What Plastering Tools Do I Need?
So you recently had a hunch that you are going to learn how to plaster but got struck by the reality that you have no clue on what tools you will need to get started.
Well, you don’t have any cause to worry because in this article we, at The Swindon Plasterer, will reveal the various tools you will need to get started plastering.
We’ll provide you with a master checklist of the tools you will need with all the necessary examples and options to help you achieve success in your newly discovered obsession. Don’t waste time beating around the bush and let me guide you on the right course of action to take.
Here is a quick rundown of the primary tools you will need to get started:
- Plastering Trowel
- Bucket Trowel
- Plaster Mixer
- Hawk/ Hand board
- Water brush
- Buckets/ Mixing buckets
No doubt as you progress into becoming more skilful at plastering, you will start to explore the several other tools that are available at your disposal. These tools will enable you to get creative and produce more quality plaster jobs and also help you become a pro in no time.
However, before we delve thoroughly into these tools, we first need to clarify an important issue.
Cheap Plastering Tools – are they worth it?
The answer to this question is an emphatic NO!
When you decide to purchase plastering tools from substandard suppliers, you are bound to get a poor quality finish. You can’t expect to get a flat, smooth and perfect finish on your wall by using a Trowel you got from a pawn shop.
So, if you’re truly serious about plastering, you have to be ready to spend some cash and get yourself some quality plastering tools. In this article, we will be discussing each of these plastering tools in detail and provide you with valuable information on which standard tools you should use and their importance where necessary.
Plastering Trowel
This is one of the essential tools used in plastering. You will need to get a very good Plastering Trowel before even thinking of starting out with plastering. Choosing the right Plastering Trowel, however, is where many people tend to falter.
The good news is, we’re going to show you how to select the best Plastering Trowel for the job you want to do.
Here are a few things you will need to consider:
What Size of Trowel Should I Use?
The size of the trowel you plan to use is of utmost importance, so when buying one, it is recommended that you pick a 14 inch (“) stainless steel plastering trowel. Most experienced plasterers would suggest that you go for a 12″ trowel because it allows for more control.
The problem with this advice is that it makes your work effort feel less productive. Small trowels usually have less space to hold the plaster, and as a result, you may find it difficult to apply it to the wall. The bottom line is that you will be better off starting plastering with a 14″ trowel. It might require some effort at first, but you’ll get the hang of it as you progress.
For optimum results, we recommend that you use stainless steel, 14″ x 5″ trowel from Marshalltown. These special trowels are well known in the market for their resourcefulness, and they’re an excellent option for beginners in plastering.
The Marshalltown trowels also guarantee sturdiness, comfort, and most importantly a sublime finish. The 5” width accommodates a much larger surface to get accustomed to the transition of applying the plaster.
The Marshalltown MPB145GSD Stainless Steel Plastering Trowel is a great place to start. It is a highly versatile trowel that can be utilised for all types of plastering and by just about anyone at different stages their plastering career. As a beginner, you’re going to enjoy using it.
By all means stay away from cheap, substandard trowels. As earlier pointed out, such poor quality trowels only breed disaster – they do not last, they rust easily and get corroded after use. Spare yourself a headache and go for a good, well-reviewed trowel – they may cost more, but they make your work much more comfortable and will last a long time if properly maintained.
Bucket Trowel
This tool is typically used to scoop the plaster out of the bucket while applying the plaster. They are available in hundreds of shapes and sizes and can be easily sourced from your local retailer. Depending on which ones you plan to purchase, you should be budgeting around £5 – £10 for a piece. Unlike plastering trowels, bucket trowels do not require spending vast amounts on them for quality purposes since their appearance do not affect the outcome of your plastering.
Hawk/ Hand Board
This plastering tool is what is used to hold the plaster in place while you scoop from it with your trowel. They also come in varieties of shapes and sizes and are usually held in the palm of your hand.
You should go for whichever option suits you but here are two of the best that we recommend:
Foam/ Plastic Hawks
These foam/ plastic hawks are perfect for beginners due to their lightweight and ease of use. It can be physically draining to your arms when you are holding a full trowel weight of plaster for hours on the end of your arms, but with this plastic hawk, your muscles won’t ache, and you’ll be able to finish up your work in no time. The only downside of using this plastering tool is that due to its lightweight it is prone to cutting in half after a while.
Aluminum Hawks
Made of lightweight aluminium material, these hand boards are the favourite of many. They may cost more than the plastic hand boards but will last a lot longer. As earlier stated, you don’t need to spend a lot on hand boards, but if you’re looking for one that’ll last, then the aluminium hawks are your reliable option. We highly recommend the Marshalltown hawks due to their comfortable Durasoft handles.
Plaster Mixers
Investing in a quality mixer is also very important if you want to start plastering. There is a wide range of mixers available that you can choose from but we’ll help you out with some of the main ones.
