Plastic Trowels

Plastic Plastering Trowel Overview

Light, flexible and perfect for those top coats, plastic trowels are designed to work with finesse. Here’s when you might find yourself grabbing for a plastic plastering tool:

• Finishing Skim Coats – Light as a feather but solid in performance. Ideal to create that smooth finish.
• Tight Corners – The flexibility lets you get into those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies where other tools just can’t follow.
• Delicate Detailing – When you need precision without the pressure of heavy metal, the plastic trowel provides the gentle glide you need.
• Wet Finishes – Perfect for wet finishing as it avoids sticking and gives a slick, smooth surface.
• Final Passes on Thin Coats – Achieve that final perfect finish without pulling back any material.

At P1 Plastering Superstore, we stock quality plastering tools (and everything else a plasterer could possibly want). Need it fast? Check out our 1-hour click-and-collect or free delivery when you spend £100.

Plastic Trowels vs Steel Trowels

The main difference is that plastic trowels are lightweight and flexible, while metal trowels are durable and sturdy. So, which one should you grab for your next job?

• Plastic Trowels – Lightweight and flexible, plastic trowels have flexibility to get a smooth, clean finish with minimal effort, especially when working with lightweight or finishing plasters. Gliding over surfaces with ease, they reduce drag and prevent that ‘pulling’ effect you can sometimes get with metal trowels. Plus, they don’t rust, which means less maintenance and a longer life.
• Steel Trowels – On the flip side, metal trowels are known for their sturdiness and durability. They’re built to withstand tougher conditions, making them perfect for those heavy-duty jobs where you need a strong, reliable tool. Whether you’re working with thicker plasters or need to get precise, sharp finishes, metal trowels have the weight and structure to get the job done.

Types of Plastic Trowels

There’s more than one type of plastic trowel to consider. Here are some of the popular options available from our shop:

Plastic Finishing Trowels

For the finishing touches on your plasterwork: finishing trowels. With their smooth surface, they help create that glass-like finish, making them ideal for finishing coats.

Plastic Floats

Floats are used when you need to apply or distribute plaster evenly across walls or ceilings. They’re designed to make your plastering prep easier and more even before the finishing trowel steps in.

Plastic Corner Trowels

Whether it’s an internal or external corner, these are the tools you need to get that crisp, clean edge without the fuss. They help ensure that your corners are sharp and smooth every time.

Why Add a Plastic Trowel to Your Toolkit?

Plastic trowels may seem like a simple tool, but they come with some serious advantages that make them an essential part of any plasterer’s kit.

• Lightweight & Easy to Handle

  Plastic trowels are much lighter than their metal counterparts, meaning less hand strain during long sessions. They let you work longer without feeling like your arm’s about to fall off!

• Smooth Finish, Every Time

  Their smooth surface helps achieve that perfect, glassy finish, especially useful for final layers. (You won’t end up with those annoying tool marks!).

• Corrosion-Free

  Unlike metal trowels, plastic won’t rust. That means no need to worry about cleaning rust spots off your tools when you’re in the middle of a project – it’s one less job off the list.

• Durability

  While they’re lightweight, they’re still strong and tough enough to handle the pressure. They’re made to last without cracking or bending like cheaper plastic tools.

Application Tips

Looking for a few key techniques to take your plastering to the next level? Here are some insider tips that’ll make your job easier and help you get the best results, straight from the pros:

1. Master the Float Technique

   For a smoother finish on larger walls or ceilings, use your plastic float trowel in a circular motion. The flexibility of the plastic allows it to glide over the surface, leaving you with that perfect finish. Avoid pressing too hard – let the tool do the work.

2. Don't Overload the Trowel

   Unlike steel trowels, plastic trowels can be more sensitive to the amount of plaster you apply. Too much plaster on the blade can cause drag and leave lines. Use a lighter touch, loading the trowel with just enough plaster to get the job done.

3. Clean Between Coats

   Plastic trowels are less likely to collect plaster and become sticky, but still give them a quick clean between coats. It’ll help you avoid any dry bits from interfering with your project.

4. Be Mindful of Heat

   Plastic trowels are slightly more heat-sensitive than metal. If you’re working on a hot day (as rare as they are in the UK) or with hot plaster, keep an eye on the trowel’s flexibility. If it starts to feel too bendy, try to work in shorter bursts or take a break to avoid any warping.

5. Maintain a Gentle Pressure

   Plastic trowels excel when you apply consistent, gentle pressure. Use a lighter hand for better control and to preserve the tool’s integrity.