What is the Best Trowel for Plastering?

There are so many different trowels out there it's hard to know which one is the right one for you. The key is remembering it's all down to personal preference; what’s right for someone else may not be right for you. It may involve some trial and error but we’ve narrowed down the elements you need to look for when looking for the best plastering trowel for beginners or tradespeople alike.

How Do I Choose a Plastering Trowel?

Lightweight and Comfortable

Firstly, a good plastering trowel should be lightweight and pleasant to hold. A heavy trowel can lead to fatigue in your joints and affect the quality of your plastering. Look for trowels with a soft grip such as rubber, and a good knuckle clearance between the handle and blade so you can work with ease. Some trowel handles have a finger guard which offers a soft finish where your index finger pushes against it as you work making it a lot more comfortable to use for prolonged periods.

Right Size

Plastering trowels come in different sizes, and the right size for you depends on your project and comfort level. The bigger the trowel, the more surface area you’ll be able to add plaster to in one go but the higher the skill level required. However the smaller the trowel, the more control you’ll have, and the greater the likelihood of more of the trowel’s surface staying in contact with the plaster providing a neater surface. A 14-inch size is generally a good all-around option and will leave a good finish.

Durable Material

Make sure to choose a trowel made from durable material. Stainless steel trowels usually offer the best combination of durability and flexibility as they do not rust, making them a long-lasting tool. A plastic trowel needs less maintenance and is lighter to hold, but more susceptible to damage than a stronger metal trowel.

What is difference between plastering trowel and finishing trowel?

A plastering trowel has a stiff blade which is needed to get the plaster on the wall and flatten it correctly. They can take a while to break in, i.e. round-off the edges, which provides a super smooth finish. Some trowels are “pre-worn” which eliminates line and ripple marks from the start, they are ready to use straight away.

A flexible or medium flex trowel is designed with a much thinner blade making the job of finishing, or smoothing the plaster a lot easier as the trowel is more lightweight so easier to manage. It isn’t necessary to use but it makes the job a lot easier!

With this in mind a good option is to have both a standard plastering trowel and a flexible or medium flexible finishing trowel to get the best results with the least amount of strain on your joints.

How do you care and maintain a trowel?

The best way to care for your trowel is to wipe it down after use to avoid plaster drying on it and store it in a dry place. However if the trowel has been left and has a coating or any bits of dried plaster stuck on then an easy way to clean your plastering trowel is to leave the blade in a bucket of water overnight.

If the plaster has been stuck on for a while you can try adding cold water and bicarbonate of soda into a sink or bucket and leaving the trowels to soak for an hour. Scrape away any top layers of loosened plaster then leave longer if required.

The best trowel for plastering is one that fits comfortably in your hand, is the right size for your projects, and is made from durable material. Remember to consider additional factors such as handle design, blade angle, and personal preference when choosing your perfect trowel. With the right tool by your side, you can achieve a smooth and professional finish when plastering a wall every time.

Get in Touch

For any questions regarding plastering trowels, get in touch with one of our live chat experts who are happy to help or contact your local HSS branch.

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