What Tools Does A Plasterer Use?

What Tools Does A Plasterer Use? 

If you’re just starting out as a plasterer then one of the most important things you will need to do is to make sure that you have a well equipped tool kit. The last thing you want is to find yourself at your first job without the necessary equipment to get things done. This doesn’t look professional and can mean having to lose time and money while you head out to source the correct tools. But first you will need to ask yourself what tools does a plasterer need?

At the most basic level, you will need a good selection of hand trowels, hand board, mixer, water brush and a selection of buckets. But there are many other tools that will come in handy. 

In this guide, we are going to be talking you through the most important tools you will need to ensure that every job is as easy and painless as possible. It’s a good idea to make sure that you stock up your tool before booking in your first project. 

What Plastering Tools Do I Need?

So, you’ve finished your training, you’re ready to set yourself up as a self-employed plasterer and you’re keen to have your first client. But before you can do anything, you’re going to need to take the time to purchase your equipment. While the tools we have mentioned above are among some of the most important, they certainly aren’t the only ones you’re going to need. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll be shopping for. 

The Finishing Trowel

One of the most important tools to add to your plasterers tools kit is the finishing trowel. You’ll also need a pointing trowel but they’re of equal importance. The finishing trowel has a much wider and more flat blade which allows you to better smooth out the plaster. It’s much more effective when finishing off the surface and will leave it without any bumps or imperfections. 

Your finishing trowel will be a tool that you get a lot of use out of so it’s worth investing in a decent one. But we will talk more about the importance of buying good quality tools later on.

The Window Trowel

Some of your trowels will be too large for more intricate work like plastering around a window. As you may have guessed from its name, the window trowel is just what you’re looking for in this instance. It is designed specifically for working around windows and has a much smaller blade that allows you to move smoothly around the wall even in tight spaces. If you work as a residential plasterer, this is a tool you will get a lot of use out of.

The Inside And Outside Corner Trowel

A corner trowel is yet another of the most important trowels that a plasterer can have. If you attempt to work on a corner with any other type of trowel, you’re going to find it almost impossible and that’s why you need to reach for your corner trowel. 

These tools are ideal for complex situations and allow the plasterer to create a smooth and even finish with great accuracy without it being a challenge. Not only will this make life easier but it will also save time trying to mess around in tight spots with a more traditional type of trowel.

The Bucket Trowel

We realise you’re probably getting sick of hearing about trowels by now but there’s still one more important addition to your toolkit if you want to easily get by as a plasterer. That is the bucket trowel. 

Unlike other trowels that are used in the application of plaster, this one is commonly used to take plaster out of your bucket and put it onto your hawk. This means that the tool will go under a lot of pressure every day owing to the weight of the plaster. For this reason, we would highly recommend choosing a bucket trowel that is strong and durable. 

The Mixing Bucket

A mixing bucket is a versatile piece of equipment that is an absolute must for a plasterer. You could, of course, opt to buy several buckets but whatever you choose, it’ll need to be the right size; at least fifteen litres as a minimum. However, you will need to think about your needs to determine the best size for the job. This is one of the tools that you will need to take very good care of as mixing plastering materials is a big no-no so be sure to clean it thoroughly between uses or you may find yourself regularly investing in buckets. 

The Hawk

No, we aren’t talking about those majestic birds; a hawk is the name of one of the most important plastering tools. Yet strangely, there are some plasterers that don’t use one; we can tell you now that life will be so much easier with a hawk. 

This tool is a portable surface onto which you can put your plaster material when moving around the site. This makes it so much easier and faster to apply plaster to the surface you are working on rather than having to keep going back to your bucket. 

The Mortar Stand

While it might be one of the most obvious tools that you’ll need to buy, the mortar stand is still worth mentioning. Using one will just make things run so much more smoothly at work. These stands are foldable and easy to transport and serve a similar purpose to the hawk in that they will hold your materials allowing you to access them far more easily.

Snips

For trimming and cutting beading, a good pair of snips is an absolute must! It’s a good idea to spend some time shopping around for them as you will want something versatile enough that it can cut all types of beading such as stainless and cold steel. 

