Plastering and skimming tools: what you need for a smooth finish

Which skimming spatula, trowel and corner tools you need to skim walls and drywall: when to use a 100cm spatula, a 25cm spatula and internal and external corner knives.

Plastering Finishing Set£22.7825cm Stainless Steel Drywall Smoothing Spatula£13.31Stainless Steel Putty Knife Set£10.67100cm Stainless Steel Drywall Smoothing Spatula£26.42

A smooth skim coat comes down to technique and the right tools. Wide blades flatten large areas quickly, small blades handle detail, and corner tools give crisp internal and external angles.

Wide spatula for big walls

A 100cm stainless steel smoothing spatula (£26.42) spans a large area in one pass, flattening ridges and trowel marks on walls and ceilings. It's ideal for the final flattening pass on a skim coat or drywall finish.

Compact spatula for detail

The 25cm skimming spatula (£13.31) gets into tighter spots, such as around windows, sockets and small walls, where a wide blade won't fit.

Corner knives for sharp angles

A stainless steel corner knife set (£10.67) shapes internal and external corners in one movement, so you don't leave a ridge where two walls meet.

Quick technique tips

• Keep your blade clean. Dried bits of plaster leave lines.
• Work in thin coats rather than one thick one.
• Use light, overlapping strokes and keep the blade at a shallow angle.
• Stainless steel blades won't rust, so they won't stain your finish.

Save with the set

The Plastering Finishing Set (£22.78) includes the 25cm spatula and the corner knife set for 5% less than buying them separately.