Types of spatulas for plaster and decorative finishing

It is impossible to imagine renovating an apartment or house without a spatula; it is a simple but indispensable assistant in finishing work. The types of spatulas are varied, as are the scope of their application. We have previously talked about the angle spatula, what it is and where it is used. Construction portal Firststroy.ru will tell in this article what types of spatulas there are, in what construction and repair work they are used.

Dimensions

By width, ordinary metal spatulas are divided into narrow, medium, wide:

• A narrow tool is considered to be a tool with a working plate 5 to 10 cm wide. With its help, it is convenient to scoop up plaster or putty mixture from a bucket and throw it on the wall. The small width also makes it possible to plaster in hard-to-reach places. It is difficult to level the solution over the surface being treated with such a tool.
• Medium products include products with a blade 15-25 cm wide. Individual large dents are puttied with this spatula. The tool is well suited for leveling small areas and grouting gypsum board joints.
• Wide (facade) spatulas are equipped with a plate larger than 25 cm. Available sizes: 30, 35, 40, 45, 60, 80 cm. They are used mainly for rough finishing and leveling of mortar over large areas. Along with a float, this spatula is used for glossing plastered surfaces.

Rating of quality spatulas for putty

Budget (up to 100 rubles)

Mirax 1000-030_z01 30 mm

The review begins with the most budget scraper on Yandex Market. It is designed for working with heavy solutions and has a working surface width of 3 cm. Thanks to its compact size, the tool can be used in hard-to-reach places, as well as for performing a small amount of work. The blade is made of stainless steel and is not subject to corrosion. The round wooden handle fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and does not slip out. There is a hole on the handle for wall mounting. The average price of a product is 18 rubles.

Mirax 1000-030_z01 30 mm

Advantages:

• the product is inexpensive;
• due to its low cost, the model is widespread and is sold in any hardware store;
• can work with heavy solutions;
• Can be used in hard to reach places.

Flaws:

• the small width of the working surface does not allow the tool to be used over large areas.

BISON mm

Another popular model that is on sale everywhere. Like the previous contender, the blade in the spatula is made of stainless steel, but the handle is plastic. The working surface width of 6 cm makes the scraper universal, allowing it to be used not only in narrow places, but also in wide areas. Most often it is used to level putty during finishing. The handle with a relief pattern fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and has a significant advantage over a wooden one - it does not swell when in contact with water and is well attached to the blade. The product is manufactured in Russia, and can be found not only in construction hypermarkets, but also ordered online in an online store. The handle has a hole for wall mounting. The average unit price is 22 rubles.

BISON 10077-06 60 mm

Advantages:

• low price;
• universal purpose;
• water resistant handle;
• a large number of positive customer reviews;
• easy to find on sale.

Flaws:

• The handle is made of low quality plastic, and even a new one looks unpresentable.

Eurotex 020605-100 100 mm

The spatula resembles the previous contender in appearance and has a larger blade width (10 cm). A scraper spatula is used to apply and level putty on various surfaces. The blade material is stainless steel, the handle is made of plastic. The weight of the product is 89 grams, thanks to which the hand does not get tired when working. The handle has slots to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. The average price of a product is 40 rubles.

Eurotex 020605-100 100 mm

Advantages:

• universal purpose;
• light weight;
• elastic steel.

Flaws:

• not detected.

STAYER 1010-H4 120 mm

The product is a set of four scrapers with different working surface widths - 50, 80, 100, 120 mm. All of them are made of plastic and can be used both for finishing work and for puttying during cosmetic treatment of cars. Due to the fact that the set includes scrapers with different widths, the user can select one or another tool depending on the specific need. Although the scrapers are made of plastic, they are durable when handled correctly and are resistant to water. The German brand has proven itself well, and according to buyers, the set is worth its price. The cross-section of the scrapers is trapezoidal, each of them has a hole for mounting on the wall. The average price of goods is 30 rubles per set.

