Definition

Noun: A plasterer's float is a hand tool with a flat, rectangular face, typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, used by plasterers and masons. Its primary function is to smooth, level, and finish the surface of wet plaster, cement, or stucco after it has been initially applied.

Usage

The plasterer's float is used in the final stages of applying a wall coating. It is moved in broad, sweeping arcs across the surface to compress the material, remove minor imperfections, and create a uniform, flat finish before a final polish with a trowel.

Examples

• After applying the base coat, the worker used a plasterer's float to smooth out the stucco.
• A good plasterer's float is essential for achieving a perfectly flat wall surface.
• He cleaned the plasterer's float immediately after finishing the cement work.

Advanced Usage

• Breaking the suction: An experienced plasterer will slightly angle the float to "break the suction" as it is pulled across the wet surface, preventing it from dragging and tearing the material.
• Laying in: The float can also be used for "laying in" or applying a very thin final coat of material.

Variants and Related Words

• Float (noun): A common shortened form for "plasterer's float" within the trade.
• Finishing Trowel (noun): A similar but smaller, thinner, and more flexible steel tool used for the final, polished finish after floating.
• Darby (noun): A longer, two-handed flat tool used for straightening and smoothing large areas before using the hand float.

Synonyms

• Hand float
• Finishing float
• Smoothing float

Related Phrases

• To float a wall/ceiling: The action of using a plasterer's float on a surface.
  • Example: The next step is to float the wall to remove any trowel marks.

Noun

1. a hand tool with a flat face used for smoothing and finishing the surface of plaster or cement or stucco