Plastering Tools
There are a number of basic plastering tools which are required for any plastering job, and also some more advanced pieces of equipment which can help when undertaking more advanced plaster tasks. The two most fundamental plastering tools which any plasterer needs to buy are a plasterers hawk and a plasterers trowel. If you are looking for a complete solution then a Plasterer’s Tool Kit
Plastering Tools – Plastering Trowel
Plastering trowels are usually made from stainless steel and many models have pre-worn edges meaning that plastering can be carried out without leaving unsightly marks or lines. Many plasterers do however spend time wearing in a new trowel further to take off any rough or sharp edges and allow for a superbly smooth finish. An oil stone is used by some tradesmen to help with this process of preparing this particlar plastering tool. Some of the best known and highest quality trowels are manfactured by Curry Tools and Marshalltown Tools. One of our favourites is the Marshalltown MXS11SSD 11-Inch by 3-3/4-Inch Stainless Steel Plastering Trowel with DuraSoft Handle
Plastering Tools – Plasterer’s Hawk
A hawk is used by to transfer plaster to the trowel from either a bucket or spot board to your trowel. More basic models used as amateur plastering tools are often made of plastic which means that damage can’t be done to the trowel. Carbon steel or magnesium is normally used in more professional hawks and it can be beneficial to try and buy the lightest model possible.
Plastering Tools – Feather Edge Tool
If a really smooth finish is required then a feather edge tool is a must for every would-be plasterer. A feather edge is usually around 2 m long, normally made from aluminium, and tapered along one edge. It is used by passing it vertically or horizontally across a wall or ceiling that has been coated with plaster or render. Plastering tools such as this allow a plasterer to fill in any low spots in the coating and then feather away any excess leaving the surface flat and ready for the next stage.
Plastering Tools – Darby Tool
A darby is another important piece of equipment normally made from wood or aluminium. A standard darby is approximately 1.5 m long and is fitted with adjustable handles on top. It is often used to achieve a level finish between two solid points that would be difficult to level using a hand trowel.
An example use of a darby may be where a largish area of plaster has fallen off or been damaged badly. The resulting hole would need to be filled with bonding and a darby is used to bridge level the bonding off across the area of repair.
Plaster Mixer
Another of the plasterers tools which any one carrying out more than a small amount of plastering will need is a powered plaster mixer. This is used to prepare the plaster mix ready for application and to ensure that the consistency is correct and completely smooth.
Other Plastering Tools
There are a number of other plastering tools, some specialised and some more general, which can also help to make the plasterer’s job easier such as bucket trowels, a detail tool for getting into hard to reach areas and also a plastering mixing bucket and some plastering brushes.
As you can see, there are numerous plastering tools which may have to by purchased depending on the particular job in hand. Most plastering equipment can be easily purchased from hardwares stores such as Lowes. We hope our web site provides you with some useful information when you are looking to buy cheap plastering tools. For further information and tips on other related areas such as drywall plastering tools please explore the links at the top of this page.
