£30-50)

Specialist Tools for Advanced Plastering

As you take on more complex jobs—period property restoration, decorative work, or external rendering—your toolkit needs to expand with specialist equipment.

Screeding and Leveling Equipment

For achieving perfectly flat surfaces, especially on larger walls or ceilings, professional plasterers use precision leveling tools:

• Laser level: Projects horizontal and vertical reference lines for accurate screeding. Bosch GLL 3-80 (around £280) or budget alternatives like the Tacklife (£65-90)
• Spirit levels (2-6ft): Essential for checking plumb and level. Invest in a quality 6ft Stabila (£60-85) for main work and a smaller 2ft level (£20-30) for tight spots
• Dot and dab guns: For applying plasterboard adhesive in consistent ribbons (£80-120 for a good manual gun, £200+ for battery-powered)
• Plastering stilts or hop-ups: Safe working platforms for ceilings and upper walls without constantly moving ladders (quality stilts £150-250, hop-ups £40-80)

Period Property and Decorative Work

Restoration work and decorative plastering demand specialized tools you won’t need for standard domestic jobs:

• Cornice and coving tools: Joint rules, internal/external mitre templates, and specialist coving adhesive guns (£40-120 for a basic set)
• Casting equipment: Rubber or silicone moulds, release agents, and mixing equipment for creating ornamental plasterwork (costs vary widely, £80-500+)
• Lime plastering tools: Wooden floats and specific trowels for traditional lime-based plasters used in listed buildings (£25-60 each)
• Pointing trowels and joint rakers: For external render work and repointing (£12-28)

According to Historic England’s guidance on conservation, period properties often require lime-based plasters and traditional techniques that differ significantly from modern gypsum plastering.

Safety Equipment: Non-Negotiable Essentials

Professional plasterers face multiple hazards daily—from silica dust exposure to repetitive strain injuries. Proper safety equipment isn’t optional, it’s legally required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Budget £80-150 for a complete basic PPE kit. Replace dust masks after each major job and inspect other PPE regularly for damage. Many trade suppliers like Screwfix and Toolstation offer PPE bundles that work out cheaper than buying items individually.

Power Tools and Equipment for Efficiency

While traditional hand plastering remains the core skill, modern power tools dramatically increase efficiency on larger jobs and reduce physical strain.

Mechanical Mixing and Application

• Forced-action mixer (110V): For large-volume jobs, a dedicated forced-action mixer like the Belle Minimix 150 (around £450-550) produces more consistent results than a drill and paddle
• Plastering machine (spray application): For commercial jobs, airless plaster sprayers like the PFT G4 (£8,000-12,000) apply base coats in a fraction of the time. More realistic for small firms: hiring costs £80-120/day
• Vacuum dust extraction: When dry-sanding between coats or removing old plaster, a quality M-Class vacuum (£150-350) with HEPA filtration controls harmful dust

Site Essentials and Lighting

Professional results require being able to see what you’re doing, particularly when checking for imperfections during final trowelling:

• LED work lights (110V): Bright, shadow-free illumination shows every surface irregularity. Festoon lights or tripod-mounted LED panels (£35-85)
• Extension leads (110V): Always use 110V equipment on construction sites for safety. Heavy-duty extension reels (£40-75)
• Portable transformer: Converts 240V to safer 110V for power tools. 3.3kVA transformer (£80-150)
• Portable radio: Site radios with DAB+ and Bluetooth (DeWalt DCR027, £90-120) survive the dust and occasional knock

Tool Maintenance and Storage

Quality plastering tools represent a significant investment. Proper maintenance extends their working life by years and ensures they perform at their best when you need them.

Daily Maintenance Routine

After every job, spend 10-15 minutes on tool maintenance:

• Clean trowels immediately: Plaster left to dry on trowels creates ridges that transfer to your next finish. Scrape excess into bin, rinse thoroughly, dry with cloth
• Wash buckets and mixing paddle: Dried plaster residue contaminates fresh mixes and shortens bucket life. A stiff brush and hose work best
• Wipe down hawks and floats: Remove any plaster buildup, check for edge damage
• Check electrical equipment: Inspect power cables for damage, clean ventilation slots on drills and mixers

Storage Solutions

How you store tools affects their longevity and your efficiency on site:

• Tool bag or holdall: Canvas or nylon bags (£25-60) keep hand tools organized and protected during transport. Silverline and Faithfull make durable options
• Trowel case: Rigid cases (£15-30) prevent trowel edges being damaged in transit—a bent edge ruins your finish
• Van racking system: For professional plasterers, proper van shelving (£200-500 installed) keeps equipment organized, reduces damage, and speeds up loading/unloading
• Secure storage box: Keep power tools and valuable equipment in lockable boxes (£60-180). Van crime targeting tools is unfortunately common

Building Your Kit on a Budget: Prioritization Guide

Not everyone can invest £800 in tools immediately. Here’s how to build your kit strategically, prioritizing what matters most for producing professional results.

