Equipment for Plasterers

For filling you need plastic or steel spatulas in different widths, floats and trowels, as well as tools for preparing the substrate such as scrapers and hatchets. For sanding, pads, abrasives and steel wool are used. Filler is applied as ready-mixed paste, powder or cartridge, depending on the job and the thickness to be covered. Choose the spatula according to the surface: wider for large areas, narrower for touch-ups.

For large walls a wide spatula is best, while narrower blades are needed for touch-ups and corners. The polystyrene float is designed for a uniform finish and for smoothing the filler, with a central or offset handle. Plastic spatulas are light and flexible, steel ones more rigid. Choose according to the surface and the final effect you need.

To sand filler you start with a medium grit and move to a finer one for the finish. Sheet paper is used by hand on small surfaces, while discs or rolls are needed for large surfaces. The catalogue has red, yellow and Velcro-backed papers, to be chosen according to the stage of work. Do not sand too deep, as you risk removing the filler you have just applied.

Light cartridge filler is ready to use and handy for small repairs and touch-ups. Powder filler has to be mixed with water following the manufacturer's instructions and is suited to filling holes or applying thicker coats. Ready-mixed paste is ready to use and works well for multi-coat skimming. Choose according to the thickness to be covered and the size of the surface.

Steel wool is chosen by grade: coarse removes residues, fine polishes and prepares the surface. Abrasive sponges and pads work well on corners and curved surfaces. Use light pressure and always in the same direction. Wear gloves, because steel wool can leave small fragments on the skin.

Dry sanding of filler and gypsum produces fine dust that must be kept out of the lungs with a suitable mask. Dust masks are classified FFP2 or FFP3 under EN 149 and should be chosen according to the amount of dust. Work where there is air exchange, use a vacuum cleaner or a sander with dust extraction when possible, and clean up at the end without dry sweeping.

It is used by plasterers, decorators, building firms and maintenance staff who plaster, skim and finish walls and ceilings, including in plasterboard. It is needed for repairs, skim coats, levelling and interior finishing. For plastering machines and mixers, consider power and capacity according to the square metres to be plastered in a day.