Which rubber spatula for grouting is more convenient to work with? Tools for decorating cakes How to replace a spatula at home

The time when we used rags from retired T-shirts and various other rags in the process of wallpapering has long ended. As practice shows, this method of smoothing wallpaper is completely ineffective, and quite laborious. Progress did not stand still. The place of the rag was firmly occupied by a wallpaper spatula. Using this tool, it is much more convenient and faster to smooth out the wallpaper, expel air from under them and securely fix the material on the wall.

Despite the fact that this device appeared much later than the wallpaper itself entered our lives, the spatula gained popularity among professionals and became their indispensable companion and assistant in their work. Spatulas are used for various types of repair, construction and finishing works. With their help, cracks and seams on the walls are closed, thick adhesive mixtures are applied, the surface is primed and cleaned, and, of course, wallpaper is quickly and efficiently glued.

Variety of shapes and sizes

Spatula for wallpaper may be different. There are more than five types of such tools that are used while working with wallpaper. In stores you can see spatulas of various shapes and configurations, made of various materials. In order for the work to be done more efficiently and, if possible, quickly, some nuances and factors in choosing a tool should be taken into account. We will consider them today.

Classic pressure spatula

Such a tool is almost completely like a regular putty tool. The only difference is that such a wallpaper spatula is not made of metal, but of plastic. It is very convenient in working with large areas and large-scale surfaces. With it, you can easily expel excess air that is trapped between the wall and wallpaper or get rid of excess glue. Such a spatula can also be used as a ruler when it is necessary to cut the wallpaper sheet evenly.

This type is also called a clamping spatula. It presses the wallpaper even in hard-to-reach places. Experts say that with the help of such a tool it is very easy to dock one sheet of wallpaper with another. Such a spatula is used for non-woven and paper, vinyl wallpaper. The clamping option can be rectangular or feather-shaped.

Experts advise that before you buy a tool for wallpapering, it is very important to evaluate its quality. What should be the clamping spatula? The cost here is not as important as it seems to many beginners who are trying to choose the cheaper option. In this matter, quality is the most important. It is to him that it is recommended to pay attention in the first place.

A good clamping classic spatula must necessarily have a flat surface. The quality of the plastic from which it is made plays an important role. Try to carefully look at the working surface of the tool before buying. It should not have roughness or any other manufacturing defects. By purchasing such a low-quality spatula, you can easily damage expensive finishing materials. The repair process in this case, you see, will not bring any pleasure and joy from the result.

Clamping spatula-trapezoid

This type of tool, unlike the classical one, is used for a small amount of work. With it, you can smooth and press the wallpaper, both on a flat wall surface and in hard-to-reach corners. We advise you to definitely pay attention to such a spatula. Its price does not "bite" and is very democratic. It has a small size, which does not cause problems with the storage of the instrument.

"Shark Fin"

Most often, professionals use a universal spatula, which is called a "shark fin". This wallpaper spatula perfectly applies the adhesive mass (on the wall or wallpaper), smoothes, presses, processes joints and corners. Professionals say that if you are a beginner, then you should definitely buy just such a tool.

"A boat"

This tool is also highly rated by home remodeling professionals. It is easy to use, gets into the most difficult and problematic places and corners. It can be used both as a spatula for smoothing wallpaper, and as a tool with which glue is applied to walls or material. Its comfortable shape makes it easy to hold in your hand. Despite the fact that it is much less common than its “brothers”, the “boat” spatula also deserves attention.

notched trowel

Most often, this tool is used in cases where it is necessary to evenly apply the adhesive mixture to the walls. It is called a serrated spatula because there are teeth along the perimeter of the blade. They can be of various sizes and lengths, located at different distances from each other. Everything will depend on the type of work in which this tool is involved. On sale there are models, both with a handle and without it.

Thanks to its use, you do not have to worry that in some places the adhesive composition is unevenly distributed. A notched trowel is recommended for use when expensive imported adhesive compositions are involved in the work and the most economical consumption is required.

