Tools for applying decorative plaster: types and use

Decorative plaster is an adaptable material that gives walls personality, depth, and texture to completely change the appearance of any space. However, using the proper tools is essential to achieving a professional finish. These instruments aid in the smooth application of plaster as well as the creation of diverse patterns and effects.

Every tool, including brushes, rollers, and spatulas, has a distinct function. Knowing how to use them properly can have a big impact on how your decorative plaster work turns out in the end.

This guide will show you the various kinds of tools that are used to apply decorative plaster and offer advice on how to use them efficiently. Having the correct tools at your disposal can help you produce amazing results, regardless of your skill level.

When applying decorative plaster, the right tools are essential for achieving the desired finish. Every tool has a distinct function, enabling you to produce a variety of textures and effects, from rollers and brushes to trowels and spatulas. Whether you’re going for a more intricate design or a polished, polished look, knowing when and how to use these tools will streamline the process and help you look professional.

Trowel for decorative plaster

Right now, the shelves are stocked with a huge assortment of tools for working with decorative coatings. Not every tool that is offered, though, is appropriate for finishing walls. Using a trowel to apply the solution is the best option. The working tool model presented for finishing comes in a wide range of variations.

Types of trowels

The following varieties of the working tool are distinguished, and the master can use different cells among the available options based on the features of finishing work and the type of coating:

  • Classic bricklayer"s trowel used for working with cement.
  • Model for interior wall finishing in residential premises.
  • Triangular tool for laying bricks.
  • A teardrop-shaped spatula is used for laying tiles.
  • The plastering version is used when it is necessary to apply solutions.
  • Grouting trowels are used when finishing complex surfaces.
  • Stove makers use a tool with rounded edges.
  • English model (one edge is wide, the other is sharp).
  • Philadelphia model with a wider base.
  • Angular version for working in joints.
  • A transparent trowel can be used when applying liquid wallpaper.

Consultants in a hardware store can provide more specific information about the options that are currently available for working tools. It’s also a good idea to watch the related videos and photographs to familiarize yourself with the working tools.

Criteria for choosing a trowel

Selecting a functional tool requires careful consideration in order to prevent unpleasant feelings during the home repair process. Although selecting a trowel is fairly easy, there are a few guidelines that can help you stay away from common blunders:

  • Before buying, you should hold the tool in your hand to assess the weight. The trowel should not be heavy, since you will have to work for too long. But it should not be too light, since this will interfere with the feeling of the work process.
  • The material from which the tool is made should be of high quality and durable.
  • The handle should have a rubber pad for better fixation. This will allow you to control the process of distributing the solution on the wall.
  • Also, when choosing, it is recommended to hold the trowel in your hand to feel the features of the work. If the tool causes discomfort, you should consider other models.

What can replace a trowel

The greatest tool for finishing residential spaces in a home is a decorative plaster trowel. It can, however, be swapped out for other tools if preferred. As an alternative, it’s worthwhile selecting a spatula, which you can use for tasks of various degrees of difficulty.

Spatula for decorative plaster

A trowel can be a great substitute for a decorative material spatula. The wide variety of spatulas used by skilled artisans is extensive. The use of a spatula is a great substitute for a trowel when selecting a working tool because it can help you accomplish the same results.

Corner

Corners and areas where walls meet the ceiling are finished with a corner spatula. The components of this device are a handle and a plate with perpendicular sides. The master can apply the completed solution to corner surfaces because of the unique shape, which makes it possible to smooth the material even in difficult-to-reach places.

Facade

The facade is usually covered with a thick layer of plaster because, in this situation, a robust and moisture-resistant coating is crucial. In this sense, broad stainless steel facade spatulas with a sturdy plastic handle are utilized when working outdoors. You can apply and distribute a lot of material over the wall thanks to the wide part. The breadth of the working portion and the material’s strength serve as the primary selection criteria in this instance.

Painting

Images and videos of painted spatulas can be found on the Internet. This model is a tiny, handle-equipped triangular metal plate. The tool that is being presented will enable you to complete minor wall finishing tasks.

Rubber

A rubber spatula can be used to complete the task.

The finished mixture can be distributed evenly and without scratching the walls using a rubber spatula.

The instrument is a tiny, robust piece of rubber with different thicknesses and widths. It has a unique handle at one end and is cut off at an angle at the other. Tile seams are often rubbed with a rubber spatula. Utilizing it to work with rounded surfaces is also convenient.

Plastic

A plastic spatula is essentially the same as one made of metal.

This particular model is designed for wallpaper, as its purpose is to eliminate surplus air from beneath the material.

Nonetheless, experts in the field of building and maintenance advise utilizing it for plaster coating. The material’s elasticity and strength make the task simple to complete.

Japanese spatula

A stainless steel model specifically made for working with Venetian plaster. The model is a metal plate with a plastic handle on one side and a red emblem with the brand’s logo in the center.

Using a spatula, apply the solution in accordance with the following algorithm:

  1. A small amount of the mixture is applied to the edge of the working surface.
  2. The master distributes the material over the entire surface in different directions, while monitoring the thickness of the coating.
  3. After the first layer dries, the material is applied again.
  4. At the final stage, after the plaster has dried, the walls are finished.

Multifunctional

A multipurpose tool can come in handy for a variety of finishing and repair tasks. The spatula is a uniquely shaped tool consisting of a premium metal plate with a plastic grip.

The version that is being presented enables you to remove outdated paint, wallpaper, and whitewash in addition to applying the plaster solution to the walls and ceiling. It can also be used to open paint cans, remove nails from walls, and create patterns on the surface to apply the solution evenly over the coating.

Tool Use
Trowel Used for spreading and smoothing the plaster onto the wall.
Spatula Helps in applying plaster to smaller areas and for detail work.
Hawk Holds the plaster while you work, making it easier to apply.
Roller Applies textured plaster evenly across large surfaces.
Brush Used for creating specific textures or patterns in the plaster.

When applying decorative plaster, having the appropriate tools is essential because they have a direct impact on the final look and caliber of your work. Whether you use a roller to create textured effects or a trowel for smooth finishes, each tool has a distinct function that improves the final product.

It’s critical to comprehend the features of various tools and how they work with different kinds of plaster. You can create a variety of decorative styles, from sleek, contemporary surfaces to rustic textures, by becoming proficient with their application.

Plastering successfully ultimately boils down to practice and selecting the tools that will work best for your project. You can create gorgeous, customized finishes that give any space personality if you have the right tools and a little patience.

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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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