Plastering is easier with the right tools.
Plastering is a building method involving the application of plaster, a calcium sulfate hemihydrate-based material created by the heating of gypsum to more than 300 degree Fahrenheit. Plaster is applied over armatures or forms constructed of mesh, wire and other similar materials, where it then swells before shrinking moderately during the drying and hardening process. Plastering requires some basic tools to ensure adequate application.
Hawk
Used to carry the wet plaster prior to application, a plasterer's hawk is a 9-inch-square board attached to a handle. The hawk allows the plasterer to have a measured amount of plaster on hand, which is then applied using a trowel.
Trowel
Plastering trowels are the main tool for plasterers. Trowels are used in the application and spreading of the plaster over the surface of the form. Plastering trowels come in a variety of types to provide different types of finishes and to accommodate the type of plastering being done. Types of trowels include the bucket plastering trowel, internal/inside corner trowel, external/outside corner trowel, edging trowel, finishing trowel and Venetian trowel.
In choosing a trowel, plasterers should consider not only the type of work to be performed but also the materials used in constructing the trowel. Trowels are available in four main material types, including high carbon steel, stainless steel, preworn stainless steel and preworn gold finish. High carbons require the plasterer to wear in the trowel before use and can rust if not properly cared for. Stainless steel also requires the plasterer to wear it in but is more resistant to rust. The preworn stainless steel and gold finish trowels have been worn during the manufacturing process and are more costly than other models.
Bucket
While a simple tool, the plaster bucket is important in the mixing of the plaster prior to application. For easy cleanup a larger, malleable bucket is best because it allows the plasterer to bend the bucket to break off dried pieces of plaster from the interior surface.
Float
Similar to the trowel in its use, the float is generally used in the construction of walls. The float differs from the trowel in the type of material from which it is constructed. While trowels are generally made of a type of metal, floats are made of polycarbonate.
Splash Brush
Most often used in the repair of walls, a splash brush is used to apply water to the plastered wall during the second and third stages of plastering and prior to leveling. Splash brushes are generally large to hold adequate water.
Mixing Tools
Plaster mixing tools are generally called paddles or sticks. These paddles or sticks are 2 feet long and are used to prepare the plaster prior to application. Paddles and sticks can be used as a substitution to a power mixer but are not recommended for larger plastering jobs.
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