Finishing trowel or float: which to choose between stainless steel, rubber and sponge?

You choose a finishing trowel by the material you are spreading and the finish you want: stainless steel for smoothing plaster and fillers, rubber or polyurethane for spreading and finishing traditional plaster, sponge for the final finish. For most masonry work the most common size is 280 x 120 mm with a 0.6 mm blade; for large surfaces you move up to bigger sizes, up to 500 mm.

The types

• Stainless steel finishing trowel: for smoothing and finishing plaster, fillers and skim coats. Like the 825/I ASIM Pavan finishing trowel with a mirror-polished surface.
• American and German finishing trowel: two common shapes, with a different blade and handle. You choose one by the feel in your hand and the material to be spread.
• Corner finishing trowel: with a sharp edge like the STHT0-05900 Stanley or with rounded corners like the STHT0-05898.
• Notched trowel: for spreading adhesives to an even thickness.
• Heavy-duty finishing trowel: riveted, with a thicker blade and wooden handle. For example the 809 Pavan heavy-duty finishing trowel with 3 mm blade.
• Gli Ori di Venezia finishing trowel: lapped trapezoidal blade, for decorative finishes, like the 844/A Pavan.
• Rubber, sponge and polyurethane floats: like the 820/1 Pavan orange rubber float for traditional plaster and the polyurethane floats.

How to choose according to the job

In a crew it is normal to have several floats for the same job: one to spread, one to close, one for the final finish. Changing plate at each stage is faster than forcing a single tool to do everything.

The features to look at

• Material: stainless steel or steel, plastic, wood, polyurethane, rubber, sponge. Stainless steel does not stain light-coloured plaster.
• Dimensions: the most common sizes are 280 x 120 mm, 240 x 100 mm, 280 x 130 mm and 215 x 135 mm, with longer ones up to 400-500 mm. Large plates cover more but need a stronger wrist.
• Blade thickness: usually 0.5 to 0.7 mm for stainless steel finishing trowels; up to 3 mm for heavy-duty models. The thinner the blade, the more it flexes and finishes; the thicker it is, the better it holds a flat plane.
• Handle: dual-material, non-slip, ergonomic, wooden or centre-mounted. For long working sessions choose a light, non-slip handle.
• Pieces per pack: 6 or 12, if you are buying for a crew.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a single finishing trowel for everything: stainless steel is for smoothing; for spreading traditional plaster a rubber float is better suited, and a sponge for a fine grain.
• Holding the plate tilted: you work with the plate almost flat, otherwise you leave lines.
• Not washing it straight after use: the material hardens on the blade and marks it.
• Using a dry or worn sponge: it must be dampened and replaced when it is worn.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a finishing trowel and a float?

In everyday use the finishing trowel is the steel plate, for smoothing. The float is the plate in plastic, sponge, rubber or polyurethane, for spreading and finishing. You will find both in the collection.

Is a stainless steel or a steel finishing trowel better?

Stainless steel does not rust and does not leave marks on light-coloured plaster. Plain steel has to be dried and protected from rust.

Which size is best to start with?

For general use, a 280 x 120 mm. Add larger sizes only for large surfaces.

How do you clean it?

With water, straight away, before the material hardens. Then dry the blade.

You will find all the models in the floats collection: for advice on the finish or to request a quote, write to the AMES technicians.