When it comes to plastering or tiling walls, achieving a smooth and professional finish is crucial. One tool that can help you achieve this is an internal corner trowel. This specialized tool is designed to create crisp and clean corners on plastered or tiled walls, ensuring a seamless and professional look.
The internal corner trowel is different from a regular trowel in that it has a unique shape. It features a wide and flat blade that is specifically designed to fit into the corners of the wall. This allows you to easily apply and smooth plaster or tile adhesive in hard-to-reach corners, ensuring that every surface is evenly coated.
Using an internal corner trowel is relatively straightforward, but it does require some practice to achieve the best results. First, mix your plaster or tile adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s ready, use a regular trowel to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wall. Then, take your internal corner trowel and hold it at a slight angle, with the wide edge facing the corner. Gently press the trowel into the corner, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
To achieve a smooth finish, use steady and even pressure as you move the trowel upwards. Glide the trowel along the corner, making sure to remove any excess adhesive as you go. By keeping the trowel at a slight angle, you can create a clean and sharp corner that seamlessly blends into the rest of the wall. Repeat this process for each internal corner, making sure to clean the trowel between each use.
In conclusion, an internal corner trowel is an essential tool for anyone looking to achieve a professional finish when plastering or tiling walls. By following these simple steps and practicing your technique, you’ll be able to create crisp and clean corners that enhance the overall appearance of your project.
What is an internal corner trowel and why is it important?
An internal corner trowel is a specialized tool used in plastering and masonry work to create smooth and even internal corners. It is an essential tool for achieving professional and high-quality finishes in areas where two walls or partitions meet at an angle.
The internal corner trowel typically has a triangular or diamond-shaped blade that is bent at a right angle. The bend in the blade allows the trowel to easily reach into corners and apply and shape plaster or mortar smoothly. The blade is usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel, which provides durability and resistance to corrosion.
Using an internal corner trowel is important because it helps to ensure that the corners of walls or partitions are free from imperfections such as bumps, gaps, or unevenness. When applying plaster or mortar by hand, it can be challenging to achieve a smooth and consistent finish in corners without the use of a specialized tool like an internal corner trowel.
By using an internal corner trowel, plasterers and masons can easily maneuver the tool in tight spaces to apply and shape the material, resulting in clean and professional-looking corners. It allows for better control and precision in creating a straight and even line where two surfaces meet.
In addition to creating a visually appealing finish, an internal corner trowel also helps to improve the overall durability and strength of the corners. By ensuring that the plaster or mortar is applied evenly, it helps to prevent cracks or weak points that can occur in corners where the material is not properly shaped.
In summary, an internal corner trowel is an important tool for achieving professional and high-quality finishes in plastering and masonry work. It allows for precise and even application of plaster or mortar in corners, resulting in smooth and visually appealing surfaces. So, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson, investing in an internal corner trowel can greatly improve the quality and durability of your projects.
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the internal corner by cleaning it with a brush or scraper to ensure it is free from debris and loose material.
Step 2: Apply a thin layer of joint compound to both sides of the internal corner using a putty knife. Make sure the compound covers the entire corner and blends smoothly into the surrounding surfaces.
Step 3: Hold the internal corner trowel at a slight angle and press it firmly against the corner. Starting from the top, drag the trowel down in a smooth motion, applying even pressure to create a clean and straight finish.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 to ensure the entire internal corner is covered with joint compound and has a consistent finish. Use the trowel to feather the edges of the compound so that it blends seamlessly with the surrounding walls.
Step 5: Allow the joint compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the climate and humidity levels.
Step 6: Once the compound is dry, lightly sand the internal corner with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and achieve a professional finish.
Step 7: Dust off any sanding residue and wipe the internal corner with a slightly damp cloth to remove any remaining dust particles.
Step 8: Apply a second coat of joint compound to the internal corner using the same technique as in steps 2 to 4. This will help to further reinforce the corner and ensure a durable and smooth finish.
Step 9: Allow the second coat of joint compound to dry completely and then repeat steps 6 and 7 for a final sanding and cleaning.
Step 10: The internal corner is now ready for painting or any other desired finish. Make sure to follow the instructions and recommendations for the specific type of paint or finish you are using.
Prepare the corner
Before using an internal corner trowel, it is important to properly prepare the corner for the application of joint compound. This will ensure a smooth and professional-looking finish.