Here are the top picks that we recommend:
Refina MM30 Mega Mixer:
Manufactured in Germany by Eibenstock, the Refina MM30 Mega Mixer with its powerful 1800W motor is actually a firm favourite on the list of plastering and rendering trades. The heavy-duty high-torque motor and two-speed gearbox generates a rapid and thorough mix action with consistent results which enables light work of even large volumes of plaster or external render. The Megamixer Drill includes a soft-start variable speed to lessen start-up splashing as well as the MR3 spiral paddle easily converts power tool torque to a consistent mix action. The newly designed ergo-design H frame handle offers a comfortable position for convenient handling so it helps protect the motor from damage. This powerful and efficient tool is the best mixer for contractors who call for a consistent output.
Nordstrand 1800 Heavy Duty Mixer:
This mixer is ideal for all users over the spectrum. Whether you require a mixer for the DIY project or maybe you need one for an essential in your professional trade, the Nordstrand 1800W Plaster Mixer is perfectly suited to meet your needs. This is largely partly because of the ergonomic design that is not only user-friendly but in addition intuitive for users. Furthermore, it has a robust construction that gives it exceptional durability. Importantly, they have the proper blend of features to manage a variety of tasks including mixing mid-viscosity liquids. This is certainly powered from a powerful 6000 rpm motor with six-speed controls.
Vitrex MIX1400L Plaster Power Mixer:
The Vitrex MIX1400L Plaster Power Mixer is actually a powerful mixer that has been created to mix grout, cement, plasters, fillers, paints, adhesives, along with other construction mortars. It includes the perfect combination of features to for enhanced productivity. For example, it arrives with two gears for variable speed. Importantly, the mixer’s speed may be locked for continuous operations. Additionally, the speed is controlled electronically rendering it easy for users to get the setting they might require for that material under consideration. In the design front, this mixture comes with an ergonomic design as well as a lightweight construction for the best user experience possible.
Baylola 1600W Plaster Paddle Mixer:
Are you on the market buying a powerful plaster paddle mixer? If you have, the Baylola 1600W Paddle Plaster Mixer is perfect for you. It includes 1600W plus a variable speed setting for any type of tough mixing job. This paddle mixer has a 360-degree double helix head to boost the efficiency of your own project. The electronic overload protection aids in preventing the motor of the mixer from overheating under continuous working pressure. The beginning of the mixer is electronically controlled and soft. This can avoid the powder and liquid from splashing up when mixed. Click here for a whole overview of the Baylola 1600W Plaster Paddle Mixer.
Silverstorm 264219 Plaster Mixer:
The Silverstorm 264219 Plaster Mixer has two speed settings to achieve the required consistency from the preparation of a number of materials such as plaster, adhesives, cement, and paint. Featuring its powerful 1220W motor it is going to produce a handy addition to your construction tool kit. Both the handles on each side from the mixer are rubber coated for any comfortable and safe, stable grip. A soft-start function delivers instant power and the on/off lock switch prevents accidentally starting the motor. It will come complete with a 140mm mixing paddle, two spanners, two carbon brushes, and tools to keep the paddle mixer.Water Brush
Another essential plastering tool you will need to have as a beginner in plastering is a water brush. It is an indispensable tool that is used to conclude the plastering process. It is usually applied to the final coat of the plaster to stop the plaster from pulling off, thus leaving a perfect finish.
The water brush can also be used to apply water to the plaster when you’re yet to finish, and the plaster is already drying up. It is undoubtedly an essential tool that can save both you and your plastered walls when you most need it.
Water brushes come in a variety of sizes and can be applied in many ways. You can get a 6″ water brush or a 4″ masonry brush from Travis Perkin. They are sometimes expensive but will last longer, make your walls sparkle and are way better than using cheap brushes which leave bristles in your plaster.
Cleaning Brush
These are thick hand brushes that are used to clean your plastering tools and your buckets. There are various types of hand brushes available that you can use for cleaning your plastering tools, but we recommend that you go for a plastic brush. They’re small and thin enough to pass through the paddle of the mixers, which will guarantee a thorough cleaning.
Mixing Buckets
Mixing buckets are containers used to hold the plaster in a while mixing. They are critical as well, and we recommend that you go for the big Gorilla tubs when shopping for your mixing buckets. They are versatile, sturdy and can last a long time if properly maintained.
Plastering Tool Reviews
Refina MM30 Mega Mixer Review
Refina MM30/2 Mega Plaster Mixer review - I never thought that I would be doing a great deal of plaster mixing. However, over time I found that my assertions were wrong as, and indeed plaster mixing was an invaluable skill to master. Unfortunately, hand mixing is never easy and in many regards, it is impossible to do unless you are an experienced professional. For me personally, I had to do a lot of plaster mixing in a short time span. I quickly realized that I could not achieve high quality plaster mixes in sufficient quantity by mixing with the brush or hand as they were not powerful enough. Furthermore, my hands would get too tired. With this experience, I knew I had to find a new solution for plaster mixing. I am certain you will experience the same issues and you can benefit from my experience.
