| Plaster comes in two bases, cement base and | | | | since the Plasterers Trowel is metal and is prone |
| gypsum based. Gypsum based plaster should | | | | to rusting, an alternative is a polycarbonate Float. |
| only be used indoors as it will absorb moisture and | | | | The Float or Trowel is used to scoop plaster |
| is prone to mold. Cement based plaster is for | | | | from the Hawk and apply the plaster to the |
| exterior use. Plaster comes in powder form with | | | | project surface. A Plasterers Darby is used to |
| all additives already in the bag so all that is needed | | | | smooth the plaster to the correct depth. A |
| is to add water and mix. | | | | Darby is a long metal straight edge with handles |
| When mixing plaster the least expensive mixing | | | | which spans the plaster surface and rests on the |
| tool is a wooden stick but if mixing a large | | | | wooden guides, as it is pulled along the guides it |
| amount, an electric mixer is a better option. A | | | | levels the plaster to the finished depth. An |
| Mixer Paddle can be attached to a drill and will | | | | alternative to the Darby is a Featheredge which is |
| allow for a thorough mix with much less effort. | | | | a long aluminum straight edge also useful for |
| It is important to mix only a small batch at a time | | | | plasterboard applications. |
| since the plaster has a relatively short working | | | | Another tool that is helpful is a Splash Brush. A |
| time and cannot be used once it is too dry. | | | | Splash Brush can be an old paint brush or a wall |
| Transporting the plaster from the bucket to the | | | | paper brush. The splash brush is used to keep |
| project site is usually done a small batch at a time | | | | the plaster from drying out but if left too long, |
| on a Hawk; a square metal plate with a handle | | | | the plaster will become hard and unstable and |
| centered underneath. Since plaster is heavy, be | | | | should not be used. One last tip is to keep all |
| sure not to load the Hawk with more than you | | | | plaster tools clean and free of plaster bits, chips |
| can comfortably balance and carry. The Hawk is | | | | or chunks; any old plaster bits on tools will ruin a |
| used in conjunction with the Plasterers Trowel but | | | | smooth finish. |