An external corner trowel is a tool that is commonly used in the construction industry for creating crisp, clean corners on walls and other surfaces. Whether you are a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, learning how to properly use an external corner trowel can greatly improve the overall finish of your projects. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of using an external corner trowel effectively.
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before using an external corner trowel, it is essential to ensure that the surface you will be working on is clean, smooth, and free from any debris. Use a scraper or sandpaper to remove any imperfections or loose material from the corner. This will help you achieve a professional-looking finish.
Step 2: Apply the Joint Compound
Next, apply a thin layer of joint compound to the corner using a putty knife or a taping knife. Make sure to cover the entire area that you plan to work on. The joint compound acts as the base for creating a smooth finish and helps to strengthen the corner.
Step 3: Position the Trowel
Hold the external corner trowel in your dominant hand and position it at a slight angle, with the corner of the trowel resting against the corner of the wall or surface. Make sure that the blade of the trowel is facing upwards and parallel to the wall. This will allow you to create a clean and precise corner.
Step 4: Apply Pressure
Using a sweeping motion, apply gentle and even pressure as you move the trowel along the corner. Keep the trowel at the same angle and maintain consistent pressure to achieve a smooth and uniform finish. It is important to go over the corner multiple times to ensure that the joint compound is evenly distributed and any excess is removed.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After using the external corner trowel, allow the joint compound to dry completely. Once dry, you may lightly sand the area to remove any imperfections and create an even smoother finish. You can then proceed with painting or any other finishing touches that your project requires.
With practice and patience, using an external corner trowel can become a skill that greatly enhances the quality of your construction projects. By following these steps, you can achieve professional-looking corners that add a polished and finished look to your walls and surfaces.
What is an external corner trowel?
An external corner trowel is a specialized tool used in the field of construction and masonry. It is specifically designed to create and finish external corners in plaster or drywall finishes. This tool allows for precise and clean edges, making it perfect for professional craftsmen as well as DIY enthusiasts.
External corner trowels typically have a pointed triangular shape with a curved handle. The shape of the trowel helps to accurately form and shape the external corners. The handle is designed for comfortable grip and control, allowing for ease of use.
When applying plaster or drywall compound, the external corner trowel is used to smooth and feather out the edges of the corner, ensuring a smooth and seamless finish. Its curved shape allows for easy maneuverability and accurate placement, resulting in professional-looking corners.
Benefits of using an external corner trowel:
- Precise and clean external corners
- Easy to use and maneuver
- Comfortable handle for extended periods of use
- Professional-looking finish
- Time-efficient application
Overall, an external corner trowel is an indispensable tool for creating visually appealing corners in plaster or drywall finishes. With its specialized design and ease of use, it allows for precise and professional results every time.
Understanding the purpose and design
An external corner trowel is a specialized tool used in the process of applying plaster or other finishing materials to the external corners of walls. This tool is designed to help achieve a clean and smooth finish on corner joints by providing a precise and controlled application of the finishing material.
Purpose
The main purpose of an external corner trowel is to ensure that the finishing material is evenly distributed and well-adhered to the external corners of walls. This helps to create a seamless and professional-looking finish in areas where walls meet at a 90-degree angle. The trowel can be used for both internal and external corners, but its design is specifically optimized for external corners.
Design
The external corner trowel has a unique design that sets it apart from traditional trowels. It features a triangular or trapezoidal-shaped blade with a slightly curved edge, allowing for precise application along the corner joint. The blade is typically made of stainless steel or other durable materials to ensure longevity and resistance to rust. The handle of the trowel is usually made of wood or plastic, providing a comfortable grip for the user.
The blade of the external corner trowel is usually slightly thicker than the blades of regular trowels. This thickness helps to create a smoother and more consistent result by preventing the buildup of excess finishing material along the corners. It also adds stability and control to the application process, allowing the user to achieve a professional finish with minimal effort.
- Triangular or trapezoidal-shaped blade
- Slightly curved edge
- Stainless steel or durable materials
- Wood or plastic handle
- Thicker blade compared to regular trowels
By understanding the purpose and design of an external corner trowel, you can effectively utilize this tool to achieve a clean and polished finish on external corners. Its specialized design and functionality make it an essential tool for plasterers, decorators, and DIY enthusiasts working on projects that involve wall finishing.
Preparing the external corner
Before using the external corner trowel, it is important to properly prepare the external corner of the wall.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Clean the external corner of any debris, dust, or loose material. Use a brush or a cloth to remove any dirt or particles from the surface.
- Inspect the external corner for any cracks or damage. If there are any cracks, use a putty knife to fill them with a suitable filler or cement. Allow the filler to dry completely before proceeding.
- If the external corner has a metal corner bead, make sure it is properly secured and in good condition. Replace any damaged or loose corner beads.
- Apply a coat of primer to the external corner. This will help the corner trowel glide smoothly and ensure proper adhesion of the finishing material.
- If necessary, measure and cut the corner bead to fit the external corner. Use tin snips or a hacksaw to trim the corner bead to the desired length.