Angle spatula

For processing hard-to-reach places such as corners, a special corner spatula is used. Many experts consider it irrational to purchase such a tool. In most cases, the outer corners are closed with plastic overlays or skirting boards. And buying a tool only for working with internal corners is considered by some to be costly. Such a spatula can be easily replaced with a classic clamping one.

Rubber

But without such an item as a rubber spatula, not a single set of professional tools can do. This model is made of soft rubber or elastic silicone and is very comfortable to use. It is used for grouting tile joints, in working with sealant, and also for smoothing wallpaper joints.

Due to the small width of the working surface (from forty to seventy millimeters), the rubber spatula easily fits in your hand, put in your pocket and stored in a bag with tools. He is pliable and unpretentious in care. It costs, of course, a little more expensive than some other options, but it also lasts an order of magnitude longer.

with liquid wallpaper

Recently, the processing of walls with decorative plaster has become increasingly popular. In the people, it is also often referred to as liquid wallpaper. What to choose a spatula for liquid wallpaper?

Let's say right away that the tools described above are not suitable for such work. To work with such finishing materials, there is a special type. It's called "falcon". The advantage of this tool is that it has four working surfaces. The length of the spatula is twenty to twenty-five centimeters.

Most often it has a rectangular shape, but there are also trapezoidal spatulas for working with liquid wallpaper. The handle on it is perpendicular to the work surface, which increases convenience. The tool for liquid wallpaper can work as a presser, smoother or as a spatula for rolling wallpaper. With its help, seams and corners are processed.

Such a spatula is made, as a rule, from plexiglass or metal. It does not harm the surface at all. They can work with Venetian plaster and any whimsical glossy surfaces.

Which spatula to choose

The type of tool will directly depend on the work with which it must cope. If large-scale projects are coming, then you should purchase a wide flat spatula with a working canvas width of 20-30 centimeters. Experts say that it will never be superfluous to buy several spatulas of the same type, but in different sizes. For example, it is convenient for small ones to measure and dose the adhesive mixture. They can also apply the mixture to a large spatula, which, in turn, will distribute it over the working surface of the wall.

When buying a spatula for working with wallpaper, it is very important to consider the fact of convenience. Try how the tool lies in your hand, whether the handle is comfortable, whether it slips. It is also very important to pay attention to the mass of the spatula. Too heavy a tool will be inconvenient to use. Do not be shy, "try" to work with a spatula right in the store. Simulate the movements of the instrument. This will make it possible to understand the “weight category”, how quickly the hand will get tired when working with it and whether the callus will rub after prolonged use.

Pay attention to such an indicator as the softness or, conversely, the rigidity of the tool. Too soft spatula will be completely useless in the work, nullifying all the work. Do not buy too hard option. In the process, it can simply break in your hands from strong pressure. Try to find the "golden mean" on the shelves of hardware stores.

And the last advice given to beginners by professionals. Never save on buying a quality tool and try to keep several types in stock. Depending on the type of tool, its size, the materials from which it is made, its cost will also change. For example, a rubber spatula - the price varies from 16 to 50 rubles; classic - price from 75 to 750 rubles (depending on the manufacturer); notched - the price can start at 80 and go up to 170-250 rubles.

Even the simplest and most modest repair will require the use of at least three options. And if they are not in stock, then you will have to return to the "origins" - old rags. And why do you need it?

It is difficult to imagine the performance of repair and construction work without the use of a spatula. This tool is really versatile. It is used for wall and floor tiling, painting, puttying, wallpapering and other activities. This article will focus on a notched trowel. Is it possible to make it with your own hands, how to choose and apply the tool in practice.

Notched trowel - an indispensable tool for a tiler

The right choice of tools is the key to high-quality repair and construction work. Reliable fixation of decorative mosaics, artificial stone and porcelain tiles largely depends on the adhesive used and the technology of its application. Along with the improvement of building materials, practical and convenient tools are being developed. A notched trowel has become indispensable for tilers.

