On 7 July, 15:20, (Andrew Gabriel) wrote:
In article ,
Jim K writes:

On 7 July, 12:57, "Phil L" wrote:
Fred wrote:
Hi,

I am getting ready to have a go at plastering for the first time. I

For first time, I would assume the finish might not be good enough,
and you'll want to fit a new sheet of plasterboard afterwards.

Indeed you might be better off finding something like the cupboard
under the stairs, of a garage wall, to skim first.

will be plastering onto plasterboard. I know I'll need a trowel (or is
it a float - what's the difference?) and a hawk but what about these
feather edges and darbys I have seen in the Screwfix/tool
station/machine mart catalogues?

A quick google suggests they are used to apply the back coat of
plaster. But can they/are they used for finishing coats too? Would it
be useful for me to get one to make sure my coat of plaster is
completely smooth and level?

No, "level" is the job of the plasterboard (or scratch coat if you aren't
using plasterboard).

TIA

Definately not.
For skimming (board finish, multi-finish etc) you want a hawk and trowel,
and a flat brush for wetting, these are the only tools you'll need.
A darby is for backing plaster and render, and is completely useless for
skimming.
I agree on the darbys etc
Tho instead of a flat brush & bucket I prefer a handheld pump-up
pressurised garden sprayer - £5odd in Asda etc

or free if you have one with a cleaning product in it and wash it out.

pressurised?? what's in that then??
NB the trigger powered ones gave me blisters and I couldn't get
enough out without swearing and wasting valuable setting time - hence
the pump-up pressurised option.

And yes, easier than a brush. You may want a bucket of water and a brush
to clean off the trowel in the latter stages.

aye

Jim K