Starter Kit (£200-300): Essential Basics

This gets you working on small domestic jobs and DIY projects:

• One quality 13″ finishing trowel (£40-55)
• Gauging trowel (£18-25)
• Aluminium hawk (£20-28)
• Mixing drill 1200W (£65-90)
• Spiral mixing paddle (£12-18)
• Three rubber buckets (£15 total)
• Basic PPE: FFP3 masks, goggles, gloves (£25-35)
• Scraper, filling knife, sponge float (£20-30)

Total: £215-299

Intermediate Kit (£400-550): Professional Capability

Add these items as you take on more varied work:

• Pre-worn finishing trowel for final passes (£45-55)
• Bucket trowel (£12-18)
• Plastic/rubber float (£12-20)
• Angle trowel set (£25-40)
• 6ft spirit level (£55-75)
• Feather edge 6-8ft (£30-45)
• Hop-up platform or quality stepladder (£45-90)
• Better PPE: Reusable dust mask, knee pads (£40-60)
• LED work light (£35-60)
• Tool bag (£30-50)

Additional investment: £329-513

Complete Professional Kit (£750-1,100+): Full Capability

For established professionals handling all types of plastering work:

• Additional specialist trowels (£60-120)
• Laser level (£80-280)
• Plastering stilts (£150-250)
• Coving and decorative tools (£60-150)
• M-Class vacuum with HEPA filter (£150-350)
• Professional tool storage and van racking (£200-400)
• Full safety equipment including steel toe boots (£80-120)

Many professional worksites benefit from specialized equipment, but evaluate your actual needs before purchasing. Hiring expensive items occasionally often makes better business sense.

Where to Buy Plastering Tools in the UK (2026)

Sourcing quality tools at competitive prices requires knowing where to shop. Different suppliers excel at different things.

Trade Suppliers

• Screwfix: Excellent for standard tools with click-and-collect convenience. Competitive pricing on brands like Marshalltown, Faithfull, and Silverline. Trade card offers discounts
• Toolstation: Similar range to Screwfix, often slightly cheaper on own-brand items. Good for consumables like buckets and mixing paddles
• Travis Perkins: Traditional builders’ merchant with trade accounts offering 30-day payment terms. Staff often have practical experience and can advise
• Jewson: Wide product range including specialist items. Trade pricing available with account
• Wickes: Good for DIY enthusiasts and smaller contractors. Regular sales on tool kits

Specialist Plastering Suppliers

• British Gypsum: Direct source for their own tools and systems, especially for larger commercial jobs
• Plasterers1StopShop: Online specialist with extensive range including hard-to-find items. Knowledgeable staff who understand the trade
• Refina: Premium brand with own retail outlets. Higher prices but exceptional quality and customer service

Online and Budget Options

• Amazon UK: Convenient for comparing prices and reading reviews. Delivery often next-day. Watch for genuine vs. counterfeit on premium brands
• eBay: Good for second-hand quality tools and discontinued items. Exercise caution and check seller ratings
• Facebook Marketplace/Gumtree: Local second-hand tools, often from retiring tradesmen. Inspect carefully before buying

Tool Brands: What the Professionals Use

Brand reputation in plastering tools generally reflects real quality differences. Here’s what you’ll see in experienced plasterers’ vans:

Premium Tier (Professional Standard)

• Marshalltown: American brand, industry standard for finishing trowels. The MXS line offers excellent balance and edge retention. Expect to pay 20-40% more than budget brands but tools last decades
• Refina: UK-based premium manufacturer. Innovative designs like the Plaziflex trowel range. Exceptional quality control and customer service
• Ragni: Italian manufacturer favored by many UK plasterers. Slightly cheaper than Marshalltown but comparable quality
• Ox Tools: Australian brand gaining UK market share. Good value in the premium segment, particularly their Pro Series

Mid-Range (Good Value)

• Faithfull: Reliable quality at reasonable prices. Their hand tools represent excellent value for money
• Stanley: Known for general tools, their plastering range offers solid performance without premium pricing
• Draper: Similar positioning to Faithfull—good quality that won’t break the bank

Budget Tier (Starter/Occasional Use)

• Silverline: Entry-level tools sold at Toolstation and Screwfix. Adequate for DIY but expect shorter lifespan
• Own-brand (Screwfix/Toolstation): Basic functionality at minimal cost. Replace rather than repair mentality

The cost-per-use calculation: A £50 Marshalltown trowel used 200 days a year for 10 years costs 2.5p per day. A £15 budget trowel lasting 18 months costs 3.6p per day. Premium tools are actually cheaper in the long run for professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plastering Tools

How much should I spend on plastering tools as a beginner?

For someone learning plastering or tackling DIY projects, budget £200-300 for a starter kit with quality essentials. This should include a good 13″ finishing trowel (£40-55), hawk (£20-28), mixing equipment (£75-100), and basic safety gear (£25-35). Avoid the temptation to buy the cheapest tools—a poor trowel makes achieving a good finish nearly impossible, leading to frustration and potentially giving up.

