If you are only going to learn the most popular construction work, then it may not always be clear to you why one of the most common tools for their implementation is a trowel. When carrying out repairs, you may also need this device, which is offered for sale in several varieties, and its use differs in certain features.
Varieties of plaster trowels
Plaster trowel is most often used in wall decoration. After all, a huge number of home craftsmen and professionals cover them with plaster. The plastering process is reduced to three stages, among them:
- splatter;
- applying a primer coat;
- cover.
The first two layers perform a filling and supporting role, while the final layer acts as a decorating one. A plaster trowel can be used for applying compositions with differentingredients, blends can be:
- clay;
- cement;
- gypsum, etc.
After the first two stages are over, you can start leveling and rubbing the surface. To do this, you have to purchase a plastering and grinding grater. These tools have a rectangular working canvas and a handle that is fixed in the center, from the wrong side. This element has an ergonomic shape, so it is very comfortable to hold the trowel.
The master will have to drive in different directions along the layer of mortar with a canvas. When choosing a trowel, you should prefer one in which the handle has indentations for the fingers. In general, a plaster trowel can be classified according to the size of the canvases, which are long and short. In the latter case, the width is 80 mm.
This trowel is used for leveling places that have limited space. This includes areas around windows, near doors and under window sills. It will be convenient to work with a short trowel if at the previous stage the plaster was applied to decorative walls with artificial openings and ledges. A long plaster trowel usually has a width of 120 mm, such a tool is best used for finishing open areas.
Varieties of trowel by material
Today, there is an opinion that a polyurethane trowel acts as an optimal assistant in plastering work. The shortest and cheapestare foam tools. Beginners get them first, and sellers do not convince novice masters. But with the beginning of work, you will understand that such a tool is only enough for a few walkers on the surface.
It will break pretty quickly, because everyone knows what a foam is, which is used as packaging for household appliances during their transportation. Many craftsmen note that after an hour of work, the handle is separated from the canvas and remains in the hands. The work surface even before this begins to stick to the surface and wear off.
Better solution
Plaster trowel, the dimensions of which were mentioned above, can also be made of wood. This option is somewhat stronger, it does not fall apart during the first work. However, the canvas is quickly sanded and begins to stick to the mortar, its corners are erased, which reduces the clarity when processing walls.
If you use grout, it will not be smoothed out with rounded edges with such a grater, and if it starts to stick, it will make you work much slower, because you can apply less grout in one go. As for the polyurethane variety, it does not have the above problems.
Use trowel
To carry out manipulations to level the walls, you will need a mortar and a trowel. Plastering work can then begin. The grouting stage willfinal. In this case, with a trowel or trowel, it is necessary to throw a solution on the wall. To do this, you can use another plaster spatula.
It is necessary to determine the area of the working surface that you will process at one time. You should not throw a solution in a large volume, because in one stage you will not be able to process it. The wet mixture must be rubbed with a trowel in a circular motion counterclockwise. The plaster trowel, the purpose of which was mentioned above, should be pressed against the surface, and the master needs to press a little on it, distributing the mortar over the base.
It is important to regulate the pressure. At the beginning of work, you need to decide with what intensity it is more convenient to press on the wall. This position of the hand must be remembered, and then adhere to it until the completion of work. The grater will flatten the mixture, making it much denser. This will cover the base with an even layer of mortar.
After plastering is complete, you can start sanding the surface. You can start this work in 5 hours. To do this, use combined trowels, which have a work surface with padded felt or felt. The villi will disperse small particles, and the walls will visually look smooth.
Recommendations for use
Move your hand at this stage up and down. The grater should be pressed against the surface until the entire strip can be processed. In this case, the tool should not be released from the hands. It would be wiseto carry out work, outlining a certain amount.
Grinding is performed to eliminate stains that remain after plastering. It is important to achieve a smooth surface. Grinding should be carried out starting from the ceiling. This will level out the microroughness that remains from grinding by hand. The plaster should be left to dry for 5 days.
Conclusion
Plaster trowel, the types of which were described above, is a tool used to apply a preliminary leveling layer. The preferred length varies from 70 cm to 1 m. When choosing a trowel, it is better to prefer one that consists of modern materials like polyurethane.
