Rating of the best trowels for plaster for 2022

A plaster trowel is an essential tool for working with walls. It should not be confused with a spatula, leveler and rule. Our rating will help you avoid mistakes when choosing. Read to the end to find out the differences between the trowel and other building tools, varieties depending on the material, how to choose the right one and what to look for.

Scope of application

The trowel for plaster is also known under other names - the Venetian trowel and the glader. Therefore, all these words have the same meaning. Glader is used for plastering, or rather, with its help, solutions are applied to the surface of the room. It evenly distributes them on the walls. On the ceiling evens out even the smallest irregularities that focus attention or cast unnecessary shadows.

The trowel copes with irregularities - it makes the seams less protruding. Tile adhesive, concrete, plaster can be applied in a thin layer, and then smoothed out. The convenience of ergonomic design allows you to work with complex compositions that quickly harden. This is true for decorative plaster - in cases where the difference in the final coating is 1 mm.

The design consists of 2 parts - a handle and a smoothing blade in the form of a rectangle. It is usually made from stainless steel for durability. Of course, there are models with a different trowel - triangular, diamond-shaped, etc., but it is the rectangular shape that distinguishes the trowel from other tools.

Kinds

Plastering trowels are made of different materials - metal, plastic and rubber. Each type is good in a separate case.

A metal trowel is the most reliable option of the three. Compounds almost do not stick to it, which is important, especially for applying quickly hardening building mixtures.

The main selection criterion is the strength of the trowel. If a sheet of metal bends, such a tool will not last long. High anti-corrosion properties are also important. Therefore, attention should be paid to stainless alloys.As for the blade, models with rounded edges do not damage the final layer, so it is better to choose them.

A plastic iron is cheaper, but short-lived. The scope of application is limited - it is recommended to use for plaster, as well as in working with liquid wallpaper. In these cases, she performs perfectly. There are plexiglass options that help control the thickness of the layer.

The rarest wooden and rubber trowels. Wood is a short-lived material subject to decay. It is rarely used, and mainly for smoothing concrete and on small surfaces. They are usually disposable. Rubber Gladers are used to smooth seams. Made from abrasion resistant rubber. The working base is soft and suitable for Venetian plaster.

There are also unusual models - with teeth. Their length reaches 4-10 mm. With the help of a notched trowel, patterns and waves are made on the walls. By adjusting the angle of inclination, you can experiment with the relief of the pattern - from barely noticeable to pronounced.

A trowel with a corner is used for only one purpose - for processing internal or external corners. The shape of the trowel repeats the bend of the corner, so it is not difficult to determine which trowel is needed.

Differences

Since the trowel is similar in appearance to a spatula, a rule and a leveler, a beginner can make the wrong choice - buy the wrong tool for a particular job.

• A spatula is used when you need to remove a layer of wallpaper, paint. With its help, they close point defects - cracks and crevices - and also lay tiles.
• The rule is a flat bar, which, in terms of functionality and method of application, is similar to a trowel. The difference is that the rule captures more area due to the size. Works well when time is short with quick-drying mixes.
• The equalizer is designed to work with the internal corners of the room. If they require cleaning from plaster and correction of minor flaws, they choose it.

In many cases, a trowel is used instead of a spatula in order to complete the putty faster. Due to the greater coverage, you can save not only time, but also the mortar. But still, the main purpose of the glader is to evenly distribute the solution over the surface.

Advantages

In the reviews, buyers note the following advantages of the ironing board:

1. She is not demanding in care. Mixtures almost do not stick to metal models. If part of the solution has frozen on the trowel, it is not necessary to remove it mechanically. It is enough to leave the instrument in water with citric acid for a day. This method will help to clean the surface of glue and plaster.
2. Sold at any hardware store at an affordable price. The cost varies depending on the material and quality - from 250 to 1,000 rubles.
3. With timely care, it has a long service life.
4. Cannot be replaced by other tools to remain the same efficiency and speed.
5. A wide range and variety of forms of the trowel.

