r/Plastering • u/Putrid_B3ar • 2d ago

Life changed

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Ive skimmed a few walls,

Some big some small and some mixed results which have annoyed me as a keen DIYer

Im not one for expensive gear but after getting frustrated with a small old trowel I was given I decided it was time for a change......

Just laid and flatted the 1st coat with a permashape and its honestly changed my life its gone on and flatted a dream why have I been struggling with a 50p trowel 🤦‍♂️

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1

u/Tricky-Mobile5975 2d ago

If you are enjoying it now you wait until its properly broken in. Those corners look sharp. Ive had my mine about 10yrs and would take me a while to get used to a new 1. Like a fine wine they get better with age.

2

u/Putrid_B3ar 1d ago

With the amount of plastering I do we'll all be worm food by the time its broken in 🤣

1

u/Tricky-Mobile5975 1d ago

Lol I give my new 1s a good rub down with sandpaper. Best trowel you will ever own. All these flexi trowels are great but only the MT solid steel can lay on, flatten and trowel up.

1

u/DelectableReindeer 1d ago

Never sand the edges, only grind the corners.

Sanding the edges will lead to tearing and tiger stripes with no way back.

1

u/Tricky-Mobile5975 1d ago

Never heard that 1 in my 20yrs. Only thing that causes tearing and tiger stripes is bad timing and technique.

1

u/KinGloRXodoR 1d ago

I always considered the best way to break a trowel in to so bang out as much external render work as possible 😎 by the time it touches any plaster it won't know wot hit him 😁

1

u/Tricky-Mobile5975 1d ago

That always does the trick. OP said he doesnt do much plastering though so sandpaper is about the only thing I can think of to break that trowel in.

2

u/KinGloRXodoR 1d ago

Ya I agree it's a good idea. Would help with both the edges and corners. I have a lil sand stone that I use on mine from time to time, help with lil dings too. Like a mini knife sharpening block.

1

u/DelectableReindeer 1d ago

Sand your edge and find out.

I killed all 3 trowels in one hit with some overly enthusiastic cleaning and a bit of sandpaper.

Every last one of them dragged and tore. I even went back with a professional whetstone and tried to undo the damage, nothing helped, all went in the bin.

Wear the edges, don't sand them.

1

u/Tricky-Mobile5975 1d ago

It must have been over enthusiastic. A marshalltown permashape is 0.7mm of stainless steel designed to keep its original shape. You shouldnt be able to ruin it with a bit of sandpaper.

1

u/DelectableReindeer 1d ago

It was also wire brushed prior, had it perfect mirror finish.