Discover the secret arsenal of plastering trowels that separates amateur attempts from flawless professional finishes.
As professional plasterers in Kent with over 15 years of experience, we know that achieving that perfect finish isn’t just about skill – it’s about having the right tools for the job. Whether you’re skimming a wall or creating decorative finishes, your choice of trowel can make or break the final result.
Understanding the Professional Plasterers Core Toolkit
Professional plasterers rely on a carefully curated selection of trowels, each serving a specific purpose in the plastering process. The core toolkit typically includes:
- A primary finishing trowel (14′ or 16′)
- A smaller detail trowel (10′ or 11′)
- Corner trowels for internal and external angles
- Specialist trowels for decorative finishes
According to recent industry surveys, over 85% of professional plasterers invest in at least 3-4 different types of trowels to ensure they’re properly equipped for any job. This investment in quality tools directly correlates with the quality of their work and efficiency on site.
The Essential Finishing Trowel: Your Primary Weapon
The finishing trowel is undoubtedly the most crucial tool in a plasterer’s arsenal. Professional plasterers predominantly opt for stainless steel finishing trowels in either 14′ or 16′ sizes. Marshalltown and Nela dominate the market, with over 70% of UK plasterers preferring these brands for their durability and precision. The ideal finishing trowel should feature:
- High-grade stainless steel blade
- Proper flex for smooth application
- Ergonomic handle design
- Balanced weight distribution
Specialist Trowels for Specific Applications
Different plastering techniques require specific tools. For internal corners, professionals typically use corner trowels designed at precise angles – usually 90 or 103 degrees. Venetian plastering, which has seen a 40% increase in popularity over the past two years, requires specialist stainless steel trowels with rounded edges and varying sizes. Key specialist trowels include:
- Internal corner trowels
- External corner trowels
- Venetian plastering trowels
- Feathering trowels
- Pool trowels for curved surfaces
Material Matters: Steel vs Plastic Trowels
While stainless steel trowels remain the industry standard, plastic trowels have their place in specific applications. Steel trowels are preferred for their durability and smooth finish capabilities, but plastic trowels excel in situations where avoiding burnish marks is crucial. Recent studies show that 92% of professional plasterers use both steel and plastic trowels depending on the specific requirements of each project. Steel trowels are essential for:
- Base coat application
- Final finishing
- Achieving high-gloss finishes
Plastic trowels are preferred for:
- Working with certain decorative finishes
- Avoiding metal marking on sensitive surfaces
- Final passes on coloured renders
Ergonomics and Handle Design
The importance of ergonomic handle design cannot be overstated. Professional plasterers often work long hours, and tool comfort directly impacts both productivity and finish quality. Modern trowel handles feature advanced designs with:
- Soft-grip materials reducing hand fatigue
- Anatomically correct grip angles
- Weight-balanced construction
- Anti-slip surfaces
Studies indicate that ergonomic handle designs can reduce wrist strain by up to 60% during extended use.
Size Selection: Why Different Projects Need Different Trowels
Choosing the right trowel size is crucial for efficiency and quality. For large wall surfaces, professional plasterers typically use 14′ or 16′ trowels to cover more area efficiently. However, smaller trowels are essential for detailed work and confined spaces. Our experience shows that the following size guidelines work best:
- 16′ trowels: Large wall surfaces and ceilings
- 14′ trowels: Standard wall applications
- 11′ trowels: Detail work and patches
- 8′ trowels: Small repairs and tight spaces
Professional Recommendations and Brand Insights
Based on our extensive experience and industry surveys, these brands consistently deliver professional-grade quality:
- Marshalltown: Best for all-round reliability
- Nela: Superior finishing trowels
- Kraft Tool: Excellent value for money
- UltraFlex: Innovative blade technology
Recent market research indicates that Marshalltown and Nela account for over 65% of professional trowel sales in the UK.
Maintenance and Care: Extending Trowel Life
Professional plasterers understand that proper tool maintenance is crucial for longevity and performance. Essential maintenance practices include:
- Thorough cleaning after each use
- Regular blade conditioning
- Proper storage techniques
- Periodic edge maintenance
With proper care, a quality trowel can last 5-7 years of daily professional use.
Making the Right Investment in Your Plastering Tools
Building a professional trowel collection requires careful consideration and investment. While quality tools may seem expensive initially, they prove cost-effective over time through improved efficiency and durability. We recommend starting with:
- One premium 14′ or 16′ finishing trowel
- A reliable corner trowel set
- A smaller detail trowel
- Basic specialist trowels for specific finishes
Expect to invest £200-£300 in your initial professional trowel set, with additional specialist tools added as needed. Remember, quality tools are an investment in your craftsmanship and reputation.
FAQ
How many times do you trowel plaster?
The plasterers trowel should be wet with a brush for each passage of the trowel over the wall. The water used should be freshly drawn to prevent accelerating the hardening process of the plaster. You will pass over the wall three times following the pattern of three.
Is a float or trowel better for plastering?
Plastering Techniques A plaster float is a useful tool for this stage of the process. It is a flat, rectangular tool with a handle that is used to spread and smooth the plaster. To begin, the plaster should be applied to the wall in a thin layer using a plastering trowel.
Do I need a corner trowel for plastering?
A corner trowel is worth its weight in gold when it comes to these tricky to tackle areas of plastering, and is a tool every respectable plasterer should have in his or her kit.
What’s the difference between a plastering trowel and a finishing trowel?
Differences between Plastering Trowels and Finishing Trowels Plastering trowels are designed with a wider and flatter blade for applying the initial coats of plaster. Finishing trowels, on the other hand, are utilised for the final coating, offering a smoother, more polished surface.
How do I know which trowel to use?
Trowel Size Guidelines Based on Tile Size and Placement: – 1/4″ x 1/4″ U or Square notch for medium tiles (4″ to 8″). – 1/4″ x 3/8″ U or Square notch for larger tiles (8″ to 16″). – 1/2″ x 1/2″ U or Square notch for the largest tiles (16″ and above).
Sources
[1] https://marshalltown.com/pro-3937-plastering-trowels
[2] https://walltools.com/tools-equipment/plaster/plaster-trowels/
[3] https://www.nela.tools/product-category/nela-trowels/