Plastering falcon – purpose and device

Knowing which tools to use is essential to getting a smooth and even plastered wall. The plastering falcon is one such tool that is necessary for both DIY enthusiasts and professional plasterers. This useful tool is essential for making sure plaster is applied efficiently and uniformly on a variety of surfaces.

Plaster is held in place and supported during work by the plastering falcon. Plaster can be easily picked up and transported thanks to its level surface, which facilitates a more controlled and efficient application process. A falcon in your toolbox can make a big difference in the quality of your plastering work, no matter how big or small the repair job you’re working on.

This post will discuss the function of the plastering falcon, some of its unique features, and practical applications. Comprehending these facets will enable you to optimize this instrument and attain polished outcomes in your plastering endeavors.

What is a plastering falcon

You can get by with a basic set of plastering tools, like a spatula and a grater, if you plaster a little area of a wall or a fiberboard sheet for practice. Additionally, a tiny bucket filled with the mixture can be set next to it. However, it is challenging to plaster a large surface area quickly, professionally, and without the use of a falcon. Although the tool’s service life is limited and it is not recommended to waste time bending over to reach the container, it is incredibly convenient when forming bas-reliefs with gypsum mortars.

Plastering in difficult-to-reach areas where it is not practical to have a container with the solution close by makes this tool extremely useful.

The tool, which is a rigid shield with a handle on the back, greatly facilitates the work of plasterers. After all, bending over to the container with the solution every time to take a small portion of the plaster mass on a spatula or trowel before applying it to the wall is tiring. Since one hand of the worker applying the strokes is free, why not use it to hold a large portion of the required mixture? A falcon was originally used for this purpose. This tool turned out to be convenient not only for holding the solution, but also for applying, leveling, and smoothing (it all depends on the skill of the plasterer) the mixture.

When plastering walls, a plastering falcon is an essential tool for producing an even, smooth surface. Its function is to help you apply the plaster more controllably and precisely by supporting and guiding it. Usually, the tool is a metal plate that is flat and has a handle to help you hold it and distribute the plaster evenly across the surface. Gaining proficiency with a plastering falcon can greatly enhance the caliber of your plastering job and guarantee a polished end product.

Types of plastering falcons

The device was constructed from 15-millimeter-thick pine boards joined together with dowels prior to the discovery of polymers. The shield’s dimensions were designed with the master in mind, although typical sizes range from 25 by 25 to 38 by 40 cm. The dowels that extend 1.5–2 cm beyond the shield function as a stop when the laborer applies the mixture to the wall using a falcon.

The center of the shield has a wooden handle fastened to it with two spikes and an extra nail. The length of the spikes is designed to prevent them from coming within 2 mm of the falcon’s working surface. The item needs to be carefully planned. A wooden tool’s drawback is that it gets heavier when wet.

Foam-plastered falcon

Aluminum or aluminum alloys are also used to make a plaster falcon. Such a falcon is lightweight, highly resilient, and unafraid of moisture. The absence of stops for a spatula or trowel—that is, the projecting dowels of a wooden product—is the only negative aspect. Therefore, the sharp spatula blade may slip and cause injuries if you press down on the shield with it or support it while working. Furthermore, spreading the mixture is not very convenient without a spatula.

Sheet steel is also used to make dish-shaped tools, which are identified by their large capacity. Five times the capacity of a standard rectangular shield is stored on the "plate" thanks to the sides along the outer edge, which can hold up to 3 liters of plaster mixture. On a circular platform, a more liquid solution can alternatively be added.

Plastic is also used to make the tool. Contemporary polymers stand out for their light weight and resilience to impact. In contrast to wooden ones, they also do not swell or get heavier in water. These products feature rectangular shields with the blade positioned primarily on the back side. Because of their elasticity, polyurethane tools are useful for spreading and smoothing the plaster mixture. Because foam products are fragile, they should be thrown away.

GOST 25010-81 states that a falcon’s sizes are indicated by its marking; for instance, the C350 has a side length of 350 mm.

How to use a plaster falcon

You must first learn the proper way to hold the tool. When taking it in with your left hand, place the shield’s edge on your forearm; the other edge should rest on the side as you remove the solution from the container. To collect the excess liquid when gathering the solution, in this instance, hold the shield slightly tilted toward the container. Using a spatula, apply the solution to the shield in the direction that is away from you. Once it is collected, use the same spatula to remove any excess along the edges, sending the mixture back.

Spreading or throwing the solution onto the wall is how it is applied.

Throwing the solution

There are two ways to throw: directly with a falcon or with a trowel. In the first scenario, the mass is removed from the shield by throwing it onto the wall or ceiling using the right side of the spatula or the trowel’s end, working from the edge to the center of the shield (setting and throwing are done in the direction away from you). In order to ensure that the rebounding solution lands on the tool when plastering the ceiling, the shield is held higher, at shoulder level beneath the throwing location.

Experts have mastered the art of throwing the solution straight from the shield. They use their right hand to hold the tool while making a swift movement from top to bottom.

Watch this brief video to learn how to throw plaster mortar the old-fashioned way—with a spatula from a falcon.

Spreading from a falcon

A plastering falcon serves as both a mortar holder and a tool for directly spreading the mixture onto the base. By using this technique, the surface becomes smoother right away and the solution is applied more quickly.

The instrument is brought up against the wall and angled to the required degree after gathering the solution on the falcon. The shield’s bottom is pressed up against the wall, leaving a space just big enough to accommodate the layer’s thickness. A trowel pressed up against the back is used to adjust the gap. The tip should point away from you and the focus should be on the key or stiffener.

After bringing the shield up against the wall, evenly distribute the mixture upwards. When spreading, the most important thing is to make sure the gap is the same size. The layer will be wavy if the gap is not constant.

Less mortar gets on the tool when plastering the ceiling. You execute the stroke by advancing the tool in your direction. The primer and cover are applied using this method. Spraying does not involve spreading.

An analysis of the aluminum plaster falcon via video.

Purpose The plastering falcon is used to hold and apply plaster smoothly on walls. It helps in spreading the plaster evenly and ensures a uniform finish.
Device It consists of a flat, rectangular board with a handle. The board is usually made of metal or plastic, and the handle is attached to help control the board while applying plaster.

It is essential to comprehend the function and purpose of a plastering falcon if you want your walls to be smooth and professionally finished. Plaster needs to be spread and smoothed with this tool in order to ensure an even surface and lessen the possibility of imperfections.

The plastering falcon aids in the efficient management and uniform distribution of plaster due to its smooth, level surface and ergonomic grip. The falcon is a useful tool to have in your toolbox because it can greatly improve the quality of your plastering job when used properly.

Gaining proficiency with a plastering falcon can help you accomplish better results and plaster more efficiently. Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing how to use this tool well will make plastering projects easier and more accurate to finish.

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Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

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