Having the right equipment can make a massive difference in the quality of your plastering work.
As someone who has plastered by trade and loves to dabble in a few home DIY projects, I’ve found that a pre-worn plastering trowel is a game changer when aiming for smooth, pro-looking results. Using a pre-worn plastering trowel has become my go-to for taking on plastering jobs and achieving the highest standards.
Table of Contents
In this article, I’ll give tips on picking the right trowel, the benefits of using a broken-in trowel, and how to keep it in good shape, whether you’ve been doing it for years or just getting started.
You’ll see how using something as basic as a pre-worn plastering trowel can change how you plaster and help you get perfect finishes every time.
What is a Pre-Worn Plastering Trowel?
Using a pre-worn plastering trowel has recently helped revolutionise how I handle my plastering at home. I’ve always used new trowels previously, but I’ve recently purchased and used some broken-in trowels, and I’m now keen to share my experience.
Definition and Features
The blade of a pre-worn trowel consists of high-grade stainless steel, shaped and hardened to assist with the easy application of plaster. Its standout feature is the edges that mimic a well-used trowel. This helps remove the need to break into the tool, immediately letting you get great results free from ripple marks.
How It Differs from Regular Trowels
The main difference between a pre-worn trowel and a regular one is its shape and readiness for use. Regular trowels often need breaking in before they work their best, but a pre-worn trowel is ready to go as soon as you take it out of the box.
The blade’s curved shape is key. This has a big impact on stopping the blade’s front edge from cutting into the plaster. The result? You’ll find it easier to apply plaster.
I’ve also spotted a difference in how the handle is made. Many ready-worn trowels have a camelback handle shaped to fit during long plaster jobs. This really helps with knuckle clearance. Some even have a soft-grip handle to help with comfort.
The pre-worn edges essentially mimic the shape of a trowel with plenty of use, making it easy to apply plaster right from the get-go. This lets you get pro-level results without the hassle of breaking in a new trowel.
The blade often keeps its shape over time. This is a big plus, as it means you can count on it to perform well with continuous use. The blade’s shape helps eliminate ripple marks, giving you a more even finish.
These trowels are also challenging. They’re made for pros and can handle everyday use without breaking. This means you’re buying a tool that’ll be useful for a long time.
While pre-worn plastering trowels have these benefits, remember that even they might need some extra work to break in. This is much faster than a regular trowel, though, and I’m confident you’ll be happy with the result.
In my experience, a plastering trowel that’s been used before makes a great addition to any plasterer’s toolkit. It certainly impacts how I tackle my plastering jobs.
The Benefits of Using A Pre-Worn Plastering Trowel
As someone who has plastered their fair share of walls over the years, a pre-worn trowel has some fantastic benefits I have seen for myself.
Smooth Application Right Away
Having a rough start is one of the most annoying things about using a new trowel. With a standard trowel, you often struggle as it pulls and drags the plaster. But that’s where a pre-worn trowel makes a difference. They are made to apply plaster seamlessly right from the beginning.
When I first used a pre-worn trowel, it made a world of difference. The blade moved over the plaster effortlessly, and I didn’t need to go through that initial struggle to achieve that sleek finish. I had bypassed weeks of breaking in a new trowel and gone right to the good stuff.
Shorter Break-in Time
Breaking in a new trowel takes a lot of time. Some plasterers even try using their new trowels for rendering jobs to speed up the process. Something you want to avoid doing. A pre-worn trowel will eliminate this break-in time altogether.
From what I’ve seen, there’s a big difference in how long it takes to break in a regular trowel compared to a pre-worn one. You might spend weeks or even months getting a standard trowel broken in. Still, I’ve noticed that pre-worn trowels are good to go immediately. This lets you spend less time wrestling with your tools and more time improving your plastering skills.
Improved Finish Quality
The main aim of plastering is to achieve a smooth, flat, perfect surface. Pre-worn trowels are great for this. Their edges are already curved and polished, so they’re ready to give a top-notch finish as soon as you start using them.
Since I started using pre-worn trowels, I’ve seen my work become more efficient and my plastering improve. The finish is always smoother, with fewer flaws.
A major reason for this better finish is how the trowel keeps its shape as time passes. Many pre-worn trowels have “Permashape” blades that don’t warp or bend. This means you can rely on steady performance from job to job without fear that your trowel will lose its edge over time.
