Plastic Trowels, Chrome Trowels, what to use?!?!

[-Matt-]

I'm selecting tools for resurfacing "plaster" (Quikrete Heavy Duty Masonry Coating with some additives of my own). In any case, I have seen that in addition to the normal stainless trowels, and the blue steel, there are very expensive ($70-100) "no burn" chrome trowels and plastic bladed trowels as well which are said to not leave black marks from pool chemicals later.

As far as I know "late hard troweling" just causes areas with less water which look darker. I suppose plastic trowels would not densify a surface as much probably being softer, but anyone have experience with them or picking the right trowels for the job?

Do they hard trowel because they are running behind or are they trying to compact the surface I wonder.

Thanks.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Hopefully you’ve read through some of the posts by our plaster expert onBalance -

Diagnosing Pool Plaster Problems
Ten Guidelines for Quality Pool Plaster

Floats and trowels are different tools for different parts of the job (here’s a quick read that describes the differences - https://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/tools-of-the-trade-and-how-to-use-them_o). Late hard troweling of plaster is typically something to be avoided in pool surfaces but it is made more of a problem by plaster crews because they will often add calcium chloride accelerant to the mix. So they are battling against both a tight work schedule (3 to 4 pool jobs per day) AND an accelerated cure time on the plaster.

It sounds like you’ve decided to take on a plaster job. Hope it turns out well and please share pictures of your experience if you take any...good luck.

 

[-Matt-]

JoyfulNoise,

Thanks for taking the time to respond and share the links. Yes I have already started removing the old plaster. Will share for sure.