It would seem that a slight modification of a conventional straight spatula changes its purpose so much. If the adhesive solution is applied with an even tool, then to remove excess adhesive, you will have to press the tile strongly. As a result, the new cladding may crack, and adjacent tiles may rise. In addition, with a continuous application of the solution, it is difficult to determine areas with voids.

Working with a notched trowel has significant advantages:

uniform distribution of the adhesive composition over the entire area;
solution saving;
reducing the time of execution of facing works.

To perform high-quality tile laying, it is necessary to choose the right notched trowel for glue, taking into account the composition of the mortar, the thickness and size of the facing plates.

Classification of comb spatulas

The main criteria for choosing notched trowels are the shape and size of the comb.

Professional tilers have in their arsenal at least three spatulas with teeth of different sizes:

10 mm teeth - the trowel is suitable for laying large-sized tiles, various types of stone and flooring. As the work progresses, the combs grind down to 8 mm - this value is enough to perform the listed work.
Teeth 5-6 mm - such a tool will be required for facing walls with medium-sized tiles. When laying slabs 30 * 30 cm by hanging, you will need a spatula with 6-7 mm combs.
Teeth 2-3 mm - a spatula is necessary when laying mosaics.

Approximate dimensions of notched trowels for tiles are shown in the table.

According to the shape of the comb, triangular teeth with and without gaps, semicircular, square and rectangular teeth are distinguished. Features of their application:

square teeth - applying an adhesive solution with a thickness of 6-12 mm;
models with semicircular ridges - for laying slabs on cement mortar with a ridge thickness of more than 12 mm or when working with spreading synthetic adhesives;
triangular teeth - used to distribute a thin layer of elastic adhesive.

Notched trowels for tiles have a specific marking. The letter designation indicates the shape of the tool, and the digital designation indicates the size parameters.

Making a do-it-yourself notched spatula: step by step instructions

Of course, a notched trowel can be bought at any hardware store. However, some craftsmen prefer to make their own tools.

To create a simple comb spatula, you will need the following materials and tools:

a tin plate about 10 cm wide and about 15 cm long (any flexible metal will do);
wooden slats for the manufacture of the holder;
metal scissors;
glue and screws;
drill and grinder.

First you have to make a spatula with a flat base, and then cut the ridges of the desired size and shape. The algorithm for performing the work can conditionally be divided into several stages:

On a sheet of tin, draw a trapezoidal shape of the future spatula. The optimal blade width is at least 8.5 cm.
Cut out a blank for a spatula according to the sketch.
Holder manufacturing. Attach wooden slats to each other and fix with self-tapping screws. Give the future handle the desired shape - cut off the excess wood with a jigsaw.
From the end part of the holder, where the blade will be placed, make a cut about 4 cm deep.
Separate the prepared rails and grease them on the inside with PVA glue.
The working part of the spatula, which will be inserted into the holder, should also be covered with PVA and installed between the rails.
Pull the wooden plates with self-tapping screws and clamp with strings.
Leave the product to dry for one day.
For more reliable fixation, the spatula can be strengthened by tightening the bolts through the tin and wooden slats.
Mark the spatula with chalk or a simple pencil marking under the teeth.
Using a grinder or metal shears, cut out the ridges.

As a blank for a spatula blade, you can use plywood, thick rubber or a polyurethane sheet - these materials are easier to process than metal. However, these tools have a limited lifespan. In addition, when applying glue with a “plywood” spatula, creases in the teeth and poor-quality filling of the surface with a solution are possible.

How to make a spatula with your hands: video

How to work with a comb spatula

Immediately before starting work with a notched trowel, it is necessary to prepare an adhesive solution. The composition is mixed according to the instructions on the package. Mixing is carried out with a construction mixer in two passes, the break between kneading is 5 minutes.

In addition to a notched trowel for laying tiles, you will need:

rubber mallet;
plastic crosses and wedges holding tile joints;
building level and tape measure.