Furthermore, pre-worn trowels often have features that make plastering more comfortable. For example, some models have rubber handles to give you a good grip when the pressure’s on. This extra comfort leads to better control and a higher-quality finish.
Picking the Best Pre-Worn Trowel
There are a few key things to consider when choosing a pre-worn plastering trowel. Let me share what I’ve learned to help you select the right one for your plastering work.
Size
The trowel and blade size you choose can greatly impact how you plaster. In my experience, a 14″ trowel hits the sweet spot between coverage and control. With it, I can spread plenty of plaster while controlling things.
Starting with a shorter trowel makes sense for newbies in plastering or those working in cramped areas. An 11″ or 12″ trowel gives you better control and lets you move in tight spaces. However, a longer trowel (13″ or more) can speed up your work if you’re dealing with bigger surfaces and have some know-how.
Material Options
When picking a trowel, you have two main options: carbon steel and stainless steel. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and I’ve used both a lot.
I prefer carbon steel trowels. They keep a sharp edge better than stainless steel, which means smoother walls. The downside is that they might rust if you don’t take care of them.
Stainless steel trowels, however, don’t rust and are easier to maintain. They work well for newcomers, especially if you use your trowel sparingly. However, they can lose their shape over time compared to carbon steel trowels.
If you want the best of both worlds, consider a gold stainless steel trowel, which I reviewed in my article about plastering trowels for beginners. It combines stainless steel’s resistance to rust with carbon steel’s ability to keep its shape.
Handle Comfort
Your trowel’s handle is key in comfort during those longer plastering jobs. Most pre-worn trowels come with wooden or DuraGrip handles. I’ve found that the softer DuraGrip handles offer better comfort when used for long periods.
As mentioned previously, many pre-worn trowels have a ‘camelback‘ handle design. This shape fits well in your hand and gives more knuckle clearance, keeping my knuckles safe from scrapes and bumps.
Looking After Your Trowel
Taking good care of your pre-worn plastering trowel is key to making it last and work well.
Cleaning After Use
The key to keeping your trowel in good shape is cleaning it right after use. If you put it off, removing hardened plaster becomes a real pain. Here’s how I clean my trowel:
- Fill a bucket with water and add some baking soda.
- Let your trowel sit in this mixture overnight. This makes the plaster soft and easy to remove.
- Scrape off the soft plaster with a putty knife or a wire brush.
- For tough spots, use a scouring pad.
- To make it shine again, sand the trowel with 400 grit sandpaper.
Here’s a tip that works well if your trowel has some rust on it: let it soak in white vinegar all night, then use rough steel wool to scrub off the rust. Remember to rinse it well and dry it when you’re done.
Proper Storage
To keep your trowel rust-free and in good shape, you need to store it right. This is what I do:
- Dry the trowel after you clean it.
- Keep it in a dry spot to stop rust.
- Put it in a trowel bag or builders bucket for safekeeping.
- If you have many trowels, consider getting a special case like the Trowelsafe case, which fits up to five.
When To Get a New One
Even if you take good care of your trowel, you’ll need to replace it someday. Here are some signs I watch for:
- Edges wearing down too much: Some wear is normal and even helps, but too much wear can hurt how well it works.
- Stubborn rust: When rust has eaten into the metal, you must get a new one.
- A blade that’s bent or damaged: A bent blade might leave marks in your plaster as you drag it.
Buying top-quality tools is worth it in the long run. They’re made to withstand regular cleaning and use.
Stick to these upkeep tricks, and your used plastering trowel will work longer and make surfaces as slick as ever.
FAQ's
Many prefer a worn plastering trowel because it works well and gives the best finish from the get-go. New trowels can be rigid and have sharp edges that might not initially give the best results.
A plastering trowel has a stiff blade to flatten and apply plaster well. A finishing trowel, often made of thicker steel, can be harder to use because it’s so rigid. This can put more strain on your joints when you work with it.
You use a plastering trowel to spread plaster on surfaces. It helps you lay the material to get a smooth result. The method involves putting the right amount of plaster on the flat part of the trowel and then spreading it on the area you’re working on.
Plastering trowels made from stainless steel have a reputation for durability and longevity. If you take good care of a top-notch plastering trowel, it can do its job for a long time.
The Benefits of a Pre-Worn Plastering Trowel
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