In addition, everyone can pick up a comfortable ironing board for their hand in the store.

The best metal trowels for plaster

STAYER PROFI 0802

This is a standard trowel from the Stayer brand, which specializes in construction products. Size - 28 by 13 cm. The main advantage is a stainless steel trowel. The handle is made of wood covered with a protective layer. The main purpose of STAYER PROFI 0802 is to smooth mixtures, mortars and adhesives on wall surfaces. The weight is small - 300 g.This makes work easier, as the hands get tired more slowly.

• ease of use;
• long service life;
• light weight.

• not detected.

CORTE 0240

CORTE sells tile cutting equipment and repair products. Model 0240 is made of stainless steel and is used in finishing work. The rubberized handle is comfortable for many hours of work. And the central location gives balance and greater control of the trowel.

Size - 27 by 13 cm.

• made of alloy steel;
• rubberized handle;
• anti-corrosion properties.

• price.

Biber 35311

The impact-resistant black handle is located near the base. Builders note exactly this location as the most convenient. Under the handle there is a semicircular notch for the fingers, which will not allow rubbing corns. If the design has a right angle without rounding, then working with such a trowel is not so comfortable. When working with Biber 35311, the hands remain motionless and get tired less. The model can be used for puttying.

• comfortable handle;
• stainless steel base;
• strength.

• not detected.

Top 3 plastic spatulas

TOPEX 13A340

A plastic trowel is used for grinding and grouting. Made from impact resistant plastic. This means that despite the TOPEX 13A340 material, it is durable and has a long service life. Surface without teeth, rectangular shape.

The smoother is very light - it weighs up to 160 g. It is used to smooth concrete on small surfaces, for example, in the manufacture of stairs. Due to the flat surface, you can work with complex types of plaster, such as Venetian.There is a 6 month warranty.

• low price;
• a light weight;
• suitable for smoothing plaster.

• not detected.

Biber 35331

The model is designed for applying pasty and decorative plasters, as well as azures and thin-layer decorative paints. Plastic trowel with rounded corners prevents material from sticking to the blade surface. This greatly facilitates application and prevents the formation of marks.

• price;
• a light weight;
• wide handlebar.

• there is no rounding of the corner under the handle.

MATRIX 86721

The ironing board has a rectangular shape, the edges are not rounded. It is used when applying liquid wallpaper or Venetian plaster when it is necessary to form veins. Plastic models serve less, but are also several times cheaper than stainless steel counterparts. The design is quite ergonomic, but the handle angle is 90° and has no fillets. Therefore, when working for a long time, corns may appear. Size - 28 by 13 cm.

• price;
• efficiency;
• light weight.

• handle design.

Top 3 notched trowels

Master Color F30-2042

This is an inexpensive mortar trowel made of stainless steel, which makes it resistant to corrosion. There will be no harm from numerous cleaning with water and detergents, while other analogues may rust after 1 use. It consists of a plastic handle, which is conveniently located in the hand, and a working canvas.

The length and width of the teeth are 6x6 mm. Because of them, the solution consumption is reduced, and smoothing is faster. This size is well suited for wall cladding. Can be used as a comb.

Tool size - 27 by 13 cm.

• multifunctionality;
• economically consumes the solution;
• comfortable handle.

• handle plastic material.

MOS 05118M

This is a model of a Russian brand with production in China. The trowel material is carbon tool steel. It is plastic and little susceptible to damage - it will not break, even if it is strongly bent. But care is required - after each use you need to wash and dry thoroughly - otherwise corrosion processes can begin on the first day of use.

MOS 05118M has a light weight of 200 g. Warranty - 6 months.

• price;
• a light weight;
• strength.

• prone to rust without proper care.