Apply the adhesive to the tile (approximate volume of the solution is about the size of a palm), the layer thickness is 3-4 cm. Spread the composition over the entire width of the tile and 2/3 of its length with a comb spatula. Holding the tile firmly, tilt it over the container with glue and “stretch” the mortar through the entire length of the facing material with the teeth of the spatula. Excess adhesive composition return to the bucket. If the applied adhesive was not enough for the entire area of the tile, then the procedure for applying and “pulling” the solution should be repeated.

Important! When leveling the layer of the working solution, it is necessary to carry out with a spatula so that it “combs” the surface of the tile with combs.

Tile adhesive is also applied to the base of the wall, after which it is distributed over the surface with a trowel with teeth. Next, the tile is applied to the wall, pressed and tapped with a rubber mallet.

How to extend the life of a spatula

At the end of the working day, the spatula must be cleaned. In addition, before a long break (more than 30 minutes), you should also clean the tool. If these measures are neglected, then subsequently the ingrained glue will have to be “knocked down” with a grinder or cleaned with sandpaper, and this will lead to the formation of scratches and cracks on the blade. In the furrows, the solution will accumulate faster and the quality of the work will be significantly reduced.

Properly made or selected ready-made comb trowel greatly facilitates the work of the tiler. In addition, the tool contributes to the formation of the correct thickness of the adhesive solution and, as a result, a strong and durable fixation of the tile.

November 15, 2016
Specialization: master in the construction of plasterboard structures, finishing work and laying flooring. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

If you decide to do the rough finish yourself, then you will need a good tool. Today I will tell you how to choose a spatula for putty, since the quality of work directly depends on this device. We will consider the main varieties of products and figure out what you should pay attention to when buying one or another option.

Types of tools and their features

Now let's deal with specific options, just read the information to decide which one is best for your case. Something is used more often, something less often, it all depends on the specifics of the work performed.

Option 1 - painting spatula

This type of product has a blade from 2 to 15 cm wide and a handle and is used for two purposes:

As an aid when working with wide spatulas. This type of product is often called a spatula and is used to apply the composition and spread it over wide blades;

For filling hard-to-reach areas, seams and curved surfaces. Narrow spatulas are great for all of the above operations, they can be used to correct work in difficult areas and level the composition on small surfaces;

Now let's figure out how to choose the best option:

First of all, pay attention to the blade, it should be even, if the working surface is curved, then it is better to look for another tool. It is best to use a trapezoidal spatula, triangular products are less reliable and bend more during operation (although if they are made of thick metal, then they can also be considered);

In an amateur tool, the thickness of the metal on the blade is 0.5-0.6 mm; in a professional tool, a sheet of 1 mm or more is used. Naturally, the second option is preferable, but if you need to finish one room, then you can not overpay and choose simpler and cheaper options.

The handle can be made of ordinary plastic, or it can be covered with special anti-slip rubber and have an ergonomic shape. Naturally, the price of this also changes very much, the cheapest options cost from 30 rubles, and professional products can be valued at more than 1000 rubles. When choosing, pay attention to the shape of the handle - it should be short and wide, it is much more convenient to use;

It is up to you to decide which spatula is better in your case, if there is a lot of work, then more expensive professional options are preferable, but if the putty is one-time, then you can get by with a budget solution.

Option 2 - facade spatulas

If you ask professionals what kind of spatula is better to putty walls or ceilings, they will definitely call the facade spatula. This type of tool allows you to quickly and efficiently distribute the solution on flat surfaces, but high quality work can only be achieved if high-quality fixtures are used.

The requirements here are much higher than in the first case, since high loads are placed on the structure during operation. Let's deal with the main features of this type of tool:

The blade width can be from 200 to 800 mm, but I advise working with fixtures from 300 to 450 mm, this range provides a fairly high quality work with normal productivity. Not even all professionals can handle options of 600 mm and above, not to mention those who first decided to putty the walls with their own hands;

There are professional and amateur product lines, in the first case the tool has an ergonomic rubberized handle and a thick blade, in the second the handle is made of cheap plastic, and the working part is made of thin metal. It is up to you to decide which spatula to putty the walls with, a simple option is enough for a couple of rooms, for more serious volumes it is better to get a more serious device;

The cost depends on the type of construction and the quality of the materials used, the simplest options cost from 70 rubles, and professional fixtures will cost you 500 rubles and more.

