Corner & Edging Trowels

About Corner & Edging Trowels

Corner and edging trowels are essential hand tools for plasterers, renderers, and decorators who need to achieve professional finishes in hard-to-reach areas. These specialised trowels are designed to tackle the challenging work of applying, smoothing, and finishing plaster, render, or joint compound in internal and external corners, along edges, and around architectural features where standard flat trowels simply cannot reach. Available in both stainless steel and carbon steel variants, these precision tools enable tradespeople to create crisp, clean lines and perfectly flush corners that are the hallmark of quality workmanship.

At TooledUp.com, we stock a comprehensive range of corner and edging trowels from trusted professional brands including Marshalltown, Faithfull, RST, Draper, Spear & Jackson, and Sealey. Our selection includes internal and external corner trowels in both square and rounded profiles, curved corner trowels for shaped work, edging trowels for straight runs, and drywall corner trowels for plasterboard installations. Many models feature soft-grip handles for enhanced comfort during extended use on site, whilst stainless steel blades offer superior rust resistance and easier cleaning for professionals who demand tools that last.

Whether you're a professional plasterer working on new builds, a renderer finishing external walls, or a DIY enthusiast tackling home improvements, having the right corner and edging trowels makes the difference between a satisfactory job and an exceptional finish. These tools allow you to work efficiently in confined spaces, create sharp angles, and achieve smooth transitions that would be impossible with conventional trowels.

Jargon Buster

• Internal Corner Trowel: A trowel with two blades set at 90 degrees for applying and smoothing plaster or compound in inside corners where two walls meet. Available in square or rounded profiles depending on the desired finish.
• External Corner Trowel: Designed for finishing outside corners and edges, these trowels have blades angled outward to shape and smooth material on prominent corners that project into a room.
• Edging Trowel: A rectangular trowel with one straight edge, used for creating clean lines along edges, skirting boards, and ceiling lines where walls meet other surfaces.
• Stainless Steel Blade: A premium blade material that resists rust and corrosion, cleans easily, and maintains its flexibility. Particularly valuable for professionals who use their tools daily and need durability.
• Curved Corner Trowel: A specialist trowel with a radiused profile for finishing rounded or bullnose corners, commonly used in period properties and architectural features.
• Drywall Corner Trowel: Specifically designed for applying joint compound to plasterboard corners during taping and finishing operations on stud walls and ceilings.

Who Uses Corner & Edging Trowels?

• Plasterers: Professional plasterers rely on corner trowels daily for internal finishing work, ensuring crisp angles throughout residential and commercial properties.
• Renderers: External rendering specialists use these tools to finish corners and edges on exterior walls, creating weather-tight and visually appealing finishes.
• Drywall Installers: Dry liners and plasterboard specialists use corner trowels extensively when taping and finishing plasterboard installations.
• Decorators: Professional painters and decorators use edging trowels when preparing surfaces and filling imperfections before final decoration.
• Maintenance Contractors: Building maintenance professionals carry corner trowels for repair work and making good damaged plasterwork.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners undertaking plastering projects, kitchen and bathroom installations, or general home improvements benefit from having appropriate corner trowels for professional-looking results.
• Heritage Restoration Specialists: Those working on listed buildings and period properties use curved corner trowels to match original architectural features.

How to Choose the Right Corner & Edging Trowels

Blade Material: Stainless steel blades offer superior rust resistance and longevity, making them ideal for professional use. Carbon steel options are more economical for occasional use but require more maintenance to prevent corrosion. Brands like Marshalltown and Faithfull offer excellent stainless steel options that will serve you for years.

Corner Profile: Decide whether you need square or rounded corner trowels based on your typical work. Square profiles create sharp 90-degree angles for modern construction, whilst rounded profiles are better for softer edges and period properties. Many professionals keep both types in their toolkit for versatility.

Internal or External Use: Internal corner trowels have blades angled inward for inside corners, whilst external corner trowels angle outward. Ensure you select the correct orientation for your application, or consider purchasing a set that includes both types.

Handle Comfort: Soft-grip handles significantly reduce hand fatigue during extended use. RST, Faithfull, and Draper all manufacture models with ergonomic soft-touch handles that provide excellent grip even when materials make them wet or slippery.

Blade Size: Larger blades cover more area quickly but may be unwieldy in tight spaces. Consider the typical dimensions of your work when selecting blade size. Edging trowels typically range from 150mm to 300mm in length.

Brand Quality: Professional-grade brands like Marshalltown offer superior build quality and blade flexibility that helps achieve smoother finishes. For regular professional use, investing in premium tools pays dividends in results and longevity.

Popular Accessories

• Plastering Floats: Essential for preparing surfaces before using corner trowels, available in sponge, polyurethane, and wooden varieties.
• Hawk Boards: For holding plaster or compound close to your work whilst using corner trowels, typically 300mm square aluminium or plastic.
• Mixing Paddles: For preparing plaster, render, or joint compound to the correct consistency for application.
• Plastering Buckets: Durable mixing and water buckets specifically designed for plastering work.
• Corner Beads: Metal or plastic reinforcement for external corners before plastering or rendering.
• Jointing Tape: Scrim or paper tape for reinforcing joints before applying compound with corner trowels.
• Tool Cleaning Equipment: Brushes and scrapers for maintaining your trowels in good condition between applications.
• Tool Bags and Storage: Protective storage solutions from brands like Stanley and DeWalt to keep your trowels in prime condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between internal and external corner trowels?

Internal corner trowels have two blades set at 90 degrees angled inward (forming a 'V' shape when viewed end-on) for finishing inside corners where walls meet. External corner trowels have blades angled outward for finishing protruding corners. Using the wrong type will make achieving a good finish virtually impossible, so it's essential to select the correct orientation for your application.

Should I choose stainless steel or carbon steel corner trowels?

Stainless steel trowels are more expensive initially but offer excellent rust resistance, easier cleaning, and longer lifespan, making them ideal for professional tradespeople. Carbon steel trowels are more economical and perfectly adequate for DIY use or occasional projects, though they require thorough cleaning and drying after each use to prevent corrosion.

Can I use the same corner trowel for plaster and render?

Yes, quality corner trowels from brands like Marshalltown and Faithfull are suitable for both plastering and rendering work. However, ensure you clean them thoroughly between different materials, and consider dedicating specific tools to external render work, which is typically harsher on tools than internal plastering.

Do I need both square and rounded corner trowels?

This depends on your typical work. Modern construction predominantly uses square corners, so a square-profile corner trowel is essential. However, rounded corner trowels are invaluable for period properties, restoration work, or anywhere bullnose or softened corners are required. Professional plasterers often carry both profiles for maximum versatility on site.

How do I maintain my corner trowels?

Clean your trowels immediately after use with clean water, removing all plaster or compound residue. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust, particularly with carbon steel blades. Store in a dry location, and consider applying a light coating of oil to carbon steel blades if storing for extended periods. Stainless steel trowels require less maintenance but still benefit from prompt cleaning and proper storage.