11” vs 14” Plastering Trowel?

paperclap

Hi all,

Wanting to get my first plastering trowel.

As a DIYer, I would only ever be using it for occasional jobs.

Thinking stainless steel over carbon steel, due to maintenance / rust issues.

But, do I opt for an 11” or 14”? I’ve heard an 11” would be best for a DIYer? Also less strain on the wrist apparently.

Thanks.

stuart45

11 inches for DIY.

FreeBear

Definitely stainless steel, and avoid the cheap stuff. When you pick one up, check that the working edge is straight - There are some real crap ones out there that look like they've been made out of corrugated iron...

Also worth picking up a length of this - https://www.diy.com/departments/clear-pvc-angle-profile-l-1m-w-15mm/1392991_BQ.prd and slipping a length over the edges to protect them from damage when not in use. You can also use spine bars from a stationary supplier....

Check your local Adult Education web site for introductory courses on plastering. I recently did one (for free), and it has given me the confidence to tackle some of the larger jobs here. Also gave me a chance to play with stuff like Speedskims and 14" finishing trowels.

stuart45

Stainless is better for DIY.

paperclap

Thanks one and all!

Picked up an 11” Ragni from Screwfix for £19. Seems like a right little beauty. Came with two reusable snap on/off guards for the long edges too - little bonus!

stuart45

They are a decent trowel for the money. Not worth lashing out on a Mashalltown to begin with. 
The downside to stainless is that it takes about 5 years to break it in.

danrv

stuart45 said:

The downside to stainless is that it takes about 5 years to break it in.

Just wondering what ‘breaking in’ is in regards to plastering trowels.
Didn’t really think about stainless when I bought mine. £7.99 from Screwfix.
Seems fine if I keep it clean but it’s only for occasional use.

stuart45

Breaking in a trowel is especially to do with the edges, which need to be worn down enough to get a top class finish. Most spreads use them for sand/cement rendering for a few months to start with.
Carbon steel trowels will break in quicker, and some prefer them to stainless, saying on plaster you get a better finish.
For DIY, carbon steel will rust quicker as it's not being used as much.
For DIY, the breaking in of a trowel is not really as important, as it's unlikely anyone would get the finish of a time served pro.

FreeBear

stuart45 said: For DIY, the breaking in of a trowel is not really as important, as it's unlikely anyone would get the finish of a time served pro.

Having had a couple of "professionals" doing some poor quality work here, I'd say that with a little bit of training & guidance, it is possible to get a half decent finish comparable to some of the "pros". If one is going to paper a wall, the finish doesn't have to be absolutely perfect.

stuart45

There's usually big difference between a spread who's served a recognised apprenticeship, and someone who has done a college course and charges people for this. I remember back in the early 70's when there were 6 month government training centres churning out so called tradesmen. Most of them didn't last long on site. 

travis-powers

stuart45 said:

There's usually big difference between a spread who's served a recognised apprenticeship, and someone who has done a college course and charges people for this. I remember back in the early 70's when there were 6 month government training centres churning out so called tradesmen. Most of them didn't last long on site. 

Still the same last time I was on site I was working with “carpenters” who have been assessed on site (other peoples work) paid £1500 and was then qualified for there CSCS card.