We would also recommend choosing snips with long handles as this will make the cutting process a lot easier on you, giving you more leverage. Don’t forget to choose snips that offer durability by the bucketload as they’ll have to be put under a lot of stress. 

The Plasterers Float

Even after you have finished the plaster with your finishing trowel, you’re still not quite done. At this stage, you will need a reliable plasterer’s float to give the most high quality finish. Without this tool, no job will ever be complete and you won’t be able to achieve that beautiful smooth finish making the surface look uneven.

The Scarifier

A scarifier is a big metal comb which is used to scratch render between coats. Doing this puts lines into the render and this will mean that the second layer is much more easily able to bond with the first for a more durable finish. While this isn’t a tool that you have to have, it is certainly one that will ensure your work is to the very best standard and when trying to impress customers, that’s exactly what you want.

Choosing The Right Trowel

It’s clear that there are a lot of different trowels needed for plastering and it’s important to take the time to choose the right one. When shopping for a basic plastering trowel, size is one of the first things you will need to think about. A lot of veteran plasterers will tell you that a 12 inch trowel is more than enough. This is because a smaller trowel provides the user with greater control. 

On the other hand, some plasterers suggest going for something slightly bigger, around the 14 inch mark as this will allow you to apply more plaster at any one time. It is far more common for modern plasterers to go for this option, especially when working on larger projects and in most cases, those that start out with a 12 inch trowel tend to switch to something bigger down the line. 

Of course, much of it is down to personal preference so have a go with both and see which you work better with. There’s certainly no right or wrong way.

There are a lot of brands that make plastering trowels and Marshalltown is one of the most well-renowned. It’s highly favoured by a lot of experienced plasterers so if you’re looking for high quality, this is a good option. 

But whatever company you decide to buy from one of the key things to look for is a trowel that offers durability. You’re going to be getting a lot of use out of this tool so buying something flimsy just won’t cut the mustard. You’ll also need to make sure that the trowel is ergonomically designed to ensure maximum comfort during use. 

Choosing The Right Hawk

When it comes to choosing a hawk, you will have two options; plastic or aluminium. Each type has its pros and cons so it’s a good idea to spend some time thinking about which will benefit you more. If you’re a beginner then a plastic hawk will normally be the best choice because they are so easy to use and incredibly lightweight. What’s more, they’re often a lot cheaper.

The weight of these hawks is important as when you are training, it is unlikely that you will spend all day holding a heavy hawk full of plaster. When you start working, this is something you will do so having something that’s easier to hold will help you get used to things.

That said, plastic hawks are not as strong as their aluminium counterparts so they will need to be replaced more frequently.

An aluminium hawk is going to set you back a little more money but the good thing about them is that they are far more durable. On top of this, they are still lightweight and won’t weigh you down while you’re working. 

Do I Need To Spend A Lot Of Money On Plastering Tools?

When you are training, you might be able to get away with buying cheaper tools to practice with. However, when it comes to getting a job or being self employed, substandard tools just aren’t good enough. One of the main reasons is quality, you’re not going to get a tool that is durable and will stand the test of time if you don’t pay good money for it. 

Places like Poundland sell tools that could, in theory, be used for plastering but you’ll find yourself spending so much on replacements that it would have just been better going for something high end in the first place. Moreover, these cheap tools are not designed for professional use and won’t give you the smooth and even finish that your clients are looking for. 

If you want to make a name for yourself as a good plasterer then you will need to make the investment in your tools. See this as a business start up cost and over time, you’ll soon make your investment back. 

Conclusion

Becoming a plasterer means taking the time to think about how you will run your business and one of the most important parts of this is choosing tools that will help you get through each working day. While you might not need as many tools as other people in different trades, there are certainly a lot of things that are essential. 

A good set of trowels designed for different purposes is a good starting point but you’ll also need things like snips, buckets and a hawk if you’re going to do the best job. Always make sure that you are prepared to invest in high quality tools as these will serve you for a long time and, more importantly, will ensure the highest standard of work.