The correct tool selection can make a big difference when it comes to decorative finishing and plastering. Among these, spatulas are the most important for getting an even and smooth surface. But not every spatula is made equal, so understanding the differences between them will help you complete your project with the best possible outcome.
Spatulas are made of different materials, sizes, and shapes, and each is intended for a particular use. Choosing the appropriate spatula is essential for maximizing productivity and producing a polished finish, regardless of whether you’re adding a decorative element or a base layer of plaster.
The most popular kinds of spatulas used for plastering and decorative finishing will be discussed in this article. With a better understanding of their distinct features and functions, you’ll be able to select the ideal tool for your upcoming project.
| Type of Spatula | Description and Use |
| Flat Spatula | Used for applying and smoothing plaster on flat surfaces, ideal for large areas. |
| Corner Spatula | Designed for finishing internal and external corners, ensuring sharp, clean edges. |
| Notched Spatula | Features serrated edges, often used for applying adhesive or creating texture in plaster. |
| Flex Spatula | Thin, flexible blade allows for easy application on curved or uneven surfaces. |
| Jointing Spatula | Specially made for filling and smoothing joints between plasterboards or drywall. |
- Dimensions
- Rosted
- Rubber
- Plastic
- "Japanese spatula"
- "Wood"
- Video on the topic
- Spatulas for mechanized putty DLT Finish (painting spatulas without a handle). Blades 0.3 and 0.5 mm
- Applying plaster with a notched trowel. Multidecor Oikos.
- IRONING SPATULA FOR DECORATIVE PLASTER
- … and which SPATULA is convenient, faster and better to work with? Puttying walls.
- Options for decorating with a notched trowel
- Tools for decorative finishing.Where to buy spatulas and trowels?
Dimensions
Common metal spatulas are classified as narrow, medium, or wide depending on their width:
- A narrow tool is considered to have a working plate with a width of 5 to 10 cm. With its help, it is convenient to collect plaster or putty mixture from a bucket and throw it on the wall. A small width also makes it possible to plaster in hard-to-reach places. It is difficult to level the solution on the surface being treated with such a tool.
- To the middle References with a blade with a width of 15-25 cm. Separate large dents are put off by this spatula. The tool is well suited for leveling small areas and grouting of the sutures of GCL.
- Wide (facade) Spatulas are equipped with a plate of more than 25 cm. Available Size: 30, 35, 40, 45, 60, 80 cm. Used mainly for rough finishing and leveling the solution in significant areas. Along with the grater, this spatula is used to glossy plastered surfaces.
Rosted
When laying tile and stone tiles, a gear spatula and a small comb are frequently used to apply adhesive. Teeth on the edge of the tool’s blades are one of its distinguishing features. It turns out that grooves are used to apply the glue to the wall.
Benefits of the approach:
- High performance. With this method of application, the solution is evenly distributed under the tile, filling the voids. As a result, the master does not have to waste time squeezing out and removing excess.
- Tile quality. The tile lays down more evenly than when applying glue with a regular cloth due to its more uniform distribution under its surface. The required strength of the connection is also ensured.
- Savings. Helps to avoid overspending on glue, reducing financial costs.
A notched trowel can also be used to lay parquet flooring, create textured decorative plaster, and apply glue to insulation.
Advice: You can adjust the thickness of the adhesive solution by tilting the trowel at different angles to the surface that needs to be treated.
Selecting the appropriate spatula for plastering and decorative finishing is essential to producing a polished, seamless finish. Whether plastering, smoothing, or adding decorative textures, different kinds of spatulas are made for different jobs. It is possible to ensure that every stage of the plastering process is completed quickly and precisely by being aware of the range of spatulas that are available, from flexible blade spatulas to specialized finishing tools. In order to assist professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike in choosing the appropriate tools for their projects, this article examines the most popular types of spatulas and their applications.
Rubber
One more intriguing variety. It is essentially a piece of rubber with a cut edge in its most basic design. Not only is the synthetic material flexible, but it also resists wear and tear well.
Ceramic tile joints and silicone sealant application sites are cleaned with a rubber spatula.
The tool works well with rounded corners, columns, and arches, among other convex and concave shapes.
Expert decorators frequently keep an entire set of tiny rubber spatulas in their toolbox just for this reason.
Plastic
Wallpapering is the primary use for plastic spatulas. They successfully expel air from beneath them and press the canvas firmly against the wall without causing any damage because of their shape and elasticity. This instrument is also known as a pressure spatula.
The following device shapes are offered for purchase:
- Classic. Differs from a wide metal spatula only in material. Convenient to work with large areas and heavy wallpaper.
- Trapezoid. A compact tool similar in appearance to a rectangular trapezoid. Quite versatile, since. . it allows you to work not only with a straight, easily accessible surface, but also with corners.
- Shark fin. It has special slots on the working surface. This tool simplifies the application of adhesive to wallpaper and walls. Equally effective when smoothing the central part of the wall and corners.
- Boat. Semi-circular plastic spatula with a convenient holder. Designed for working with hard-to-reach areas.
If required, the plastic sheet can be modified by cutting teeth into it to add texture to the plaster coating. You can create ornaments in this manner: waves, circles, trees, Christmas trees, and stripes.
"Japanese spatula"
A tool made specifically for applying ornamental plaster, like Venetian. constructed from premium stainless steel. Lacking a handle, but the working plate may have a plastic holder attached to one side. Better control over the application of decorative plaster is made possible by this innovative design.
The plate itself stands out for its excellent execution, flawlessly smooth surface, and lack of even the smallest burrs around the edges. Consequently, the ornamental plaster has a smooth surface devoid of tool marks.
The method of using a Japanese spatula to apply Venetian plaster:
- A small amount of decorative solution is collected on the edge of the tool and applied to the wall with careful movements in different directions. The master holds directly on the metal plate. For the best result, the blade should go at an acute angle to the surface being treated.
- The second layer of a different shade is applied to the wall in a similar way and shaded.
- Now the plaster should dry completely.
- After this, wax is applied and the surface is polished with a sponge.
A fascinating video on the subject of using a Japanese spatula for "Venetian" applications.
It serves a variety of functions:
- Removing wallpaper and old paint from the wall;
- Cleaning the nap of the paint roller (with a semicircular notch);
- Expanding cracks and cutting drywall with an acute angle;
- Pulling out small nails;
- Cleaning the joints between tiles;
- Opening the lids on paint cans, etc..
"Wood"
Instead of smoothing out the plaster, a semicircular rubber spatula gives it a unique texture that is evocative of wood. Utilizing this kind of tool is just as simple as using a standard one.
This article goes into further detail about decorative plaster "wood" and how to make a spatula by hand.
It rolls as it moves smoothly along the recently laid mortar. In this manner, the wood’s structure is visible on the wall; painting it to the desired color is then the only thing left to do. Another name for this instrument is spatula-applicator.
A smooth and polished finish in any plastering or decorative project depends on selecting the appropriate spatula. Every kind of spatula has special qualities and advantages that make it appropriate for particular jobs. There is a spatula made to make your work easier and more productive, whether you’re handling large surfaces, working with corners, or applying finishing touches.
You can guarantee the finest plastering or decorative finishing by being aware of the various kinds of spatulas and how to use them. Purchasing the appropriate equipment not only helps you save time but also improves the way your work looks in the end.
Remember that using the right tools for the job is essential to successful plastering and decorative finishing. You can take on any project with confidence and produce results that are on par with professionals if you have the right spatula.