Now I will tell you how to choose a quality product, since there are so many marriages among the facade spatulas that sometimes you have to go through more than a dozen options. All aspects are presented in the table.

Aspect	Description
Blade quality	For finishing putty, you need an option not with a flexible, but with a rigid blade, so that it does not repeat all the surface flaws, but evenly distributes the composition. Pay special attention to checking the plane - the edge of the working part must be perfectly even, very often such options as in the photo above are on sale, especially when it comes to the cheap segment of products
Handle type	Rubberized options are much more convenient than conventional plastic ones, the shape and size of the handle is also of great importance. It is most convenient to use a tool in which the handle is tilted
Workmanship	Here you need to pay attention first of all to how the handle and blade are connected, the mount must be strong and reliable. If there is even the slightest backlash, then you should not buy such a spatula

If during the work you have bent the spatula, then do not try to straighten it, it is much easier to buy a new tool, since it is impossible to align the blade to the ideal.

Since this is the main working device, I want to give a few recommendations for work:

All streaks of mortar and other elements that interfere with work should be removed from the surface. They not only degrade the quality of work, but can also damage the spatula;
It is important that the putty has an optimal consistency, in which case it is much better to apply it and the quality of the work is higher. Choose the best option for yourself, you will see for yourself what consistency is most convenient for you to work with;
The composition must be applied correctly, it is distributed along the edge of the blade with a narrow spatula, after which it is distributed evenly along the wall or. The photo below shows how to properly hold the spatula when puttying the walls, and under the photo there is a diagram showing the application process. It's simple, and it takes a little practice to get good results;

Immediately after finishing work, be sure to wash the tool, if you do this later, you can scratch or even damage the blade.

Summarizing which spatula to choose for the walls, we can draw the following conclusion: it is best to use a tool with a width of 300-450 mm with a hard, even blade and an ergonomic handle.

Option 3 - corner spatulas

From my experience, I can tell you that it is the finishing of corners that causes the greatest difficulties for inexperienced professionals. It is sometimes difficult to bring out an even connection of walls or abutment of a ceiling, but if you use a special tool, the work will go much faster.

Let's look at the main features of such devices:

There are two types of spatulas - for internal and external corners. It is very easy to distinguish them: in the tool for internal corners, the handle is attached inside the structure, and in the version for external corners, the handle is attached from the outside, this difference is clearly visible in the photo above;
The tool consists of an angle-forming working part and a handle, the width of the working sides must be at least 70 mm;
As for the cost, it starts from 150 rubles and can reach several hundred per product. There is a cheaper tool, but its reliability is highly questionable.

The working part must be very rigid, if the sides bend, then you will not be able to form an even angle;
The fastening of the handle must be reliable, take the tool in your hand, if it is inconvenient, then it is better to look for something else.

Option 4 - Japanese spatula

This type of tool is very different in configuration from traditional options, let's look at its features:

The spatula is a rectangular plate, on one side of which a plastic-handle-holder is attached. The products are very simple and reliable;
Most often, fixtures are sold in sets of 4 pieces and have a width of 60, 80, 100 and 120 mm. Each of the types is needed for certain jobs, but, as practice shows, the most commonly used options are 100 and 120 mm. As for the cost, the set is inexpensive - 120-200 rubles;
For this tool, the blade must be resilient and flexible, this is very important, so it is worth checking how high-quality metal is used and whether the structure is deformed when bent.

You can also choose a normal tool according to the aspects described above, but we will figure out what kind of work such a spatula is suitable for:

Finishing arches and structures of complex shape with convex or concave surfaces. Such a spatula is indispensable for any bases with complex relief;
Working in confined spaces - thanks to its shape and small size, the tool can work almost anywhere;
Applying a thin layer of putty - you can dose the composition with such a device much more accurately than with traditional options.