STAYER 1010-H4 120 mm

Advantages:

• low price;
• different sizes of scrapers in the set allow you to perform work of any complexity;
• easy to clean;
• can be used in automotive repair.

Flaws:

• not suitable for working with heavy mortars, as well as mixtures with solid inclusions (decorative pebble plaster, etc.).

SIBIN 10079-200 200 mm

The tool is used for facade work, which is facilitated by the large width of the working surface. It is made in Russia and is widely distributed in construction stores. The blade is made of stainless steel and is not subject to corrosion. The handle is plastic, with a large hole in the middle (for wall mounting), fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and does not slip out. The manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty on the tool, which is rare for this type of product. The thickness of the steel sheet is 1 mm, it bends easily and follows the surface of the wall. The average price of a product is 35 rubles.

SIBIN 10079-200 200 mm

Advantages:

• low cost;
• there is a 12 month warranty;
• ergonomic handle;
• elastic steel.

Flaws:

• narrow scope of application (only for large areas).

STAYER PROFESSIONAL 1009-10-04 100 mm

The model differs from the previous ones by the presence of teeth. As is clear from the name of the product, it belongs to the professional category. It is used for applying putty and adhesive solutions. Most often, the tool is used in tiling work, when laying tiles and porcelain tiles, and leveling putty. The 4 mm teeth allow you to create grooves that promote a tight fit and remove excess air from under the facing material being laid. The blade width of 100 mm ensures universal use not only in hard-to-reach places, but also over large areas. Light weight (70 grams) facilitates the process of applying and leveling the putty. The handle is made of plastic with an anti-slip coating and has a wide hole in the middle for wall mounting. The average price of a product is 55 rubles.

STAYER PROFESSIONAL 1009-10-04 100 mm

Advantages:

• the rigid blade allows you to work with heavy mixtures;
• light weight;
• low cost;
• can be used for facade work.

Flaws:

• narrow scope of application;
• It is difficult to find on sale, since the product is unpopular.

Average price category (from 100 to 500 rubles)

Unlike products that were included in the budget price category, the tools in question are distinguished not by plastic or wood, but by a rubberized handle that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is securely fixed in it.

BAUMAUTO BM-33911 25 mm

BAUMAUTO is one of the best manufacturers of auto tools for repairing body parts; its products are distinguished by high-quality materials and fitted elements. The spatula has a small working surface width, which allows you to smooth the mixture in hard-to-reach places and small areas. The stainless steel of the working element is flexible, follows the curves of the treated area, while smoothing out unevenness and leveling them out.

The rubber handle has a hole at the top for wall mounting. The product belongs to the professional line and is sold only in specialized stores. You can find a large number of positive customer reviews of the product online. The average price of a product is 105 rubles.

BAUMAUTO BM-33911 25 mm

Advantages:

• plastic working part;
• rubberized handle;
• low cost;
• many positive customer reviews;
• the new product can be sold separately or in a set with scrapers of other sizes, which allows you to perform different types of work (used not only for starting, but also for finishing putty).

Flaws:

• The brand's products are professional, and many buyers may have difficulties with where to buy the tool - it is sold only in car dealerships.

Sibrteh 85575 300 mm

The model is designed for performing facade work, and eliminates the main mistake when choosing spatulas, which many buyers make - buying a product with a wide working blade without a stiffener. It is designed to prevent bending and creasing of the blade when applying heavy solutions. The function of the stiffener in the product is performed by an aluminum plate that is resistant to aggressive environments and water. This design is considered the best when leveling putty in a thick layer and for solutions containing solid inclusions (pebbles, grains, etc.).

The handle of the product is two-component, made of rubber and plastic, provides ergonomic placement in the palm and allows you to operate the scraper comfortably. There are two holes in the upper part. The working width of the model is 300 mm, length – 215. Due to its heavy weight (almost 300 grams), only a physically strong person can work with the scraper, so it is not suitable for women. The product comes with a small instruction manual, which tells you how to apply the putty with a putty knife and how to hold it correctly so that your hand does not get tired. The description also provides information on how to prepare the product for use and how to clean the putty from the putty knife. The manufacturer manufactures products in Russia, so finding the product in the store will not be difficult. The average price of a product is 230 rubles.

