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Where Artistry Begins
The trowel is the most important tool in Venetian plastering. It lays the coats, shapes the pattern and burnishes the final sheen. The wrong one leaves marks, stains the plaster or tires your wrist. This guide explains how to choose a Venetian plaster trowel and how to use it for a smooth finish.
Buying the materials? The Zavoré Venetian plaster shop sends plasters, primers, waxes and tools tracked across the UK, with plasters tinted to your colour.
| Trowel | Use |
|---|---|
| Medium Venetian trowel | The main tool for laying and burnishing walls |
| Small trowel or spatula | Edges, corners, reveals and small areas |
| Japanese style trowel | Very flexible, popular for fine polishing |
| Corner tools | Clean internal and external corners |
Beginners usually start with one medium trowel and one small spatula, then add more as they find their style. Italian makers such as Pavan are well known for decorative plaster trowels.
A stiffer blade is easier to control for laying coats. A more flexible blade burnishes better. Many plasterers keep one of each.
Wash it straight after use, dry it, and store it so the blade is not bent or nicked. A damaged edge marks every wall it touches.
Trowel control is the skill that takes longest to learn. See the full Venetian plaster tools kit list, read how to apply Venetian plaster, or practise with a tutor at the Zavoré Academy.
A stainless steel Venetian trowel with rounded corners, plus a small spatula for edges.
It is not ideal. Square corners leave marks and carbon steel can stain lime plaster.
Usually from a non stainless blade or from burnishing too hard on certain finishes. Use a clean stainless steel trowel.
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