Option 5 - rubber spatulas

If you think that a rubber spatula for putty is not suitable, then it is not. This tool is indispensable for finishing complex-shaped planes, as well as for filling minor damage and cracks on the surface.

Also, such devices are suitable for applying compositions with a thick consistency, they stretch them over the surface with a thin, even layer. As for the features of the tool, they are as follows:

The sizes of devices can be very different, the width varies from 2 to 20, or even more centimeters. A specific solution is selected individually, depending on the specifics of the work performed;

The material of manufacture can be rubber of different hardness, for work it is better to use denser options, it is inconvenient to apply the composition with too flexible spatulas;
Products can be with a standard handle, or they can be without it - with a thickening at the base like Japanese spatulas. Again, this is more a matter of convenience than functionality.

In terms of use, these tools are best suited for such situations:

Applying putty on arches and other concave structures;
Sealing corner joints and other joints in hard-to-reach places;

When puttying uneven surfaces, where irregularities should remain, thanks to the tool, it repeats the outlines of the plane, and does not fill in the depressions.

Conclusion

Based on this information, you can easily determine which spatula you need in a given situation. The video in this article will tell you in more detail some important nuances, and if you have questions on the selection and use of devices, then write them in the comments, I will definitely answer.

November 15, 2016

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To decorate homemade cakes and other pastries, you will certainly need special devices - a confectionery syringe, a special bag with nozzles, various cuttings, coasters. Having a minimal set of tools and accessories for decorating desserts, you can create a real masterpiece of culinary art in your kitchen and surprise your guests with a beautiful cake.

For decoration, creating petals, leaves, figurines and decorating with mastic, you will need the following devices:

Tassels. It is optimal to use silicone, but they are also suitable with regular bristles.
Selections. Iron or plastic molds for cutting figures from mastic or dough.
Round cutters - handle with wheel. Used for cutting dough or marzipan, mastic. They are either straight or with a ribbed edge.
Scraper - an iron or plastic bar with a smooth or ribbed edge. Used to create relief stripes on the surface of cream or sugar paste. Type-setting scrapers with a removable working surface are produced.
The rule is a thin long strip of metal with a smooth or figured edge. Serves to level the surface of the cake.
Spatulas - smooth or curved (leveling cream, glaze).
Pastry bag. A minimum of 2-3 nozzles of different diameters and a few with a curly edge are required.
Plastic "nail" with a large hat. Used to form flowers from cream or other material.

To work with mastic, sugar paste or marzipan, a whole arsenal of devices is required to make the finished cake impress with its beauty and accuracy of details:

Acrylic rolling pin for rolling out even layers of mastic.
"Iron". It can be plastic or metal, used to smooth the surface.
Rulers with nozzles-rings. They are used if it is necessary to roll out several pieces of marzipan or mastic of the same thickness.
Cutters. A wide variety of forms are produced - butterflies, flowers, leaves, letters.
Stacks are plastic sticks with curly tips. They are used in modeling individual parts from mastic, for example, to create curved petals.
Plungers - forms for creating decorative mastic elements - leaves, petals.
Corner plastic or metal. It is used to give the corners of the cake an even shape.

Rules for working with confectionery devices

Before you start decorating a cake, you need to learn the basic rules for working with accessories for creating decorations:

Using syringes and cornets, select the correct consistency of the cream - too liquid will spread, and thick - squeeze out unevenly. If in doubt about the quality of the ingredients (cream, butter), add a thickener or gelatin to the cream.
Nozzles must be used in accordance with the intended decoration - thin ones with a diameter of no more than 0.5-1 cm are used to create flowers, inscriptions, stripes. Nozzles with a diameter of more than 1 cm can be taken to decorate the sides of the cake or the entire surface, sides.
Punching for hard materials (mastic, marzipan) is desirable to use metal with sharp edges. Plastic molds are also suitable for cutting shapes out of dough.
Various sticks with nozzles for modeling mastic parts can be slightly moistened with water before work.

