What are rubber spatulas and how to use them?

Construction and renovation processes require the use of a wide variety of tools. They can become a universal acquisition of a novice master or a professional specialist. The convenience of the work and the final result depend on the quality of the tool. A rubber spatula also performs many functions, depending on its size and configuration. The versatility of rubber lies in its waterproofness and chemical resistance.

A rubber spatula is a construction tool that is used when making seams on various surfaces, removing material residues on ceramics, stone; tinting, processing corners when puttingty walls.

Such tools are used for processing spaces of different sizes and hard-to-reach places. With this in mind, a wide range of spatulas has been created - from very small to large models for smoothing wallpaper and treating floors and walls. Their main feature is a rubber work surface. Due to its elasticity and softness, there is no risk of damaging even a fragile coating. Some trowels with strong handles allow grouting with epoxy resins, cement mortars. And there are models specifically for silicone.

The device of a rubber spatula is elementary simple, but for high-quality performance of work, it must comply with certain standards.

• The rubber part should be tight, flexible and evenly elastic.
• The shape of the trowel should allow the seams to be completely processed with various materials.
• The edges of the trowel should be tapered to easily rub the seams in the corners.
• The handle can also be rubber if the tool is small. Larger models need a sturdy handle to prevent deformation of the trowel under strong pressure.

The types of these instruments are subdivided according to certain criteria.

• Colour... Rubber spatulas are available in white, gray and black. This is not dictated by a design approach, but by the purpose of indicating the level of rubber hardness. The darker the working base of the tool, the more rigidly and efficiently it fills the seams, eliminating gaps and streaks. The white spatula is intended for processing delicate decorative materials.
• Varieties of handles. Most often, rubber tools are equipped with a plastic handle - a trapezoid or bracket, which contributes to high productivity. Their price is higher. There are also spatulas with wooden grips and solid rubber blades.
• Tool shape... Differs in variety, but trapezoidal spatulas are considered the most common. A round spatula is a bit like a piece of cable. It does not contribute to high efficiency, so the model is practically not found on the market. More often, ready-made grouting mixtures are completed with such tools.
• Dimensions (edit)... This parameter for a painting tool can vary from 20 mm to 150 mm. He is selected based on the tasks set.
• Appointment... Basically, trowels are used for grouting and joining. For the first option, standard tools are used, and in the second case, fully rubber rounded shapes are suitable.

By purpose, spatulas are also subdivided into the following types.

• Planning... A soft tool with a sturdy handle and a working edge of 3-5 mm, with a length of 25-60 cm. The chamfer is made on one side, with an angle of 45 degrees. Rectangular or trapezoidal trowel is suitable for the decoration of joints in the process of facing surfaces with large tiles or mosaics, when working with a mixture based on cement.
• Painting rubber... A white spatula is made of rubber, and a black spatula is made of 3-5 mm rubber. Double-sided working edge, 10-25 cm in length. Black rubber is characterized by high rigidity, which contributes to the dense filling of the joints. The paint model usually has a PVC or wood handle, similar to those with which the brushes are equipped. In relation to the working edge, the holder is located at an angle of 45/90 °. The triangular tool is of medium size, therefore it is considered universal.
• Jointing... A spatula with a trapezium (triangle) base for decorating joints on tiles and finishing stones, applying putty, and restoration work. Working edge from 40-50 mm to 80-100 mm. The soft part is equipped with a wooden or plastic handle. Small tools used in hard-to-reach areas can be solid rubber, without a rigid holder. The size is matched to the tile, the rigidity - according to the depth of the seams: the deeper they are, the harder the rubber base.
• Opening trowel. Suitable not only for the design of the joints of the seams, but also for giving them relief. The model is necessary when making a round joint, for example, with rounded edges of a tile. Also, a spatula is used in the decoration textured under a tree, figured, notched, angular and other options.

German company Biber known to consumers in Russia as a manufacturer of goods for repair, including excellent spatulas. In the circle of professional builders, Bieber implements are known as reliable and unpretentious.

FIT-Tool. He is the official representative of the Canadian company. It produces electric and hand tools for use in household and professional construction. The advantage of FIT spatulas lies in the affordable price, convenience, quality and variety of the model range.

Raimondi - one of the European leaders in the production of equipment and tools for various repair and construction tasks.

Also, a domestic company is actively developing on the market. Santool... It produces and markets hand-held construction tools. The company is constantly modernizing its production. For the manufacture of branded spatulas, the highest quality raw materials are used.

Domestic TM is also distinguished by high quality in the world market of construction equipment. "Zubr OVK"... Specialists spend a lot of effort on improving the finished product.

When purchasing a rubber spatula for specific tasks, it is recommended to take into account the following nuances.

• A pen... There should be a wooden handle on the wide working part.
• Rigidity... For grouting with a decorative compound, you will need a flexible and soft tool.
• The form... To make a uniform and quality seam, the edge of the rubber base must be thin and sharp.
• Rubber color. For working with dense mixtures, hard black rubber is more suitable.

Models without handles are used to process joints in arched zones, behind plumbing and risers. The size of the tool is selected based on the dimensions of the treated surface.

Today on sale you can find a variety of options, both individually and in sets, for filling joints in drywall, working with wood and many other purposes. When choosing, first of all, the characteristics of the selected tool are taken into account. The quality of rubber deserves special attention.It should differ in density, not have any damage.

It is necessary to use a rubber spatula correctly as follows: apply the solution to the working part of the canvas, where the chamfer is made. It is convenient to handle all kinds of surfaces with the tool: tile and ceramic tiles, mosaics, decorative stone, seams in linoleum.

Working with a rubber spatula is carried out in two main stages and movements: the seam is filled and the excess grout is removed. At the end, by joining, you can give a certain relief.

Excessive dry grout is removed with a clean rubber trowel base. When carrying out manipulations, it must be dry. It must be held at a 90 ° angle to the base. You need to act without undue pressure, otherwise there is a chance to remove the grout from the joints.

When grouting, it is most convenient to operate with a pliable rectangular spatula on the handle... Thanks to the rather large surface, it will cope with the task quickly.

The soft rubber promotes tight filling of the seams, and the tapered edge allows the compound to be pressed even in corner joints without leaving a void in them.

And finally, we will give recommendations for the care of the instrument.

• The main rule when caring for any spatula - obligatory washing of the tool after completion of work. This approach extends the life of the rubber base.
• If you do not clear the solution right away, after drying it will not be easy to remove, and under its influence, rubber can crack.
• If roughness and irregularities appear along the edge of the tool edge, they can and should be trimmed.
• Need to be careful when using rubberworking with epoxy grout.
• Cannot be given to the instrument high mechanical loads.
• It is recommended to store the rubber spatula vertically, separate from other equipment, otherwise the rubber may bend and the canvas will be unusable.