Harden 620258

This is a notched trowel from Harden, which has been on the market for 20 years and is represented in 50 countries. The blade is made of alloy steel. It has anti-corrosion properties due to the chromium content. This means that even with poor maintenance, there will be no rust. The platform itself is hard, little prone to damage.

Harden 620258 has a comfortable orange handle. Rubber coating provides perfect interaction with the hand - gives a good grip.

Size - 28 by 12 cm.

• the trowel is made of stainless steel;
• rubberized handle;
• solid platform.

• not noticed.

The best swiss ironers

Biber 35301

The main difference between Swiss trowels and other types is a long canvas. In this they are similar to a rectifier. However, they do have a handle. Scope of application - smoothing and distribution of building mixtures.Due to the large surface of the trowel, the process is faster, and alloy steel extends the service life. Blade length - 48 cm.

The edges are sharpened - this feature shows Biber 35301 well when puttying. Does not draw, does not leave streaks and does not scratch the plaster. It is convenient to work on high parts of the building.

• stainless steel base;
• processed edges;
• durability.

• price.

NEO 50-033

This is a model with a mirror base made of durable steel. Does not bend from strong pressure and falls. The handle has a wide slot - you can clasp your palm completely. This part is made of beech wood and has a lacquered finish. Edges do not require sanding.

Dimensions - 60 by 13 cm. The ironer weighs 800 g. It may seem that it is difficult to work with such a weight and your hands get tired more. But you need to remember that due to the length, the tool captures more surface - the speed of work increases. In addition, the load is distributed equally between the two brushes.

• stainless steel base;
• comfortable handle;
• professional grade tool.

• high price.

STAYER 0803

Model STAYER 0803 is used for application of mortars and distribution of adhesives. The canvas is made of stainless steel and has a mirror finish. The wooden handle of blue color is built into the mount, which makes the design reliable and prolongs the life of the tool.

• durability;
• strength;
• affordable cost.

• not detected.

How to choose the right one: recommendations

Before buying, you need to remember a few recommendations that will save you from marriage and the wrong tool:

1. To understand which ironing machine is better to buy, determine for what purpose it is needed. Basically, they are bought for decorative application of mortars or for puttying. For example, for Venetian plaster choose options with rounded edges. Of course, it can also be applied with a sharp edged glader. But in order for a beginner to reduce the number of errors, it is worth grinding the edges or buying a model with such a feature. For putty, this is optional.
2. You can not ignore the material of the malka. The most reliable and durable - alloy steel or stainless steel. After contact with liquids and cleaning, it will not rust. The base of the handle should also be strong - metal soldered to the base. This is an additional stiffener that fixes the blade and prevents it from bending.
3. If you are afraid to miscalculate and do not trust yourself, take a closer look at popular models. As a rule, they have a lot of reviews, and it is easy to find out the advantages and disadvantages. It is definitely impossible to say which company is better to buy. Each brand has both budget lines and professional ones.
4. Even in the store, it is important to check that the blade is even. Sometimes it can bend during transportation or loading. The base with such a marriage is not suitable for construction work. Therefore, it is advisable to identify the shortcomings before buying.
5. Try on the handle of the tool in the store. It should lie comfortably in the palm of your hand. Pay attention to the distance under the handle - it is better that it is not too large. The smaller, the easier it is to work. But still, a small gap is required so that the hand does not rest against the metal surface.
6. The optimal weight of the structure is 300-400 g. If it is more, then the brushes will get tired from long work.
7. The angle under the handle should not be sharp. Otherwise, calluses cannot be avoided. Only if the transition is smooth will you be able to work comfortably for many hours.

Of course, this is not a complete list of tips, but it is these points that form the basis of the right choice.

Conclusion

Our rating will help beginners decide on the ironing board and choose the right one for specific jobs. Since there are many types, it is easy to get confused in the store. Use the recommendations at the end of the article as a checklist. Then you can make the right choice. Pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of each model, sometimes they can be critical. Trowels from the rating are suitable for different types of work: from leveling to puttying.