If you are involved in any kind of construction or remodeling project, chances are you will encounter the need to finish off outside corners. These corners can be tricky to handle, but with the right tools and technique, you can achieve professional-looking results. One tool that can help you in this endeavor is an outside corner trowel.
An outside corner trowel, also known as an outside corner finishing trowel, is a specialized tool that is designed specifically for finishing off outside corners. It has a unique shape that allows you to evenly and smoothly apply compound or plaster to these corners, creating a seamless and polished appearance.
Using an outside corner trowel is relatively straightforward, but it does require some practice to get the hang of it. First, you will need to prepare the outside corner by removing any debris or loose material. Then, apply a thin layer of compound or plaster along the corner using a taping knife.
Next, hold the outside corner trowel at a 45-degree angle and carefully slide it along the corner, applying gentle pressure. The rounded edge of the trowel should glide smoothly against the wall, while the flat edge should press the compound into the corner, ensuring full coverage. Repeat this process until the corner is fully covered and smooth.
Once you have finished applying the compound, allow it to dry completely before sanding and painting. Remember to clean your outside corner trowel after each use to prevent the compound from hardening and affecting future applications. With practice and patience, you can achieve clean and professional-looking outside corners using an outside corner trowel.
Benefits of Using an Outside Corner Trowel
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Easy to Use: One of the primary benefits of using an outside corner trowel is its ease of use. It is designed to fit perfectly in the corners and provide smooth and consistent finishes without much effort.
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Accurate Corner Finish: Outside corner trowels are specifically designed to create crisp and clean corners on plaster or drywall surfaces. Using this tool ensures that the corners are perfectly aligned and have a professional look.
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Time-Saving: Using an outside corner trowel can significantly speed up the process of finishing corners. Its unique design allows for quick and efficient application of plaster or joint compound, minimizing the need for additional sanding or touch-ups.
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Durable Construction: These trowels are typically made from high-quality materials, such as stainless steel or carbon steel, which ensures their durability. They can withstand repeated use and are resistant to rust and corrosion.
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Versatility: Outside corner trowels can be used for various applications, such as installing corner beads, repairing damaged corners, or creating decorative finishes. Their versatility makes them an essential tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.
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Efficient Material Usage: Using an outside corner trowel allows for better control and precision when applying plaster or joint compound. This results in minimal material wastage and ensures an even distribution, saving both time and money.
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Improved Aesthetics: One of the main advantages of using an outside corner trowel is the enhanced visual appeal it adds to the finished project. The clean and sharp corner finishes achieved with this tool contribute to an overall polished and professional-looking result.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency
Using an outside corner trowel can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your work. The specialized design of this tool allows for precise application of joint compound or adhesive to outside corners, resulting in clean and professional-looking finished surfaces.
1. Achieve a Perfectly Straight Line
One of the key benefits of using an outside corner trowel is the ability to achieve a perfectly straight line. The flat surface of the trowel ensures even distribution of joint compound or adhesive along the corner, eliminating the need for excessive sanding or touch-ups. This saves both time and effort, allowing you to move on to the next step of your project more quickly.
2. Reduce Wasted Material
With a traditional trowel or putty knife, it can be difficult to apply joint compound or adhesive to outside corners without creating excess waste. The unique shape of an outside corner trowel helps to minimize material wastage, allowing you to use just the right amount of compound or adhesive needed for the job. This not only saves money, but also reduces cleanup time and mess.
Furthermore, by using an outside corner trowel, you can achieve a consistent and even layer of joint compound or adhesive, minimizing the risk of air pockets or uneven surfaces that can compromise the integrity of your project.
Overall, the use of an outside corner trowel can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of your work. Whether you are installing drywall, applying tile, or working on any other project that involves outside corners, this specialized tool is a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor.
Reduced Waste and Cleanup Time
Using an outside corner trowel can greatly reduce waste and cleanup time in your corner finishing projects.
When using a traditional trowel or other tools to apply joint compound to corners, it can be difficult to achieve a smooth and even finish. This often leads to excess compound being applied, resulting in waste and the need for additional sanding and scraping to remove the excess material.
With an outside corner trowel, you can achieve a precise and clean application of joint compound to corners. The unique shape and design of the trowel allow you to easily glide the compound along the corner, avoiding any unnecessary buildup.
Not only does using an outside corner trowel reduce waste, but it also saves you time when it comes to cleanup. By applying the precise amount of joint compound needed, you eliminate the need for excessive sanding and scraping, cutting down on the time spent repairing and finishing corners.
In addition to saving time and reducing waste, using an outside corner trowel can also result in a more professional-looking finish. The clean lines and smooth application that can be achieved with this tool enhance the overall appearance of your corner work.
