Plastering Tools

About Plastering Tools

Professional plastering tools for plasterers, dryliners and finishing tradespeople. Our range covers the core tools needed for bonding coat, finish coat and skim work — including plastering trowels, hawks, feather edges, corner tools and floats.

All tools are trade-grade quality from recognised professional brands. Suitable for bonding plaster, finish plaster, and multi-finish applications on dot-and-dab and traditional plastering systems.

Browse related collections: [Hardscaping Tools](/collections/hardscaping-tools) | [Saw Blades](/collections/saw-blades) | [All Plastering & Construction Tools](/collections/plastering-construction-tools)

Fast UK delivery. Trade pricing available.

How to choose

**Essential plastering tools for a professional set-up:**

1. **Plastering trowel** — 11" or 13" stainless steel finishing trowel for applying and smoothing finish coat. Replace when bent or pitted.
2. **Hawk** — lightweight aluminium hawk for holding plaster during application. Prefer a 12" hawk for finish work; 14" for thicker bonding coats.
3. **Float** — PVC or foam float for textured finishes and scratch coat work.
4. **Feather edge** — straight aluminium or plastic rule for levelling and ruling off screeds.
5. **Corner trowel** — internal and external angle tools for clean corner profiles.
6. **Mixing bucket and paddle** — consistent mix is critical. Clean tools between mixes to prevent contamination.
Trade Tip

**Trade tip:** New plastering trowels perform better after a brief "breaking in" period — use a new trowel on coarser bonding work for the first few days before using it for finishing. The blade flexes and conforms slightly, giving a smoother finishing action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size plastering trowel is best for skim coat finishing?

11" to 14" stainless steel trowels are standard for skim finishing. Larger trowels cover more area per pass but require more wrist control. Most plasterers use a 13" or 14" trowel for general finishing work.

How do I prevent rust on plastering trowels?

Rinse and dry immediately after use. Apply a thin coat of linseed oil to the blade after cleaning. Store flat — do not leave blades resting on their edges as this causes warping.

Can I use plastering tools for render work?

Most plastering tools work for both internal plaster and external render. For rough-cast or tyrolean render, use a more robust float or scratch tool to handle the coarser aggregate.