Mark wrote:

Well since plasterers normally do both jobs I assume this is something else
you heard on usenet.

IME, some are, some aren't. I spoke to one who was "just" a plasterer -
and would not bother with even internal rendering jobs. I also know a
couple who as you say do both. A few strategic questions did manage to
elicit some info from them. They always use SS trowels for finish work
(which to be honest I ignored to start with!), and they do tend to break
them in for a bit on rendering jobs first.

To achieve a decent polish on plaster you need a flat straight trowel with
just the right amount of springiness, a bent piece of stainless steel is a
poor substitute whatever the cost,

Perhaps you should look more closely at one - "bent" is not a word that
reflects the construction. It is mostly straight along the long axis
with a slight flair toward the corners. My so called "straight" trowel
has acquired the same profile after enough use anyway.

BTW that type of trowel was designed for
dry lining techniques not finish plastering.

If you look at the mashaltown catalogue you will see they actually have
a distinct range of tools for dry lining work.

Personally I think I will carry on with this one thanks.


That's fine if you are happy with the results and not prepared to invest
time acquiring the necessary skill to achieve a professional looking finish.

Happy with the results?, yes I suppose they are "good enough" - I have
certainly seen better work turned out by "pros", but I have also seen
worse. I have no desire to make a career out of plastering though!


--
Cheers,

John.

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