Step 1: Begin by removing any loose or damaged material from the corner. Use a putty knife or paint scraper to gently scrape away any peeling paint, wallpaper, or other debris. This will create a clean surface for the joint compound to adhere to.
Step 2: Next, inspect the corner for any cracks or gaps. Fill in any small cracks or gaps with a high-quality caulk. Smooth the caulk with a putty knife or your finger to create a seamless surface.
Step 3: If the corner has larger cracks or damage, it may be necessary to apply a patching compound. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix and apply the patching compound to the damaged area. Smooth the compound with a putty knife, ensuring that it is flush with the surrounding wall surface.
Step 4: Once any repairs have dried and hardened, sand the corner to remove any rough or uneven areas. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish. Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth.
Step 5: Finally, apply a primer to the corner before applying the joint compound. This will help the joint compound adhere to the wall surface and ensure a long-lasting finish. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific primer you are using.
By properly preparing the corner before using an internal corner trowel, you will be able to achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come
Apply the plaster
1. Start by applying a thin layer of plaster to the internal corner using a plastering trowel. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and apply the plaster in a smooth, even motion.
2. Use the internal corner trowel to create a neat, straight edge along the corner. Hold the trowel at a 90-degree angle and run it along the corner to remove any excess plaster and create a clean edge.
3. Continue applying the plaster to the internal corner, working your way along the length of the corner. Use the trowel to smooth out any uneven areas and create a seamless finish.
4. Once the plaster has been applied, use the trowel to feather the edges of the plaster outwards. This will help to blend the plaster into the surrounding wall and create a smooth transition.
5. Allow the plaster to dry completely before applying a second coat. This will ensure a strong and durable finish.
6. Sand the dried plaster lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth and even surface. This will prepare the plaster for any further decorations or finishes.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply plaster using an internal corner trowel and achieve a professional and polished result.
Smooth the surface
Once you have applied the joint compound to the internal corner using the internal corner trowel, it is important to smooth the surface for a seamless finish. Here are the steps to achieve a smooth surface:
- Using a drywall knife or taping knife, gently scrape off any excess joint compound, making sure to keep the blade at a slight angle.
- Next, use the internal corner trowel to smooth out any visible lines or bumps in the joint compound. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and apply light pressure as you glide it along the surface.
- If necessary, apply another thin layer of joint compound to further fill any imperfections or gaps. Repeat the smoothing process with the internal corner trowel.
- Allow the joint compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
- Once the joint compound is dry, use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface, removing any rough spots or uneven areas. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can damage the surface.
- Wipe away any dust or debris with a damp cloth.
- Finally, you can apply paint or wallpaper to finish the surface. Make sure to follow the appropriate instructions for your chosen finish.
By following these steps and utilizing an internal corner trowel, you can achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish on your internal corners.
Tips and Tricks
Using an internal corner trowel may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to achieve professional-looking results with ease.
1. Prepare the Surface
Before using the internal corner trowel, it’s important to properly prepare the surface. Make sure the corner is clean and free from any debris or loose plaster. Fill any cracks or holes in the corner with joint compound and let it dry completely before proceeding.
2. Apply Joint Compound
Using a putty knife or a taping knife, apply a thin layer of joint compound along both sides of the corner. Keep the layer smooth and even, making sure to cover the entire corner evenly.
3. Hold the Trowel Correctly
Hold the internal corner trowel with a firm grip, keeping your hand positioned at an angle that allows you to easily apply pressure to the blade. This will help you achieve a clean and smooth finish.
4. Start at the Bottom
Begin at the bottom of the corner and work your way up. Start by gently pressing the trowel into the joint compound and pull it upwards in a straight line. Apply even pressure and maintain a consistent motion for the best results.
5. Clean the Trowel Regularly
To prevent the joint compound from drying and building up on the trowel, clean it regularly while working. Wipe off any excess compound using a clean cloth or a damp sponge. This will help you achieve a smooth finish without any lumps or bumps.
6. Sand and Smooth
Once the joint compound has dried completely, use sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections. Sand gently in a circular motion, gradually working your way from coarse to fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a seamless and professional look.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to use an internal corner trowel effectively and achieve a flawless finish on your corners. Remember to practice and take your time for the best results.