- Apply a thin layer of joint compound or plaster to the external corner using a trowel or a putty knife. Smooth the compound or plaster with the trowel, ensuring that it covers the entire external corner evenly.
- Allow the joint compound or plaster to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the product’s instructions.
- Sand the dried compound or plaster with sandpaper to create a smooth and even surface. Remove any dust or debris using a brush or a cloth.
- Inspect the external corner to ensure it is smooth and free of imperfections. Make any necessary touch-ups or repairs before proceeding with the next steps.
- Now that the external corner is properly prepared, you can proceed with using the external corner trowel to apply the finishing material, such as plaster or joint compound, to create a seamless and professional-looking external corner.
Cleaning the surface and removing any debris
Before using an external corner trowel, it is important to clean the surface and remove any debris that may hinder the application process. This ensures a smooth and even finish.
To clean the surface, start by removing any loose dirt, dust or particles using a stiff brush or broom. Pay close attention to corners and edges, as these are areas where debris tends to accumulate.
If there are any stubborn stains or dirt spots, you can use a mild detergent or cleaning solution mixed with water. Apply the solution to the surface and scrub gently with a brush or sponge. Rinse off the solution with clean water and allow the surface to dry completely.
It is important to remove any loose plaster, old paint, or other loose materials from the surface before using the trowel. Use a scraper or putty knife to gently scrape off any loose or flaking material. This will ensure that the trowel can properly adhere to the surface and create a smooth finish.
Once the surface is cleaned and free of any debris, you can proceed with using the external corner trowel to apply the desired finish or coating. Ensuring a clean surface will result in a professional-looking finish and help prolong the lifespan of the applied material.
Applying the mortar
Before using the external corner trowel, it is essential to prepare the mortar. Choose a mortar mix that is suitable for the type of surface you are working on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the mortar to ensure the proper consistency.
Once the mortar is ready, start by loading the trowel with an appropriate amount of mortar. Hold the trowel at a slight angle and apply the mortar to the external corner area. Use the straight edge of the trowel to spread the mortar evenly along the corner.
Press the trowel firmly against the wall, using slight pressure to ensure proper adhesion of the mortar. Move the trowel in an upward motion to create a smooth and consistent layer of mortar along the corner.
Continue applying the mortar in small sections, ensuring each section is fully covered and the mortar is spread evenly. As you work, periodically check the level and plumb of the corner using a spirit level to ensure the mortar is applied correctly.
Use the external corner trowel to create a neat and uniform finish. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and run it along the mortar, pressing gently to smooth out the surface. Take care not to remove too much mortar or create any gaps along the corner.
Allow the mortar to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before continuing with any further work, such as tiling or painting. This will ensure a strong and durable finish for your external corners.
Mixing the mortar for optimal consistency
Properly mixing the mortar is crucial in achieving optimal consistency for your external corner trowel work. Follow these steps to ensure you have the right mortar mix:
- Gather the necessary materials, including a mixing tub, a drill with a mixing paddle attachment, and your mortar mix.
- Add the mortar mix into the mixing tub, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended water-to-mix ratio.
- Start the drill and slowly lower the paddle into the mixing tub, submerging it into the mortar mix.
- Move the paddle around in a circular motion to thoroughly mix the mortar. Continue mixing until the mortar achieves a smooth and consistent texture.
- If the mortar mix appears too dry, add small amounts of water and continue mixing. Conversely, if the mortar looks too wet, gradually add more mortar mix until the desired consistency is reached.
- Once the mortar has reached the desired consistency, let it sit for a few minutes to hydrate fully.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to using an external corner trowel. By properly mixing your mortar, you will ensure a reliable and sturdy bond between the corner trowel and the surface you are working on.
Using the External Corner Trowel
The external corner trowel is a handy tool for achieving clean and precise finishes in your plastering projects. It is specifically designed to create sharp edges and seamless corners on external corners.
Step 1: Preparing the Surface
Before using the external corner trowel, make sure that the surface is clean and free from any debris or loose plaster. It’s best to apply a skim coat of plaster to the corner area, allowing it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Applying the Plaster
Once the surface is ready, apply a thin layer of plaster to the external corner using a hawk and trowel. Use the trowel to press the plaster into the corner, ensuring that it is evenly spread and fills the area completely.
Step 3: Creating the Corner
To create a clean and sharp corner, position the external corner trowel at a 45-degree angle and firmly run it along the corner. Apply gentle pressure and make several passes until the desired finish is achieved.
Remember to keep the trowel at a consistent angle and maintain a steady hand to achieve a smooth and even finish.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
After creating the corner, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any excess plaster and smooth out the surface further if needed. Allow the plaster to dry completely before proceeding with any additional coats or finishing touches.
| Benefits of Using the External Corner Trowel |
|---|
| 1. Provides sharp and clean corners |
| 2. Saves time and effort compared to manual corner finishing |
| 3. Achieves a professional and polished look |
| 4. Easy to use and handle |
By following these steps and using the external corner trowel correctly, you can achieve professional-looking corners and finishes in your plastering projects.