So, if you’re looking to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and save time on your corner finishing projects, consider using an outside corner trowel. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the quality of your work.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use an Outside Corner Trowel
Using an outside corner trowel is an important skill for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. It allows you to achieve clean and professional-looking corners when applying plaster or other finishing materials to walls or ceilings. Follow these steps to effectively use an outside corner trowel:
Step 1: Prepare the Corner
Before using an outside corner trowel, make sure that the corner you want to work on is clean and dry. Remove any excess dust or debris using a brush or vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that the trowel can easily glide along the surface without any obstructions.
Step 2: Load the Trowel with Plaster
Take a small amount of plaster and place it onto the flat side of the trowel. It’s important not to overload the trowel as this can lead to messy and uneven application. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Step 3: Apply the Plaster to the Corner
Hold the trowel at a slight angle, with the flat side against the wall and the corner of the trowel facing upwards. Start at the bottom of the corner and run the trowel upwards in one smooth motion. Apply even pressure to ensure a consistent layer of plaster along the entire corner. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the plaster to squeeze out and create an uneven finish.
Step 4: Smooth and Shape the Corner
After applying the plaster, use the flat side of the trowel to smooth and shape the corner. Hold the trowel at a slight angle and run it along the corner, using light pressure. This will help remove any excess plaster and create a clean, crisp edge.
Note: If necessary, you can dampen the trowel slightly with water to help achieve a smoother finish.
Step 5: Clean the Trowel
Once you have finished using the outside corner trowel, it’s important to clean it properly to ensure its longevity. Rinse it under running water to remove any remaining plaster, and use a soft cloth or brush to gently scrub away any stubborn residue. Dry the trowel thoroughly before storing it to prevent any rust or damage.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively use an outside corner trowel to achieve professional-looking corners when working on your plastering or finishing projects.
Prepare the Surface and Gather Tools
Before using an outside corner trowel, it is important to prepare the surface by removing any existing materials such as wallpaper or loose paint. Use a scraper or sandpaper to smooth out any rough patches or bumps.
Once the surface is clean and smooth, gather the necessary tools for the job. You will need an outside corner trowel, a joint compound, a putty knife, a drywall hawk or pan, sandpaper, and a damp cloth.
Make sure your outside corner trowel is in good condition and free of any rust or damage. It should have a sturdy metal blade and a comfortable handle to allow for easy maneuvering.
The joint compound is used to create a smooth and even finish on the corner. It is important to choose a high-quality compound that is specifically designed for use with drywall. Look for a compound that is easy to apply and dries quickly.
The putty knife is used to apply and smooth the joint compound. Choose a knife that is the appropriate size for the job and has a flexible blade for easy application.
A drywall hawk or pan is used to hold the joint compound while you work. This helps to prevent mess and makes it easier to access the compound as needed.
Lastly, have sandpaper and a damp cloth on hand to smooth out any imperfections and clean up any excess compound. The sandpaper should have a fine grit to provide a smooth finish, and the damp cloth can be used to wipe away any dust or debris.
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Outside Corner Trowel | A trowel with a metal blade and comfortable handle for maneuvering. |
| Joint Compound | A high-quality compound for creating a smooth finish on the corner. |
| Putty Knife | A knife for applying and smoothing the joint compound. |
| Drywall Hawk or Pan | A tool for holding the joint compound while working. |
| Sandpaper | Fine-grit sandpaper for smoothing out imperfections. |
| Damp Cloth | A cloth for wiping away dust and debris. |
Apply Joint Compound to the Corner
Before using an outside corner trowel, you need to apply joint compound to the corner of the wall. Joint compound, also known as mud, is a thick substance that is used to fill and smooth out gaps and seams in drywall.
1. Prepare the Joint Compound
First, you need to prepare the joint compound. Open the container and give it a good stir to make sure it is well-mixed and smooth. You can add a small amount of water if the compound seems too thick.
2. Load the Trowel
Take your outside corner trowel and scoop a small amount of joint compound onto the blade. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and press the compound onto the corner.
Tip: You can use a putty knife or a taping knife instead of an outside corner trowel if you don’t have one.
3. Apply the Compound
Starting at the top of the corner, apply the joint compound in a smooth, even motion. Press the compound firmly into the corner, making sure to completely cover the drywall edges on both sides. Move your trowel slowly down the corner, applying more compound as needed.
Note: You don’t need to apply a thick layer of joint compound all at once. It’s better to apply several thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. This will help prevent cracking and ensure a smooth finish.
Continue applying the joint compound until the entire corner is covered. Smooth out any excess compound with the trowel, feathering the edges so that they blend in with the wall. Let the joint compound dry completely before sanding and painting.
Caution: When working with joint compound, make sure to follow all safety precautions and use proper ventilation. Avoid inhaling any dust or fumes, and wear protective clothing and eyewear.