Additionally, other little things may be required that greatly facilitate the work of decorating cakes:

an acrylic cutting board helps to roll out small parts from marzipan, mastic;
turntable - a rotating cake stand, on which it is convenient to decorate the finished product;
silicone mats for making lace, flowers, figures from mastic;
cutters - cuttings for mastic of a round shape (circles of different diameters are obtained);
brushes of different sizes for painting mastic parts;
- molds for making figures from mastic - beads, buttons, eyes.

How to replace confectionery devices?

Most fixtures can be replaced. This is especially true for novice housewives who have not yet had time to acquire a lot of things for decorating pastries. Carefully inspect the contents of the cabinets, perhaps there you will find an analogue of a professional confectionery tool:

An airbrush (a spray gun for spraying paint on the surface of a cake) can be replaced with an ordinary perfume bottle, after washing it and dousing it with boiling water.
Cuttings can be made independently from plastic bottles. For example, the neck can be used to create identical circles. Old, Soviet-era metal cookie cutters are perfect.
As stamps to create various prints, you can use any means at hand - flat children's toys with a figured pattern, hair clips.
The round knife can be replaced with a pizza cutter.
Molds can be made independently from any hardening material, for example, alabaster. Just before pouring the mastic, it is necessary to cover such forms with cling film.
Various stacks to give naturalness to flowers and leaves, thinning edges, cutting out eyes, mouths and other small details, objects that may be quite at hand are suitable - ballpoint pens, a scalpel, paint brushes, hair clips.
A cake stand in the form of a rotary mechanism is not cheap, but it makes decorating a lot easier. You can replace it with a Soviet-era simulator in the form of two iron circles with balls between them. Don't forget to line the circle with parchment paper or foil.
You can make a pastry bag yourself from a regular “file” by cutting off a corner of the desired diameter. However, only soft - oily or creamy - cream can be squeezed out of such a bag.

Silicone molds, stencils and other blanks are very helpful in making jewelry. The details are smooth, neat and beautifully drawn. But both stencils and molds can be made at home. Choose those devices that you need most often and be sure to purchase them. Those that are rarely used, try replacing with improvised means. Then the process of decorating a homemade cake will give you real pleasure.

It would seem that the first rubber spatula for grouting, or even an ordinary gum, is suitable for jointing. But the convenience of the work and the final result will depend on the quality of the tool. If you often do tile laying or just appreciate ease of use, this article is for you. In it I will talk about the tool for grouting tiles, its choice and differences.

In the photo you can see several options for rubber spatulas.

The first spatula is the most popular. It has a comfortable handle, but a small work surface, so work productivity is reduced. Imagine how long it will take to grout a mosaic with such a tool.
The second option has an uncomfortable handle, so it is more difficult for them to work, hands will get dirty.
A third corner spatula will sometimes come in handy when plastering, filling joints between decorative stone, in corners or in figured friezes.
The fourth trapezoidal rubber spatula from Raimondi is better than all the previous options: it has a comfortable handle and a large working surface. In fact, this is an improved version of the second option.
Number 5 shows several options for trowels from the Raimondi catalog. Many master tilers prefer to work with such graters. They have interchangeable tips made of rubber or rubber. Such a tool can easily last even a dozen years, you can see confirmation of this in the photo. But when working with it, you need to carefully squeeze out the rubber from the remnants of the grout, otherwise it will lose elasticity over time. So I switched now to a thick rubber cone. The sharp edge of the grater makes it easy to crush the mixture even in the corners. Rubber is easy to clean and does not clog with the mixture.

A spatula with a rubber nozzle lasted about 10 years. Over time, the side became uneven, so I had to grind it with a grinder.

Quick article navigation

Grouting tools

It is also worth mentioning other tools for grouting.

Tools for cleaning tiles from grout

Summing up

See the video for a master class on grouting floor tiles:

Basically, all the presented tools are needed for professional tilers. For one-time work, it will be enough to buy only one spatula-grater with a rubber nozzle.

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