Best Plasterers Tools
Best Plasterer's Tools
Welcome to the Wonkee Donkee Tools guide for the best plasterers tools.
Knowing which plasterer tools to invest in can be tricky. But the good news is, Wonkee Donkee Tools is here to advise you.
The first thing we suggest doing is thinking about the basic tasks you’ll be undertaking and ensuring you have the necessary tools for plastering. It’s also likely that you’ll be working alongside other people who will have their own set of tools, so purchasing a full tool kit might not be required at this stage.
We offer only the highest quality plastering tools – suitable for the professional and DIY enthusiast alike. We have a wide choice, including everything from specialist plastering tools to the fundamentals (e.g. trowels, buckets and sponges), and strive to provide the most competitive prices.
To ensure you have the best tools for plastering, we have compiled a list of the essentials.
Pointing Trowel
A plasterer uses a pointing trowel for trimming small areas that needed extra attention. They are typically between 5-6 inches (12-15cm) in length. The pointing trowel gets its name due to the action it allows the user to complete called ‘pointing’. Originally designed for builders to fill and shape mortar in between bricks, the pointing trowel has been adapted by plasterers to intricately trim and shape plaster.
Window Trowel
When unable to use a larger trowel, a plasterer would reach for his window trowel. It has a smaller face which provides you with better control when plastering in tight spaces. The window trowel is also known as a ‘tuck pointer’ or ‘joint filler’. It’s design of a long thin shank provides plasterers the ability to accurately level plaster over tricky joints and in hard to reach places.
Corner Trowel (Internal and External)
Corner trowels allow you to finish the internal and external corners of a surface with accuracy and ease. A plasterers quality of work is typically judged on how smooth the finish is in addition to how well the corners of the surface are sealed. A corner trowel is a must have tool for a plasterer to ensure a smooth fill in to each edge of the surface.
Bucket
A bucket has multiple uses and applications. You’ll want at least a 10-litre bucket depending on your needs but this size would be suitable for most general purpose jobs. Ensure your bucket is clean and dry before mixing in it to ensure that your plaster mix it smooth and ready for application.
Finishing Trowel
The finishing trowel is the plasterer’s bread and custard. A wide, flat, rectangular blade allows you to spread, smooth and level your plaster. You will be using this tool a lot, so invest in a good quality one with a comfortable grip. Top quality trowels are not welded through and are slightly convexed.
Hand-Board (Hawk)
A hawk is a simple portable surface which provides you with a flat plate on which to store a small amount of plaster material for ease of application to walls and ceilings.
This can help speed up work by allowing for plasterers to complete sections without having to continually return to wherever the mixed plaster is stored. This is especially useful when working in hard to reach areas as it allows for high walls or ceiling corners to be plastered in one go to ensure the quality of finish.
Straight Edge
A straight edge is used to even off rendered floors and can cover a large area in a short time. Typically used to measure distances, a plasterers straight edge is also used to help ensure surfaces are smooth. A plasterers straight edge is typically made from aluminium and is a great tool to use in the final steps of plastering to ensure a perfectly smooth finish.
Tin Snips
Tin snips are a type of shears used for snipping sheet metal. Their long handles provide higher leverage and certain models have a compound-action handle which increases the mechanical advantage. A plasterer will want a decent pair of these for trimming up beading.
Spirit Level
A spirit level is absolutely essential if you want to have flat surfaces and even finishes. The reputation of plasterers quality of work is vital for expanding your customer base and repeat work. Spirit levels allow you to ensure that you get perfectly even plaster finishes every time.
Brushes
Having a decent set of brushes in your arsenal never hurt anyone, and you will need them for keeping your freshly plastered walls damp. Keep them clean and free from rust, otherwise, you may end up with streaky walls.
Scraper (Long and Short)
It is not always practical to whip out the power tools, so having the option for manual driving is a great asset. A set of high-quality screwdrivers will provide you with years of service. Cheap screwdrivers tend to be made from softer metals and the points will strip out after just a few uses. When you need to pry something open, use your pry bar NOT your screwdrivers!
Artex Texture Brush
A texturing brush is simply used to add texture to a coated ceiling, providing an alternative finish to the typical smooth walls. Artex finishes are a popular offering a unique finish to a room.
Plaster Float
The plastering float is another very important tool that every plasterer needs to own. These will be used on every job in the application and finishing stages to ensure the flattest finish possible. Plaster floats can be used on both walls or ceilings and are a plasterers best friend when smoothing surfaces.
Cordless Combi Drill
All professionals need a good quality cordless combi drill ready just in case. Some plasterers may need to remove fittings or fixtures before they begin plastering or to get to hard to reach places. Cordless combi drill is a handy power tool that can drill as well as drive. Also as it is cordless the battery is rechargeable and can be used wherever you like.
Jointing Knife / Taping Knife
Jointing knives are designed for the laying of drywall tape. They help to seal the joints between boards and provide a seamless finish. All plasterers need a couple of these at hand, preferably a large taping knife and a smaller jointing knife for those cramped spaces.
Sponge
It’s always useful to have a sponge at hand so that you can clean down your tools and mortar stand after dirty day’s work. Maintaining your tools and keeping their surfaces clean ensures that no bits are left over, preventing them from mixing with the plaster next time you use them.
Mortar Stand
A mortar stand is a simple foldable table on which plaster material or grout can be stored for ease of access when plastering. Mortar stands save plasterers from continuously bending down when mixing and fetching plaster as well a handy surface to place tools. A professional plasterer should invest in a good quality mortar stand which will last for several years.
Step Ladder
A step ladder is thoroughly handy in nearly any situation and if you purchase a good quality one they can be both lightweight and durable. Plasterers need to reach high walls as well as ceilings so a good quality step ladder is vital.
The most useful size is 1.5 metres (5 feet) because it will provide you with the reach you need for ceiling work without being too bulky. It can be easily folded up and stored away.
Drywall Saw
A drywall saw’s rugged blade can cut through plasterboard with ease and its razor-sharp point is ideal for puncturing drywall, giving you quick access to wall cavities. There are also electric versions which help reduce the workload when preparing a wall for plastering.
Dust Sheet
A dust sheet is important for keeping a clean and tidy working environment. Show your customers how diligent you are by not covering their treasured possessions in plaster.
Hack Saw
All plasterers should have a hack saw if only because they are so useful. They can cut through drywall, plastic, wood, metal and much more.
Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is a standard piece of equipment for any worker. The blunt end is for driving and the claw end is for prying. A good quality one will last you a lifetime.
Retractable Trimming Knife
This pocket-sized perforator can cut through string, wire and even plasterboard. Its retractable blades are cheap and easy to replace. A must have tool for all professionals to have close to hand to be prepared for anything you might face.
Mixing Paddle
A mixing paddle is used in combination with your mixer drill for mixing up plaster to your desired consistency. It is vital for plasterers to keep their mixing paddle clean between uses to ensure that their plaster mix is as smooth as possible.
Mixer Drill
The mixer drill is the modern alternative to using a mixer paddle, making the plaster mixing process easier for plasterers and reducing both time and energy of workers. A high quality mixer drill is robust with high levels of torque with ease.
Scarifier
A scarifier is an important tool for a plasterer because it allows them to prepare the second coat on a rendered wall or ceiling by scratching or combing lines into the render, this will create a stronger bond when the next layer is applied.
Plasterer's Hop Up
A plasterer’s hop-up is a simple foldable step that gives you extra reach when you need it most. A useful tool that may save you having to set up scaffolding or wearing stilts.
