When carrying out finishing work, the type of tool used is of great importance. It is on him that the preparation of the base for finishing depends. Consider a plastering scraper: with the simplicity of the device, it has some nuances of choice.
What is it?
A plastering trowel is an auxiliary tool by means of which different compositions are applied to the surface and preliminary leveling of the mass on the surface is carried out.
An experienced craftsman can apply, distribute and smooth the mixture using such a tool. Externally, the product is a rectangular bar or board with a comfortable handle, the ends of which are fixed in the base. It is not a construction float, although the external resemblance is obvious. Unlike a grater of a half-grater (aka a trowel), it has smaller dimensions.
Scope of application
The scraper is used in construction and finishing works. It is used for indoor and outdoor work. Due to this tool, it is possible to produce a flawlessly even base without visual defects and plane irregularities. The trowel allows you not only to apply and level the base - in the process of preliminary leveling, it compresses the applied layer. You can use it before further wallpapering, painting, applying decorative plaster, finishing facades, cladding with adhesive tiles (for the ceiling).
Such a tool also allows you to remove excess during the distribution of the composition over the surface. Due to its low weight, it facilitates the work of the master. The advantage is resistance to moisture absorption. In addition, it does not respond to temperature changes.
Views
The half-scraper is classified according to the type of material. In this regard, it can be:
- polyurethane;
- wooden;
- foam;
- metal.
In addition, rubber and latex are used in the production of such instruments. Each type of raw material used has its own characteristic features that determine its shelf life. More often, you can find products made of polyurethane on store shelves. Such trowels are comfortable, a bit like plastic boards. Their use allows you to achieve a good preparatory result.
Wood products are durable. They are more durable than their counterparts, while during operation the mixture often adheres to the working canvas, which affects the quality of the leveling layer. It is more difficult to work with such a tool in comparison with other types of semi-rubbers.
Styrofoam products are the most impractical. The only thing that attracts buyers to them is the low price. However, they are not worth buying: after a few strokes, they begin to stick to the treated surface.
Metal options are used for ferruginization of the plane. For the result of work with such tools to be of high quality, skill is needed. More often, metal products are used in special cases, for example, for light surface treatment of a small area.
Rubber and latex options are used for finishing, but not for basic work.
Dimensions (edit)
The standard dimensions of a plastering trowel are 1 cm thick, 20 cm long, 10 cm wide. However, these parameters are not the only ones. On the shelves of stores, options are offered in larger and smaller sizes. Their variety is associated with a different volume of preparatory and finishing work. In addition, the standards are dictated by the manufacturers themselves. For example, smaller products are thinner and shorter, analogs of large sizes can reach 12 cm in width, while their thickness is 2 cm.
How to choose?
In order for the selection of a product to allow for a high-quality repair, before buying, you should read some of the recommendations of experts.
- Take the tool in your hand - it should be comfortable for you. The ideal grip is one that has grooves for the fingers.
- Look at the working canvas. There should be no defects in the form of jags, scratches, irregularities.
- Consider the amount of work. If you need to prepare a base for a large area, choose a larger product.
- Small varieties do an excellent job of their main task in limited areas.
- If you have to work with a wall that has previously artificially created openings, it is preferable to use a short model.
- It is better to buy a long half-grater if work on finishing open areas is coming.
- Avoid buying foam products: they will break in the first hour of work. Do not confuse them with polyurethane counterparts. These are two completely different materials.
- If you need to prepare a surface for painting, buy a metal scraper.
- If you are planning a purchase that will last for many years and will not interfere with the preparatory work, buy a polyurethane polisher. This trowel significantly saves working time, and the mixtures do not stick to it. At the same time, you will be satisfied with the result of your work.
In addition to the basic rules, keep in mind the main thing: the size of the instrument is selected taking into account the size of your own palm.
Choose a high-quality material, as with the deterioration of the structure of the working blade, the final result of the work becomes worse. The rubber version can sag over time, which can lead to the formation of small waves.
The trowel is often used as a tool to add texture to the finish layer. In skillful hands, such tools can replace textured rollers. Moreover, the result of the work will not be inferior to the professional one. And due to the possibility of trimming, you can correct imperfections that arise in the process of work.
If you are planning to give the walls or ceiling the effect of Venetian plaster, such a tool will be the best helper in the implementation of an unusual idea. By the way, the old wooden version with a dilapidated work surface can be used to create a bark beetle texture. And if you need a “fur coat” texture, you should use a product with a sponge plane.
Testimonials
The plastering scraper is recognized as a reliable and high-quality assistant in preparing the base for finishing. This is indicated by the reviews of the masters left on the construction forums. The comments indicate that they are lightweight, comfortable, and have an acceptable cost.
Masters point out: for a better choice, it is worth starting from the type of planned work. Fortunately, the selection of varieties on store shelves is great.
For information on how to trowel plaster, see the next video.