Possessing the appropriate tools can be crucial when plastering walls. The construction float is one of the most important tools in this process. These practical tools aid in plaster smoothing and flawless finishing. However, selecting the best one for your project can be a little overwhelming given the variety of types and features available.
This post will examine the various varieties of construction floats and their distinctive characteristics. Depending on the task at hand, each style of float—from classic wooden versions to contemporary synthetic versions—has advantages of its own. Choosing the ideal float for your plastering requirements can be made easier if you are aware of these variations.
We’ll go over the salient characteristics of each float, talk about how to use them, and provide some advice on doing so. Knowing your tools can improve your plastering abilities and guarantee a smooth, polished wall finish whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast.
| Type | Features |
| Metal Float | Durable and ideal for smoothing out plaster surfaces. Often used for final finishing due to its ability to give a very smooth finish. |
| Wood Float | Traditional choice for plastering. Gives a slightly textured finish and is easy to handle. Often used for initial smoothing and leveling. |
| Rubber Float | Flexible and helps in applying a smooth, even coat. Good for working with thin coatings and avoiding marks on the surface. |
| Plastic Float | Lightweight and resistant to rust. Easy to clean and maintain. Suitable for both smoothing and finishing tasks. |
| Polystyrene Float | Light and easy to use. Often used for specific applications like smoothing out textured surfaces or applying certain finishes. |
- Plaster block with mesh
- Metal (trowel)
- Polyurethane float
- For drywall (plane)
- Rubber coated
- Spongy
- Foam
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Plaster block with mesh
Grout mesh is used to sand wood, plaster, putty seams, and other materials. The abrasive’s grain size determines the quality and speed of work; the meshes are classified as coarse, medium, and fine based on this parameter.
This type has an interchangeable sanding mesh that is fixed to the work surface as one of its features. It is offered for sale in hardware stores in sheets with standard sizes. The tool that will be used with such a consumable should be taken into consideration when choosing it.
The sanding mesh is made up of a polymer lattice base and an abrasive coating made of materials such as pumice, corundum, silicon carbide, pumice, and less frequently, natural or synthetic diamond.
Changing a worn-out canvas quickly is one of the benefits.
Metal (trowel)
The finishing plaster layer can be applied and leveled perfectly with this tool. The pores that obstruct painting and wallpapering are sealed during the process, compacting the finish’s outer layer.
When using gypsum plaster, the trowel is used for the process known as glossing, which involves rubbing a sponge on the wall after it has been wet with water and pushing any extra moisture down the wall. Such grinding leaves the surface incredibly smooth.
Polyurethane float
The benefits of the polyurethane float are numerous. It is fairly robust, long-lasting, and lightweight. It works well with textured finishes like decorative plaster with pebbles.
A plastic float is used to grind down materials applied to the wall, such as liquid wallpaper and lime mortar, in addition to applying a decorative outer layer of plaster.
For drywall (plane)
A stripping cloth is fastened to the steel or plastic frame of a plasterboard float (rasp) in order for it to function.
The tool is used to process plastic, wooden, and plasterboard surfaces, as well as to remove the edges from plasterboard sheets and level small areas. Via holes in the metal sheet, chips are taken out of the working area.
Rubber coated
Builders use tools with a special rubber coating on the working part when working with epoxy compounds. The primary use is filling in joints following tile installation.
Such a tool’s working portion is resistant to extreme mechanical loads and does not harden when it comes into contact with glue.
Selecting the appropriate construction float is essential for plastering walls in order to achieve a smooth, polished finish. The distinct qualities of wooden, metal, and sponge floats all have an impact on the application and finishing processes of plastering. You can choose the ideal tool for your project with greater ease and polish if you are aware of these types and their unique advantages.
Spongy
This construction float is built on a sponge base. The benefits are comparable to those of polyurethane and rubber models. It has a slight weight and works well for decorative decoration containing crumbs of marble or granite. Occasionally, the product’s frame is composed of aluminum.
When gypsum plaster is glossy, a spongy grater can clog walls. In order to create the desired pattern on their surface, decorative plasters are also polished. They are employed for seam grinding in tile work.
Foam
Among polystyrene’s benefits are its low cost and light weight. Fragility is a significant disadvantage, though. Products are constructed from a unique type of solid foam, but even this material cannot support heavy loads; handles frequently break while the product is being used.
When handled properly by a qualified professional, however, such a tool can last a very long time. Plaster needs to be leveled and smoothed primarily using foam models.
Comprehending the distinct characteristics of construction floats can greatly enhance your plastering endeavors. A smooth, perfect finish can be achieved with the right float, whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast. Various floats, ranging from sponge to steel, provide unique benefits based on the particular requirements of your task.
For example, sponge floats work wonders when it comes to polishing and smoothing surfaces. They provide a softer touch that makes it easier to hide flaws and seams. Steel floats, on the other hand, are more resilient and appropriate for harder jobs requiring a stronger hand. Rubber floats are a useful addition to any plasterer’s toolkit because they offer stability, flexibility, and durability.
Selecting the appropriate float requires taking into account your degree of experience, the desired finish, and the kind of plaster you’re working with. You can improve the productivity and caliber of your work by choosing a float that fits the requirements of your project. Recall that using the appropriate tool can help you complete your task more quickly and with a more polished appearance.
