Tools of the Trade: Do You Really Need All Those Trowels?

Written by: Barry Affleck

One of the most common questions I hear from new applicators is: “Do I really need all those different trowels?”

The simple answer is no. Like most trades, there are tool collectors and there are working tradespeople. Some enjoy owning every new tool that comes onto the market, while others prefer to master a few reliable tools and use them for almost everything.

I fall into the second category.

Choosing the Right Trowel

Over the years, trowel design has improved considerably. One of the biggest changes has been the introduction of non-marking blades.

As white and light-coloured plasters became more popular, older carbon steel and stainless steel trowels sometimes left grey burnishing marks on the surface. Modern non-marking trowels solved this problem and have become the preferred choice for many applicators.

For everyday Venetian plaster work, a quality stainless steel finishing trowel is often all you need. My personal preference is a 240 × 100 mm round cornered trowel, which handles the majority of decorative plaster applications efficiently and comfortably.

Specialty Trowels

While one trowel can do most of the work, certain specialty tools can make specific tasks easier:

Gauging Trowel

Useful for spreading decorative plasters with additives such as mica, metallic particles, or coloured sands evenly.

Small Trowels

Ideal for corners, narrow spaces, and detailed work.

Flexible Trowels

Better suited for uneven or irregular surfaces.

Sponge Trowels

Used to expose aggregates and create textured finishes.

Large Trowels

More efficient when working on floors and large open areas.

Most of these tools are used occasionally rather than daily. For many applicators, one quality finishing trowel will handle 90% of the work.

An Often-Overlooked Tool

One tool I find invaluable is a rounded-corner stainless steel putty knife or scraper.

It serves several purposes:

Holding small amounts of material
Loading the trowel
Working in tight spaces
Scraping and cleaning surfaces

In many situations, it can replace a traditional hawk.

Do You Need a Hawk?

Many beginners assume they need a large hawk loaded with material. In reality, Venetian plaster is applied in extremely thin coats—often about 1 mm thick or less.

Because the material spreads so far, carrying large amounts on a hawk can become tiring and unnecessary. Many experienced applicators prefer to work with smaller quantities, reducing fatigue and improving control.

The Bottom Line

Success in decorative plastering comes from skill, not the number of tools you own.

A quality stainless steel finishing trowel, a small scraper or putty knife, and a few specialty tools for specific situations are enough to complete most projects.

Before buying every new trowel on the market, learn to master the tools you already have. Technique will always matter more than equipment.