Sibrteh 85575 300 mm

Advantages:

• ergonomic handle;
• there is a stiffening rib;
• easy to find on sale.

Flaws:

• the heavy weight does not allow women to use the tool.

Kapriol 23144 40 mm

The Italian brand is well known in the production of work clothing and footwear, and recently it has also launched its own line of tools for construction and repair. The model under consideration stands out among competitors not only in appearance, but also in a number of characteristics - the working blade is made of hardened steel with a chrome coating. Thanks to this, the solution easily glides along the blade, does not stick to it, and is evenly distributed over the surface being treated.

The handle has a proprietary two-component ProGrip coating, which provides not only a comfortable grip, but also has anti-slip properties. The scraper is used in finishing for processing walls and ceilings; it can be used in hard-to-reach places. Suitable for puttying drywall. The working width of the blade is 40 mm, the structure – semi-rigid – ensures smoothing out unevenness, while maintaining the given shape and not bending. Among the advice from builders, you can find recommendations to buy tools only in trusted stores, since you can often find fakes on sale, not the original. It is not recommended to order a model via the Internet, since it is impossible to determine a fake from a photo. The average price of a product is 300 rubles.

Kapriol 23144 40 mm

Advantages:

• one of the most ergonomic models on sale;
• light weight;
• There is an anti-slip coating.

Flaws:

• high price;
• There are often fakes on sale.

L'Outil Parfait 2602003 30 mm

The review continues with the product of another well-known brand in construction, which has proven itself to be good value for money. The working surface of the product is made of stainless steel, which is polished to a mirror surface. This facilitates quick and uniform application of the solution to the surface to be treated. The handle of the product is two-component, consists of plastic and rubber, and has an anti-slip coating. A working width of 300 mm allows you to apply the solution to hard-to-reach places; the scraper can also be used for grouting joints between tiles. Buyers note the optimal length of the handle, as well as the light weight of the product, which allows you to work with it for a long time without fatigue. According to some buyers, this is one of the best products that can be bought for comparable money. Despite how much the model costs (depending on the store, the unit price can reach up to 400 rubles), it is popular and is available for sale in most construction supermarkets.

L'Outil Parfait 2602003 30 mm

Advantages:

• light weight;
• ergonomic handle;
• can be used in hard-to-reach places;
• easy to find on sale.

Flaws:

• high price.

Expensive (over 500 rubles)

ERGOPLANE 150x0.5 mm

The review continues with a tool for mechanized putty from the famous Polish company OLEJNIK JL. This company is a direct competitor of the famous STORCH brand, is not inferior to its products in quality, but at the same time has an affordable price, allowing Russian builders to use world-class spatulas.

The model in question is used for machine putty, and therefore differs in appearance from the spatulas that were presented in the rating earlier. Main parameters of the product: the base is made of aluminum, the working blade is replaceable, made of stainless steel. The width of the working blade is 15 cm, the width is half a millimeter. Thanks to this, the blade holds its shape during operation and levels the putty over all surface irregularities. To ensure that no unevenness or depressions remain after passing, the blade is polished to a mirror shine. The tool performed best in applying the starting layer. The average price of a product is 1,600 rubles.

ERGOPLANE 150x0.5 mm

Advantages:

• high-quality materials and assembly;
• low cost;
• A replacement blade can be purchased separately, saving on the cost of completely replacing the product in the event of a breakdown.

Flaws:

• difficult to find on sale, since the product is not widely distributed;
• high price;
• Suitable for professional use only.

Master Color 30-2714 350 mm

The products of the Russian manufacturer Master Color have been on the construction products market relatively recently, but during this time they have gained the trust of buyers due to their good price-quality ratio. The model in question is intended for facade work. The working blade is made of stainless steel, with an aluminum base, which serves as a stiffener. Both of these materials are not subject to corrosion and are not afraid of contact with water. The width of the canvas is 35 cm.

