Tools to Make DIY Plastering Easier

Plastering can completely change the look of your walls, but hiring a plasterer can take a large chunk out of your DIY project’s budget. If you're thinking about DIY Plastering, you've come to the right place. This blog will outline the best tools you can use to make your plastering project easier. Getting the right equipment is the key to getting that cleaner, more professional look, whether it’s fixing cracks, smoothing rough surfaces, or prep work for painting.  

Why the Right Tools Matter for Plastering

Plastering might be harder than it looks. Lack of useful equipment is the reason why many DIYers end up with unsatisfactory results. Not only does choosing the right plastering tools help you avoid these mistakes, but it also saves you time, effort, and frustration. Here are a couple of reasons why you need to prepare suitable tools before starting any plastering projects.

Pick the right tools for a smooth finish

First and foremost, using the right plastering tools is how you get the results you want.  Have you ever spent all day on a DIY plastering project only to be left with lumpy walls, wasted plaster, and a lot of frustration?

This is the rookie mistake that happens to everyone. The answer to this is simple: you’re using the wrong tools and equipment. An old paint scraper can’t do the job properly compared to a professional-grade plastering trowel. Or another simple example, hiring a mixing paddle attached to your drill is the way to avoid any lumpy walls instead of mixing plaster by hand.

Save time and reduce mess

In addition, using the correct tools for plastering can save you time and keep mess to a minimum.  Think about how a hawk board will make the process less tedious, or how a plasterer’s light can make sure you get the perfect finish the first time around. You'll have more time to focus on the job than battling with lumps or cleaning a huge mess afterwards.

Hiring plastering tools to save money

High-quality, professional plastering tools also come with a hefty price tag. For DIY projects, it doesn’t make sense to waste a big chunk of money on a tool that might be used once or twice. That’s why many people choose to hire DIY plastering tools from Speedy Hire. Plastering tool hire is the most effective way to save money while getting the job done with the best equipment.

Essential DIY Plastering Tools

In this section, you'll find the information for all plastering tools from A to Z. Every tool is designed to get your DIY plastering project done with as little hassle as possible. All available to hire from Speedy at great prices!

Plastering trowel

A trowel is one of the most essential tools for plastering walls. Choosing the right plastering trowel is the key to simple, fast, and clean plastering work. A suitable plastering trowel will help you apply and smooth plaster with minimal effort. There are many types of plastering trowels to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

When choosing a plastering trowel, make sure to consider different factors. These might include: 

• Blade Size 
• Blade Material 
• Flexibility 
• Handle Comfort 
• Skill Level 
• Type of Job 

Mixing paddle 

Mixing plaster by hand is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, and sometimes, you can still get lumpy plaster. To avoid this, we recommend using a mixing paddle, which can be attached to any Paddle Mixing Drills or a dedicated mixer. In just a few minutes, your plaster is blended into a silky, lump-free texture, so you can get the results that you want.

Hawk board

If you’re making a list of tools for plastering walls, the hawk board will likely be somewhere towards the top. It often comes in a flat, square platform with a handle underneath to hold your plaster while you work. Instead of running back to the bucket every time, you can carry the amount of plaster you need in hand and continue working. It’s a timesaver and your back will thank you for not bending over as much!

When you are working on walls or ceilings when getting plaster isn’t an easy task, having a proper hawk board will get things done faster and reduce the mess afterwards.

Plaster mixer

If your plastering job stretches to several rooms, large walls, or construction projects, a simple paddle and drill might not get the job done. Plaster mixers are made to quickly mix large batches of plaster to prevent it from setting before you can use it. Hiring a mixer will help to keep the plaster smooth and workable, improving efficiency and productivity.

If you don’t plan on doing big plastering projects regularly, hiring plaster mixers seems to be more reasonable. These tools can be hired and collected or delivered within a matter of hours across the UK! We even take care of the tools for maintenance, so you don't have to worry about storage or looking after them once the job is done.

Hire Electric Paddle Mixer from Speedy

Plasterers Light

Lighting conditions surprisingly make a big difference when it comes to plastering, especially when you’re working indoors during the darker days of winter. A plasterer’s light is designed to cast even and shadow-free light across any surface. It’s perfect for spotting imperfections, ridges, or holes that need fixing, to help you achieve that perfect, even finish. With a plasterer’s light, you’ll never accidentally leave a bump or visible lines on your walls!

Hire Plasterers Light from Speedy

Dust sheets

There’s no avoiding it; plastering is messy. It’s not ideal spending a whole day plastering and then another day cleaning up the mess it leaves behind. Plastering jobs can leave dust on everything you own in the house, even your furniture. That's where dust sheets come in to provide a simple and effective solution.

Spread the dust sheets on your floor and furniture before you start and simply get rid of them afterwards. Your home will be clean and will benefit from the new lease of life that a freshly plastered surface brings to an interior.

Step ladder

A high-quality, stable, and sturdy ladder is one of the most important tools when it comes to plastering walls and high ceilings. Rather than stretching and making a mess of your finish, you can safely and comfortably take your time on those tough-to-reach areas to ensure they look just as good as surfaces at eye level. It’s important to get a well-built step ladder and place it on a flat, steady surface before climbing with a hawk board full of plaster.

If you only have limited storage space in your house, a step ladder can become a bit of a nuisance to own. Consider hiring a step ladder from Speedy Hire. We deliver, collect, and maintain our stock of ladders to ensure they’re always safe and ready for you to use!

Check out all Step Ladders at Speedy

Sponge Float

A sponge float is a professional finishing tools that get you the even surface that you always want. To use a sponge float, wait until the plaster starts to firm up and dampen the sponge to smooth out small imperfections. The result is a smooth, clean, and polished look for your wall. This will save you a great deal of time when it comes to sanding later! Read more about How Long Does Plaster Take to Dry?

Why Hire Plastering Tools from Speedy?

Plastering projects aren’t a regular job for homeowners, so buying a set of plastering tools probably doesn't make sense. That’s why many choose to hire what they need from Speedy Hire. We offer:

• A wide range of DIY Plastering tools for your projects.
• Flexible hire periods from days, weeks, and months to suit your plan.
• Fast and reliable delivery within four hours or collection the same day from one of more than 200 depots.
• Competitive pricing with promotional discounts to help you save money.
• Get expert support from our friendly depot staff or online customer service.

Related DIY Resources

Check out more blogs about plastering to get the job done for your next DIY project.

• How to Smooth Walls Without Plastering
• How to Paint New Plaster
• How to Drill Into Plaster
• How to Remove Plaster from Walls