Plastering Trowels

Plastering Trowel Overview

At P1 Plastering Superstore in Cheltenham, we stock a wide range of plastering tools. As experts in the field, we know what works and so are able to offer great value for money by picking the best products the market has to offer.

Depending on your trowel plastering project and the size of the job, we’re proud to offer a plastering trowel (or any plastering tool, for that matter) that helps you work efficiently and ensures a perfectly smooth finish. If you need any assistance at any point, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

What Materials Can My Trowel Handle?

Your trowel is tough. It’s built to handle a wide range of plasters and renders, such as bonding plaster, monocouche render, acrylic render and traditional sand and cement. Of course, you’ll need to reach the manufacturer’s guidelines as this will vary from model to model.

What’s the Difference Between a Plastering Trowel and a Finishing Trowel?

At first, a plaster trowel and a finish trowel may seem pretty similar, but there are a few key differences that make each better suited to specific tasks:

• Plastering Trowel – Your all-rounder. With a slightly wider blade and a more robust build, plastering trowels are designed to handle the heavier, initial layers of plaster. They’re great for applying base coats, spreading materials and working on larger surface areas.
• Finishing Trowel – As the name suggests, finishing trowels are the finishing touch in your plastering toolkit. They have a thinner, more flexible blade and slightly curved shape to smooth out the surface once the plaster is applied. These trowels give you a fine, polished finish.

In short: use a plastering trowel for the heavier work and a finishing trowel to finesse.

How to Clean Your Plasterer’s Trowel

It’s not the most exciting part of plastering, but it’s definitely essential. For smoother results and longer tool life, follow these simple steps to keep your trowel in tip-top condition:

• Scrape off excess plaster – While it’s still soft, use a stiff brush or spatula to remove most of the plaster from your trowel.
• Wipe it down – Once the plaster starts to set, grab a bucket of water and a cloth to wipe down the blade and remove any leftover plaster.
• Use a wire brush for stubborn residue – For hardened plaster, gently scrub with a wire brush to loosen any tough bits. Just be careful not to damage the trowel’s edge!
• Clean between materials – If you’re switching between different plasters or renders, clean your trowel thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination.
• Dry it properly – After cleaning, dry your trowel completely to avoid any rusting.
• Store it safely – Keep your trowel somewhere dry and secure to protect it from damage when it’s not in use.

Types of Plastering Trowels

At P1 Plastering Superstore, we offer a range of high quality plastering trowels from NELA – a brand trusted by professionals worldwide. NELA trowels are designed for comfort, creating a smooth, even finish every time. We’re proud to offer this product range as they stand up to the toughest jobs, time and time again.

Here’s an overview of the different types of trowels we offer:

Plastic Trowels

Lightweight and durable, plastic trowels are great if you’re looking for an easy-to-handle option. The light nature of the material makes them ideal for delicate plastering tasks or for those who prefer a less strenuous tool.

Flexi Trowels

With a bendable blade that helps you mould and smooth plaster easily, a flexi trowel is perfect for skimming, finishing or applying plaster to curved or uneven surfaces.

Replacement Trowel Blades

Even the best trowels need a bit of TLC over time. We offer a replacement trowel blade that gives you the chance to refresh your tools without needing to buy a whole new trowel.

Why Use a Plastering Trowel?

It would be difficult to plaster without a trowel. A professional’s staple, here’s why we think it’s worth the investment:

• Even Application

  Trowels allow you to spread plaster evenly, helping you achieve a flawless finish with minimal effort.

• Control and Precision

  With the right tool, you have complete control over the thickness and texture of your plaster.

• Durability

  A high quality trowel will last a long time, standing up to heavy use whilst still maintaining its shape and performance.

• Versatility

  From applying base coats to the finishing touches, a plasterer’s trowel can handle a range of materials so you have flexibility from project to project.

• Comfort

  Moden trowels are designed with ergonomic handles to reduce hand fatigue and make for longer, more comfortable plastering sessions.

Plaster Trowel Application Tips

To master the plastering trowel, you need to focus on the little details. Whether you’re smoothing out a fresh coat or perfecting a skim finish, the way you use your trowel can determine your end product.

Here are some tips to test on your next site:

1. Use the Corner for Tight Spots

   The edge of your small plastering trowel can be used for tricky corners or edges to apply plaster precisely and avoid waste

2. Angle for a Smoother Finish

   Adjusting the angle of your trowel to about 45 degrees as you work will give you better control and prevent the plaster from pulling or dragging.

3. Feather Your Strokes

   When finishing a wall, use light, feathered strokes to blend the plaster into the surrounding areas. This will leave you with a smoother finish and fewer visible lines or seams.

4. Don't Overload the Blade

   A little plaster goes a long way. Overloading your trowel will make the application messier and harder to control. Apply small amounts and built up layers for a cleaner finish.

5. Clean Between the Coats

   We’ve told you before. Between layers, give your trowel a quick clean to avoid contamination, especially if you’re switching between different types of plaster.

6. Master the "Float" Technique

   For a smoother surface on larger areas, try using a “float” motion with your trowel – lightly glide the tool over the plaster without pressing too hard to reduce air bubbles and imperfections.