Types of Plastering Tools
Plastering is one of the ancient handicrafts that have evolved over the last few decades. Even during the Egyptian rule, the process of plastering was prominent in the construction of the great Pyramids and other building. There is also evidence of the use of plasterwork and plastering tools in Greek architecture including the use of a fine white lime stucco plaster at Mycenae. The plastering tools have not changed since the ancient time - it's just been modified for ease of use in the modern times.Plastering Tools
Plastering tools like Float and Trowels play a significant role in good plasterwork
There are different types of plastering tools used for different types of plasterwork. Some of the most important plastering tools used commonly today by plasterers include:
Plastering Float: The plastering float is an important tool and every plasterer should possess one. A plasterer will not be able to do plasterwork without a float. The main use of a plastering float is for applying and smoothening out of the plaster on the wall's surface or the surface of the ceiling. The best type material for plastering float is stainless steel as it will not rust and provide durability and long life to the float. This is therefore one of the most important plastering tools for a plasterer.
Plasterers Hawk: The plasterers Hawk is a plastering tool shaped like a small rectangular tray. It is mainly used for holding small amounts of plaster so that it can be used on the walls and ceilings.
A 5-litre bucket: A plasterer will require a 5-litre bucket or even larger bucket depending on their requirements. This is one of the essential plastering tools and is used for creating a good quality plaster mix. The plasterers need to ensure that the bucket is dry, clean, and flexible before starting the work of mixing. Unwanted dirt can easily contaminate the plaster mixture.
The Bucket Trowel: The bucket trowel is another important tool that is in the shape of a small spade and is mainly used for loading up the plasterer's hawk from the bucket. The absence of this tool can make plasterwork a lot harder and messy.
The Plasterer's Beads: The Plasterer's Beads are used as a guide for creating flat vertical surfaces as well as sharp edges and corners. It is one of the important plastering tools and are used only for creating plaster walls and not on dry walls.
Mixer drill: A mixer drill is a necessary plastering tool especially if plasterers are using high amount of plaster for mixing. The mixer drill makes the entire process easier by creating smooth and even plaster. A paddle can also be used but only in cases where smaller amount of plaster mixing needs to be done.
A level: A Level is a plastering tool that has to be used with the plasterer's beads. The job of the plasterer's beads is to keep the ceiling or wall even; the level is used to ensure that the plasterer's beads are vertically set up before commencing on the plastering job. Plasterers will not require a level for drywall jobs.
Scarifier: The scarifier is an important plastering tool and looks almost like a hair comb except that it is much longer and bigger. The job of the scarifier is the same as that of a comb. This type of plastering tools are mainly used for preparing a second coat on any plastered wall. Plasterers can create diagonal comb strokes using the scarifier on the base layer of plaster on the wall and this will help in preparing the wall for additional layers. A scarifier will not be required for drywall plastering.
Straightedge: A straightedge is a plasterer's tool that is used only on plaster walls and will not be required on a drywall. The straightedge is most commonly used to even off any plastered surface.
Splash Brush: The splash brush is used for splashing water onto a freshly or newly plastered wall. The splashing of water will help in dampening it so that any imperfections can be worked out. This is one of the most important plastering tools for plaster walls.
Lath: The most common type of lath used for plastering are the wooden laths, which are mostly made from American fir or Baltic fir. The most commonly used laths are the ones that are at least an inch Lathing-wide, and have 3 different types if thicknesses.
- The single lath: this has a thickness of 1/8 to 3/16 inch
- The lath and a half: This has a thickness of 1/4 inch
- The double lath: This has a thickness of 3/8-1/2 inch
These are some of the most commonly used plastering tools for plaster work.
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