The handle is two-component, consists of rubber and plastic with an anti-slip coating. For ease of placement in the master’s palm, it is attached to the base not perpendicularly, but with a slight tilt to the side. There is a hole at the top of the arm for wall mounting. Users note a flexible canvas that has no roughness and applies the solution evenly, without gaps. The model can be used for both the starting and finishing layers. The tool performed well both when applying putty and when sealing tile joints. The average price of a product is 900 rubles.

Master Color 30-2714 350 mm

Advantages:

• can be bought at any hardware store;
• ergonomic handle;
• a large number of positive customer reviews.

Flaws:

• due to the heavy weight, when working with a spatula for a long time, the hand of the master gets tired;
• high price.

ANZA 649290 100 mm

Tools from the Swedish brand are much more expensive than their Russian counterparts, but experienced builders recommend buying spatulas of this particular brand whenever possible. This recommendation is primarily due to the fact that the brand’s products are more durable and reliable than their competitors. This is indirectly evidenced by the 12-month warranty that the manufacturer provides for its products (which is rare for this type of product). The model in question is made of stainless steel, the working blade has a cone shape. This shape allows you not only to level solutions or mixtures over the surface, but also to use the tool for other types of work.

So, with its help you can clean walls from wallpaper, or work with wooden surfaces. If you need to treat an area that is difficult to reach, you can purchase a proprietary extension cord that allows you to apply the mixture at a great distance from the master. In addition to putty, a spatula can be used to level sealant, glue, and any other viscous composition. The width of the working blade is 10 cm, it is made of polished stainless steel. The handle is plastic, with rubberized inserts, and has a shape that follows the curve of a person’s hand. There is an anti-slip coating. There is a hole in the top for wall mounting. The average price of a product is 750 rubles.

ANZA 649290 100 mm

Advantages:

• universal purpose;
• can be used in conjunction with a tripod with extension function;
• The manufacturer provides a 12 month warranty.

Flaws:

• high price.

Kraftool 10036-450 450 mm

The model is manufactured in Taiwan. It is intended for facade work and has an increased working blade width of 45 cm. The tool is designed for applying plaster or putty on surfaces with a large plane. The working blade is profiled, made of stainless steel. There is an aluminum stiffener.

The handle is ergonomic, the shape follows the curve of the human palm. Slots are made on the handle in such a way as to reduce the load on the master’s hand while working with a spatula. It is made of plastic with a rubberized coating, which has anti-slip properties. The manufacturer claims a 2-year warranty, which indicates the reliability and durability of the product. Among the customer reviews, you can find the opinion that the blade is a bit thin, which is why it plays with little effort. However, this thickness of the canvas allows for smooth gliding over the surface and improves the quality of application of the solution. Some users also do not like the grip of the handle - they claim that it is more convenient to work with the standard shape. The large weight of the spatula does not allow untrained people to use it, as the hand quickly begins to get tired. The average price of a product is 950 rubles.

Kraftool 10036-450 450 mm

Advantages:

• high-quality manufacturing materials;
• there is a stiffening rib;
• anti-slip handle.

Flaws:

• There are conflicting reviews of the spatula online – some consider it convenient, others – on the contrary;
• high price.

Serrated

When laying tiles and stone tiles, a notched trowel, also known as a comb, is often used to apply the adhesive. A distinctive feature of the tool is the teeth located on the edge of its blade. It turns out that the glue is laid on the wall in grooves.

Advantages of the method:

• High performance. With this method of application, the solution is evenly distributed under the tile, filling the voids. As a result, the master does not have to waste time squeezing out and removing excess.
• Quality of tiles. The tile lays flatter than when applying glue with a regular sheet due to its more even distribution under its surface. The necessary strength of the connection is also ensured.
• Saving. Helps avoid overuse of glue, reducing financial costs.

