Plastering and drylining are skilled trades that require precision, attention to detail, and the right tools for achieving a high-quality finish.
Understanding the purpose and use of each plastering tool is essential for anyone looking to undertake a plastering project, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional plasterer.
The team at Gypsumtools have compiled a list of the top 10 most important types of tools in plastering, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle any task that comes your way.
Contents
- Mixing Tools
- Mortar Stand
- Trowels
- Hawk
- Snips
- Float
- Scarifier
- Straight and Feather Edges
- Plastering Stilts and Hop Ups
- Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
- Conclusion
- Plastering Tools FAQs
1. Mixing Tools
Before any plastering can begin, you need to mix your plaster to the right consistency. You’ll need:
- Bucket
- Drill
- Paddle attachments
A large, durable bucket (at least 15 litres) is essential for holding your plaster mix.
Combine that with a powerful mixing drill and paddle attachments ensures your plaster is smooth and free of lumps.
These mixing tools make the process quicker and more efficient, giving you a perfectly blended plaster every time.
Tip: Make sure your bucket is clean and dry prior to mixing any plastering materials.
2. Mortar Stand
While you work, having a mortar stand is a huge convenience.
This simple, foldable table keeps your plaster within easy reach at all times, ensuring you don’t need to bend or strain to access your materials.
Don’t overlook the simpler tools as they can make a big difference!
3. Trowels
Trowels are the heart of any plasterer’s toolkit.
Here are the essential types:
- Bucket trowel – used to transfer plaster from your mixing bucket to the hawk, a robust bucket trowel helps you handle the heavy weight of wet plaster.
- Finishing trowel – this wide, flat blade is perfect for smoothing the plastered surface, giving it that professional, polished finish.
- Window trowel – with a smaller blade, this trowel is ideal for working in tight spaces around windows, ensuring you can plaster precisely without missing any tricky spots.
- Inside and outside corner trowels – these specialised tools make plastering corners much easier, allowing you to create sharp, clean lines in both internal and external corners.
- Skimming trowels – designed for applying thin coats of finishing plaster, skimming trowels are great for achieving a smooth surface on top of a base layer.
By investing in high-quality trowels and taking care of them, you’ll ensure that your plastering jobs always meet a high standard of finish.
4. Hawk
The plastering hawk is an essential tool for holding your plaster while you work.
With one hand on the hawk and the other on your trowel, you can easily apply the plaster to walls and ceilings.
Look for a hawk made from durable materials with a comfortable handle for those longer jobs.
5. Snips
Snips are key for trimming metal or plastic beading used around corners and windows.
A durable pair of snips with a long handle will give you better leverage, making the job easier and ensuring clean cuts.
6. Float
Once you’ve applied the final layer of plaster, a plasterer’s float is used to smooth out any imperfections and achieve a uniform, polished finish.
This tool is key to ensuring the plaster surface is flawless before it dries.
Choose a float that’s comfortable to hold, as you’ll need precision during the finishing stages.
7. Scarifier
Before applying the second coat of plaster, it’s crucial to use a scarifier.
This tool scratches the surface of the first coat, creating grooves that help the next layer adhere better.
Without it, you risk the second coat not bonding correctly, which could result in cracks or peeling later on.
8. Straight and Feather Edges
After plastering, achieving a perfectly flat surface is essential. Straight edges allow you to check and correct the evenness of the surface.
Feather edges, with their thinner profile, are especially helpful in tighter spaces or on curved surfaces.
These tools are vital for ensuring that your plasterwork has a professional, flawless finish.
9. Plastering Stilts and Hop Ups
For projects where you need to plaster high walls or ceilings, plastering stilts or hop-ups can be game-changers.
Plastering stilts strap to your legs and allow you to work at height without constantly repositioning ladders.
Alternatively, hop-ups (sturdy platforms) can provide a stable base for reaching those higher areas.
Both options help increase your efficiency and comfort while working on larger projects.
10. Cleaning and Maintenance Tools
Proper care of your tools is essential for extending their lifespan and ensuring optimal performance on every project.
These tools include:
- Plasterers brush
- Sponge
- Water bucket
Keep a plasterer’s brush and a sponge handy to clean tools during and after use.
A bucket of water will help keep everything free from plaster build-up, preventing damage or reduced effectiveness over time.
Tip: After every job, clean your tools thoroughly and store them in a dry, safe place to ensure they remain in top condition for the next project.
Conclusion
By having these essential tools in your plastering toolkit, you’ll be fully equipped to handle any plastering project, whether it’s a small home repair or a large-scale professional job.
From mixing and applying plaster to achieving a smooth, professional finish, each tool plays a critical role in the process.
Take care of your tools, and they’ll help you deliver high-quality work time and time again.
If you’re looking to get all the tools you need, check out our comprehensive range of plastering tools, perfect for apprentices and seasoned pros alike!
On a budget? Consider renting taping tools.
Plastering Tools FAQs
What are the essential plastering tools for beginners?
For beginners, the must-have plastering tools include a mixing bucket, a drill with paddle attachments, a finishing trowel, a hawk, and a float. These basics will help you mix and apply plaster efficiently while achieving a smooth finish.
How do I use a mixing drill and paddle attachments for plastering?
To use a mixing drill and paddle attachments, place the dry plaster mix into a clean bucket, then slowly add water while using the paddle attachment to mix. Continue mixing until the plaster reaches a smooth consistency, free of lumps.
Why is a finishing trowel important in plastering?
A finishing trowel is essential because it allows you to smooth out the plastered surface, giving it a professional, polished finish. It’s one of the most frequently used tools in any plasterer’s kit.
What is the difference between a bucket trowel and a skimming trowel?
A bucket trowel is used to transfer plaster from the mixing bucket to your hawk, while a skimming trowel is used to apply thin layers of finishing plaster, creating a smooth surface on top of the base coat.
How do I achieve a smooth plaster finish?
To achieve a smooth plaster finish, use a float after applying the final coat of plaster. A float helps smooth out imperfections and ensure a uniform finish before the plaster dries.
What is a hawk used for in plastering?
A hawk is used to hold plaster while you apply it to walls or ceilings with a trowel. It helps plasterers work more efficiently by keeping the plaster readily available during the application process.
Why should I use a scarifier between plaster coats?
A scarifier is used to scratch the surface of the first coat of plaster, creating grooves that help the second coat adhere better. This ensures a strong bond between layers and prevents peeling or cracking.
How do I ensure a flat, even plastered surface?
Using straight edges and feather edges will help you check and correct the evenness of the plastered surface. Feather edges are particularly helpful for curved surfaces or tight spaces.
What are plastering stilts and how do they work?
Plastering stilts are tools that strap to your legs, allowing you to walk and work at elevated heights. They are particularly useful for plastering high walls or ceilings without constantly repositioning ladders.
How should I maintain my plastering tools?
To maintain your plastering tools, clean them with water and a plasterer’s brush after each use. Make sure to remove all plaster build-up, and store the tools in a dry place to prevent rust and wear.
