Can I Use a Plasterer’s Trowel on Microcement?
We’re often asked whether Microcement can be applied using a plasterer’s trowel.
This guide explains the difference between a Plasterers Trowel and Microcement Trowels so that you can make the decision on which to use.
Whilst microcement can be applied, with any trowel, you will find it a lot easier to use a trowel that has been specifically designed for microcement, like the Bi-Flex Trowel.
Traditional plasterers trowel tend to be a lot stiffer, which causes the following issues:
Trowel flexibility
Microcement trowels such as our Bi-Flex Steel Trowel are more flexible than plasterer’s trowels, this allows it to glide over the surface following the contours in the substrate for a smooth, consistent finish.
Burnishing
Dragging a hard steel trowel firmly over Microcement can severely burnish the surface, leaving permanent black or grey streak marks across the finish.
Too much pressure
Microcement is applied in very thin coats. A plastering trowel encourages you to work it like plaster, whereas Microcement generally benefits from lighter pressure and more controlled movements.
Sharp Edges
Unlike the Bi-Flex Steel Trowel, where the corners have been tapered to avoid drag, plasterers trowel have sharp corners which can leave drag marks in the surface of the microcement.
This is a great trowel for applying microcement top-coats in lighter colour. Because it’s plastic, it won’t burnish the surface.
Click to view our full range of microcement trowels.