Other areas of application of a notched trowel: creating textured decorative plaster, laying parquet, applying glue to insulation.

Textured decorative waves from the teeth of the tool.

Expert opinion

Sergei Shablovsky

Plasterer

Tip: The thickness of the applied adhesive solution can be changed by increasing or decreasing the angle of inclination of the spatula to the surface to be treated.

Selection rules

Construction stores are literally littered with tools from different manufacturers, cheap and expensive. There are several tips that will help distinguish low-quality from high-quality:

1. Pen. A good model fits comfortably in the hand and does not bend. There are no plastic deposits or burrs on the surface. You shouldn’t settle for the option with a black molded handle made of cheap plastic. This is a low quality indicator;
2. The length should correspond to the task and not make work difficult. Too long will sag, short will hurt your hand;
3. Shape of the canvas. The best option for classic plaster and putty is a trapezoid;
4. Quality of the canvas. Flexibility is the main indicator of a good tool. If the blade flexes too much when pressing, the solution will fall off. A working part that is too hard may burst under pressure. The best option is a blade that is slightly springy;
5. Canvas material. The most practical option is stainless steel. It is not destroyed by water and is easily cleaned from the solution. There are cheap models made from simple iron. They are characterized by low quality, short service life;
6. A high-quality model has a dull blade.

Manufacturers can be divided according to the level of trust and popularity among ordinary users:

• The most rated, expensive and high-quality tools are produced by Sheetrock, Stayer, Anza
• In the middle segment in terms of price and quality, we can highlight Kraftool, Zubr
• In the budget segment, Fit and Brigadier stand out

Rubber

Another interesting variety. In its most primitive form, it is a piece of rubber with a cut edge. Flexible synthetic material does not scratch the surface, it is also quite wear-resistant and durable.

Set of three sizes.

Use a rubber spatula to rub the seams of ceramic tiles, as well as the places where silicone sealant is applied.

The tool is well suited for working with convex and concave shapes: rounded corners, columns, arches.

Professional finishers often have a whole set of small rubber spatulas in their toolbox for this purpose.

Plastic

The main area of ​​application of plastic spatulas is wallpapering. Due to their shape and elasticity, they effectively squeeze out the air from under them and press the canvas tightly against the wall without damaging it. The second name of this tool is a pressure spatula.

The following forms of devices are available for sale:

• Classic . It differs from a wide metal spatula only in material. Convenient to work with large areas and heavy wallpaper.
• Trapezoid . A compact instrument similar in appearance to a rectangular trapezoid. Quite versatile, because it allows you to work not only with a straight, easily accessible surface, but also with corners.
• Shark fin . Has special slots on the working surface. This tool makes it easy to apply adhesive to wallpaper and walls. Equally effective when smoothing the central part of the wall and corners.
• Boat . Semicircular plastic spatula with a convenient holder. Designed to work with hard-to-reach areas.

For applying decorative paint.
Expert opinion

Alexander Guryanov

Plasterer and decorator

If necessary, a plastic sheet can be adapted for applying texture to a plaster coating by cutting teeth on it. This is how you can make ornaments: wave, circle, tree, Christmas tree, stripes.

Scope of application of the grouting spatula

Rubber spatulas have become widely used in construction and repair work. They are often used for the following procedures:

• Cleaning up excess grout and construction mixtures;
• Smoothing seams between floor and wall tiles and parquet joints.

The device is designed for carrying out restoration and finishing work of varying levels of complexity, where it is necessary to preserve the completeness of the aesthetic coating.

If you do not listen to the advice and start using painting and plastering spatulas, scratches and other damage will appear on the surface. Different sizes are used, based on the quadrature of the plane being worked on.

They are often offered for sale in sets, with small, medium and large items at affordable prices, and are a consumable item.

"Japanese spatula"

A tool specifically designed for applying decorative plaster, such as Venetian. Made from high quality stainless steel. They are not equipped with a handle, but may have a plastic holder on one side of the work plate. This unique design allows for better control over the application of decorative plaster.