If you’re training for professional work, consider spending £400-500 upfront to include a spirit level, additional trowels, and better PPE. Learning proper plastering technique is easier with tools that respond correctly to your movements.

Can I use the same tools for all types of plastering?

While core tools like finishing trowels and hawks work across most plastering applications, different jobs benefit from specialized equipment. For example:

• External rendering requires a plastic or rubber float that you wouldn’t use for internal skim coating
• Lime plastering for period properties needs wooden floats rather than steel trowels
• Coving and decorative work demands specialist mitre tools and joint rules
• Large commercial jobs justify mechanical mixing and spray application

Start with versatile core tools, then add specialists as you take on varied work. Many professionals keep a “general kit” for standard domestic jobs and specialized equipment that only comes out for specific projects.

How often should I replace plastering tools?

With proper maintenance, quality plastering tools last many years:

• Trowels: Premium trowels (Marshalltown, Refina) last 8-15+ years with daily professional use. Budget trowels: 1-3 years
• Hawks: Aluminium hawks last 10+ years; plastic hawks 2-4 years depending on use
• Mixing paddles: 2-5 years with regular use. Replace when paddle fins bend or snap
• Buckets: 1-2 years for rubber buckets used daily. Gorilla tubs last longer (3-5 years)
• Spirit levels: Quality levels like Stabila last 15-20 years if not dropped. Check calibration annually
• PPE: FFP3 masks are single-use or single-day. Reusable half-masks: replace filters monthly with regular use

Replace tools when they no longer perform correctly rather than waiting for complete failure. A trowel with damaged edges creates lines in your finish that require extra work to remove.

What’s the difference between a plastering trowel and a bricklaying trowel?

Though both are called trowels, they’re designed for completely different purposes:

• Plastering trowels have thin, flexible, rectangular blades (typically 11-14 inches) made from high-carbon steel. The flexibility allows you to apply even pressure across the entire blade width for smooth finishes
• Bricklaying trowels feature thick, rigid, triangular blades (10-11 inches) designed for scooping mortar and tapping bricks into position. They’d be useless for achieving a smooth plaster finish

Never attempt to plaster with a bricklaying trowel—the blade shape and rigidity make creating an even surface impossible. Similarly, don’t use plastering trowels for brickwork, as they’ll bend and potentially snap under the force required.

Do I need different trowels for different plaster types?

Generally, the same finishing trowel works for various gypsum-based plasters (multi-finish, board finish, Thistle products). However, certain materials and techniques benefit from specific trowels:

• Lime plaster: Traditional lime work uses wooden floats rather than steel trowels to avoid burnishing and discoloration
• Venetian plaster: Requires very flexible steel trowels or specialist Venetian plastering blades for the polishing stage
• External render: Base coat application uses plastic or rubber floats; steel trowels are for finishing passes only
• Bonding coat: Any reasonable trowel works, as this coat gets scratched anyway for key

Most plasterers develop preferences—some swear by pre-worn trowels with slightly rounded edges for final passes, others prefer razor-sharp edges. It’s partly personal technique and partly the specific plaster system you’re working with.

Is it worth investing in professional-grade tools for DIY plastering?

This depends on the scale of your project and your expectations for finish quality. For a single small room, budget tools (£80-120 total) might suffice. You’ll work harder to achieve acceptable results, but for one-off use, the cost saving makes sense.

However, if you’re plastering multiple rooms or want professional-looking results, investing £200-300 in quality tools is worthwhile. The improvement in finish quality and reduction in effort justifies the cost, even for DIY. Premium tools are also easier to resell—a used Marshalltown trowel holds 50-70% of its purchase price, while budget tools have almost no resale value.

Consider that professional plasterers charge £150-400 per day depending on location and job complexity. If quality tools help you achieve better results and avoid hiring a professional for your next project, they pay for themselves quickly. Many DIY enthusiasts who invest in good plastering tools find themselves helping friends and neighbors, turning a hobby into occasional paid work.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Plastering Toolkit

The right plastering tools transform plastering from a frustrating struggle into a satisfying craft. Quality equipment doesn’t just make work easier—it makes better results possible. A smooth, professional finish comes from proper technique combined with tools that respond predictably to your movements.

Start with the essentials: a quality finishing trowel, hawk, mixing equipment, and proper safety gear. These core items—representing £200-300 of investment—form the foundation for all plastering work. Add specialist tools as your skills and project types expand, prioritizing items that address your actual needs rather than building a comprehensive collection speculatively.

Maintain your tools properly, store them securely, and they’ll serve you reliably for years. The difference between professional and amateur work often comes down to equipment quality and maintenance as much as skill level. Well-maintained quality tools retain their value and can be passed on or resold when you upgrade.

Whether you’re a homeowner tackling DIY improvements, an apprentice building your first professional kit, or an established tradesperson looking to upgrade, the investment in proper plastering tools pays dividends in work quality, efficiency, and professional pride. Your toolkit is ultimately an investment in your craft—choose wisely, maintain diligently, and the tools will repay you many times over.