A set of “Japanese” from Pavan (Italy).

The plate itself is distinguished by high quality workmanship, a perfectly smooth surface and the absence of the slightest burrs at the edges. As a result, the surface of the decorative plaster is smooth, without tool marks.

Technology for applying Venetian plaster with a Japanese spatula:

1. A small amount of decorative mortar is poured onto the edge of the tool and applied to the wall with gentle movements in different directions. The master holds directly onto the metal plate. For best results, the blade should be at an acute angle to the surface being processed.
2. A second layer of a different shade is applied to the wall in a similar way and shaded.
3. The plaster should now be completely dry.
4. After this, wax is applied and the surface is polished with a sponge.

An interesting video on the topic: how to use a Japanese spatula when applying “Venetian”.

What to look for when choosing a construction spatula

• Blade material – high-quality professional spatulas are always made from stainless steel. This tool is characterized by increased reliability and durability.
• The handle material – bare plastic – is mostly applicable only to budget-type spatulas. A more advanced tool is equipped with a rubberized handle. The entire handle or some specific segments can be rubberized. But among professional spatulas there are many models with wood-based handles.
• Blade thickness - when finishing relatively flat walls, you should use spatulas with a blade of minimum and medium thickness. Such spatulas spring well and allow you to putty the walls “to strip them off.” If surfaces with obvious defects are being finished, then you should choose spatulas with a thick spatula.

Multifunctional

This multi-purpose spatula is useful in many painting and plastering projects. Its steel blade is thicker than a regular one, and its rigidity is increased. Its second name is a spatula-scraper.

Spatula scraper (Hardy).

It has a lot of purposes:

• Removing wallpaper and old paint from the wall;
• Cleaning the paint roller lint (with a semicircular notch);
• Joining cracks and cutting drywall with an acute angle;
• Pulling out small nails;
• Cleaning tile joints;
• Opening lids on paint cans, etc.

"Under the tree"

A semicircular rubber spatula does not smooth out the plaster, but, on the contrary, gives it a specific texture reminiscent of wood. This tool is as easy to use as a regular one.

More information about decorative plaster “like wood” and about making a spatula with your own hands is described in this article.

Using smooth movements, they move it over the freshly laid mortar, rolling it as it moves. This is how the structure of the wood appears on the wall, after which all that remains is to paint it in the desired color. This tool can also be found under the name spatula applicator.

Choosing a tool for applying finishing putty

In order not to get completely confused in the presented options and to purchase a product that will perform the assigned tasks, we recommend that you pay attention to such characteristics. First of all, you should pay attention to the handle.

It should be comfortable, and it is better if there are no flaws or sharp protrusions on the surface of the metal. If they appear during the work process, this indicates that you are about to purchase a low-quality product.

Do not purchase items that are too long or narrow. They will be inconvenient to use during operation, while they are extremely difficult to operate.

To level the surface, it is more rational to purchase a product that is shaped like a trapezoid. Tools in the form of triangles or droplets are not so convenient.

Shaped like a triangle

Moreover, they performed poorly during operation. The blade of the working tool should be smooth, at the same time moderately flexible, and not deform with minimal pressure.

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If, while pressing on the blade, it begins to bend strongly during operation, the construction mixture will roll off such a spatula, and it will even be difficult to apply it to the wall, not to mention leveling it. Spatulas with excessive rigidity will undoubtedly become deformed during operation.

The correct spatula should be equipped with a blade that will spring slightly when pressed. To apply the finishing putty, you can use a tool whose blade is made of stainless steel.

This will make it easy to clean after work and will ensure there is no corrosion that will negatively affect the finish. A spatula with an iron blade and metal coating is considered a low-quality product and requires the utmost care to prevent the formation of rust.

It can negatively affect not only the material, but also the treated surface. Pay attention to the blade. There should be no sharpening points on it; it is rational to use such products for other types of work.

For more information about choosing a spatula, watch the video: