Finishing Trowel

Finishing Trowel

Product Description

Finishing trowel with beveled edges and rounded corners for smooth final passes on plaster, including tight spots behind pipework and in window reveals.
ProductDetail
Specification
  • Art. Nr: 690721, 691721
  • Size: 100mm x 114mm x 280mm (690721); 70mm x 80mm x 200mm (691721)
  • Material: Carbon steel, polished; for stainless steel, contact sales
  • Construction: Spot Riveted, Chamfer Edge
  • Handle: Ergonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount

Product Name & Model

Item Detail
Product name Finishing Trowel
Article numbers 690721, 691721
Product family Plaster Trowel
Size, 690721 100mm x 114mm x 280mm
Size, 691721 70mm x 80mm x 200mm
Construction Spot Riveted
Edge Chamfer Edge
Blade material Carbon steel, polished; for stainless steel, contact sales
Handle Ergonomic soft-grip, red and black, on an aluminum mount
Note Quality Consistent

The Finishing Trowel is the professional finishing member of the Leading Tools Plaster Trowel line and sits alongside the entry-level DIY Trowel 611510 / 611511 / 611512 in the same line.

The two differ as follows: the DIY Trowel is a light one-piece plastic-handle tool for spreading and leveling, while the Finishing Trowel carries a chamfered edge, a Spot Riveted aluminum mount and a soft-grip handle, and is built for the closing passes that decide how the wall actually looks. It is offered in two sizes, 690721 and 691721, both with a polished carbon steel blade; for stainless steel, contact sales.

Core Features

  • Chamfer Edge. The blade edge is beveled rather than left square, so the leading edge does not dig in and cut tram lines into a surface that is otherwise finished, and the trowel can be laid onto fresh work at a low angle without scoring it.
  • Spot Riveted construction. Listed for both art numbers.
  • Polished carbon steel blade. Both art numbers are carbon steel, which has to be cleaned and oiled or it stains the work. Each art number corresponds to one blade material; for stainless steel, contact sales. Stainless offers high corrosion resistance and low maintenance; chlorinated water, coastal air or prolonged soaking can still cause rust spots, so rinse with clean water and dry after use.
  • Ergonomic soft-grip handle on an aluminum mount. A two-tone red-and-black soft grip, fitted to the aluminum mount.
  • Two sizes in one family. 690721 for general finishing reach and 691721 for tight work: behind pipework, above sanitaryware, in reveals and cupboards, without changing tool type or handling.
  • Quality Consistent. Listed by Leading Tools as a property of this family.

Product Advantages

Advantage What it means on the job Who benefits most
Chamfered edge The blade can be laid almost flat into partly set material without the edge biting; fewer tram lines means less patching and less sanding afterwards Finishers working to a paint-ready standard
Compact blade footprint Follows a wall that is not perfectly flat instead of bridging it, and reaches into reveals, around boxes and behind fittings that a 14–18 inch blade skips Renovation, patch-repair and fit-out crews
Stainless steel through sales for lime and moist work Far less risk of rust marks in a light-colored finish, and less daily maintenance Lime plaster, Venetian plaster and bathroom work
Soft-grip handle on an aluminum mount Finishing is repetitive low-force work over long sessions, and grip comfort decides how long an operator can hold a consistent pass Professional plasterers working full days
Two sizes on the same geometry The finish produced by 691721 in a corner matches the finish produced by 690721 on the open field, because the edge geometry is the same Anyone who has to make a repair invisible

How to Use

When to Use the Finishing Trowel

Surface condition Use the Finishing Trowel? What to do instead
Freshly applied, wet and glistening No Continue with the application trowel; the finishing blade will smear and drag the material
Sheen just gone, surface still soft Not yet Wait; a pass now leaves the tool's own marks
"Thumb-print hard": sheen gone, a light thumb press leaves only a faint mark, surface firm but not cured Yes, this is the window Begin the closing passes
Firm and drying fast in hot or windy conditions Yes, but assist it Carry a thin film of water on the blade or mist the surface to extend the workable time
Fully set and hard No The window has closed; correct by abrasion, not by trowel
Base coat that needs to be leveled or built up No Use an application trowel; the finishing tool is for closing, not for carrying material
Tile adhesive No Use a notched trowel
Rounding a concrete or render arris No Use an edging trowel

The finishing window is the whole skill. Start the final trowel at the thumb-print-hard stage. The practical consequence is that the work must be fast and regular, because if the material dries before the pass is complete you cannot go back over it.

Basic Technique

Step Action Notes
1. Test Press a thumb on an inconspicuous area The surface should be firm with only a faint print; if it dents, wait
2. Clean the blade Wipe the blade and the chamfer clean before starting Hardened crumbs trapped at the bevel roll under the blade and cut arcs into the finish
3. Angle Lay the blade close to flat and lift the leading edge only enough to stop it biting From near-flat up to about 20°, with a circular motion.
4. Pressure Enough pressure to close and compact the surface, applied steadily and evenly Firm, steady pressure at the correct angle, with enough force to shape the surface.
5. Motion Long, continuous, overlapping passes; complete a direction before reversing Overlaps are less visible because the edge is chamfered
6. Water On the last pass, carry a very thin film of water on the blade This is a technique for extending workability and closing the surface
7. Clean between passes Wipe the blade whenever material builds on it A loaded blade drags material instead of closing it
8. Second pass Repeat as the surface firms further Each pass at a later stage compacts and polishes more than the last

Compatible materials

Gypsum base coat and float coat; gypsum finish and skim coat; setting-type and drying-type joint compound; lime putty plaster; hydraulic lime plaster; cement-lime render topping; polymer-modified finishes; Venetian plaster and stucco. It is also used to close crack and hole repairs.

Gypsum finish coats and a high-gloss pass

For a polished finish on gypsum: wait until the surface is thumb-print hard, put a very thin film of water on the blade, and take the closing passes with the blade nearly flat. Successive passes as the material continues to firm are what build the sheen; a single heavy pass will not produce it. A stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the better choice here because carbon steel can leave a gray metal deposit on a very light finish.

Venetian plaster and burnished finishes

Venetian plaster is applied in multiple thin coats, each closed and burnished as it sets but while still workable. A stainless steel blade (contact sales) keeps rust marks out of a translucent finish; keep the blade close to flat, and let repeated passes rather than force build the depth and shine. The chamfer matters more here than anywhere else, because a hard edge leaves a visible line in a finish that is meant to read as continuous.

Lime plaster and hydraulic lime render

Lime is more flexible and sets far more slowly than gypsum, so the working window is longer but the surface is easier to open up again.

The chamfered edge helps by riding over the breathable surface rather than cutting into it, and a stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the right choice for corrosion resistance in a wet, alkaline material. Work when the surface has reached the firm stage, mist to extend workability where the weather is drying the work too fast, and protect fresh lime work from direct sun and wind during curing.

Drywall and joint compound

On drywall joints and small areas, the Finishing Trowel is used to apply and close thin skim coats of joint compound rather than to build thickness. Multiple thin passes with the blade nearly flat produce a flatter result and less sanding than one thick coat, and the chamfered edge is what allows a skim to be feathered out without the edge cutting a line into it.

Repairs and detail work

For crack and hole repair, work the trowel at an angle to the wall so the material is pushed to an even thickness across the repair, then close it with the flat of the blade.

This is where the 691721 earns its place: the smaller blade stays in contact with a small repair area instead of bridging across it, and the chamfered edge lets the repair be feathered into sound surrounding plaster. A sponge float can be used as a second stage after the steel pass for a matte, even texture.

FAQ

Q1. When exactly should I switch from the application trowel to the Finishing Trowel?
A. When the surface has lost its sheen and a light thumb press leaves only a faint mark, the "thumb-print hard" stage. Earlier than that, the finishing blade drags and smears; later, the material will not move at all.

Q2. Carbon steel or stainless steel?
A. The listed art numbers are polished carbon steel; each art number corresponds to one blade material.

Stainless steel suits lime plasters, Venetian plaster, bathrooms, exterior work and any light-colored finish where rust staining would show, and anyone who will not oil a tool every night; contact Leading Tools sales for it. The carbon steel art numbers suit general dry gypsum work, as long as the tool is cleaned, dried and oiled after each use.

Q3. What is the difference between 690721 and 691721?
A. Size only. 690721 is 100mm x 114mm x 280mm and 691721 is 70mm x 80mm x 200mm; edge, construction, handle and material options are identical. Buy the larger one for general finishing and the smaller one for reveals, patches and work behind fittings.

Q4. I am getting tram lines or gauge marks. What is wrong?
A. Either the leading edge is lifted too high so it cuts instead of riding, the pressure is uneven, or hardened material is stuck at the chamfer and dragging across the surface. Lower the angle, clean the blade, and check the chamfer for nicks.

Q5. Can I use it on large open walls?
A. You can, but it is not the efficient tool for it. This trowel sits at the compact end of the range and is chosen for control and access, not for coverage rate. Blades of 12–18 inches are the general finishing size for open walls.

Specifications Overview

Specifications

Item690721691721
Size (nominal)100mm x 114mm x 280mm70mm x 80mm x 200mm
ConstructionSpot RivetedSpot Riveted
EdgeChamfer EdgeChamfer Edge
Blade materialCarbon steel, polishedCarbon steel, polished
HandleErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mountErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount
NoteQuality ConsistentQuality Consistent

How to read the size field. The size is printed in the catalog as 100mm x 114mm x 280mm; contact Leading Tools sales to confirm what each figure refers to.

Blade Design

A flat, untoothed rectangle with a chamfered edge. Because the face is flat it spreads and compacts material rather than combing it. The edge is chamfered rather than sharp.

Handle Design

FeatureDescription
Handle typeErgonomic contoured soft grip
Grip colorTwo-tone, red and black
MountingAluminum mount, Spot Riveted

Material Options

The listed art numbers are polished carbon steel. Each art number corresponds to one blade material; for a stainless steel blade, contact Leading Tools sales. The comparison below is for reference.

VariantBlade materialBest forTrade-off
Carbon Steel (CS)Carbon steel bladeGeneral gypsum and cement plastering where the tool is cleaned and oiled after every useRusts if left wet; rust can bloom into a light finish
Stainless Steel (SS)Stainless steel bladeLime plasters, Venetian plaster, bathrooms and exterior work; anywhere the finish must stay uncontaminatedSome finishers find it slides differently on the first passes

A stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the better choice for the final polish on dolomite-lime and gypsum plasters, because it is far less likely to leave rust or metal marks on the surface it is polishing.

Key Design Features

  • Chamfered edge. Prevents the leading edge from digging into partly set material, which is the direct cause of gauge marks and tram lines.
  • Spot Riveted mount. Spot Riveted construction on both art numbers.
  • Compact working face. Enough face to close a surface efficiently, small enough to stay in contact with a wall that is not flat and to work into details.

Selection Guide

Selecting the right Finishing Trowel

ConsiderationRecommendation
General finishing, walls and ceilings within reach690721: the larger of the two, more surface closed per pass
Tight work: reveals, behind pipework, cupboards, small patches691721 (70mm x 80mm x 200mm): same edge geometry, smaller footprint
Lime plasters, lime putty, Venetian plasterStainless steel blade (contact sales), to keep rust out of a light-colored finish
Bathrooms, kitchens, exterior renderStainless steel blade (contact sales), for corrosion resistance
Gypsum finish coats, dry interior workThe listed carbon steel art numbers suit this work if the tool is cleaned and oiled
High-gloss or burnished finish requiredStainless steel blade (contact sales)
Loading and leveling base coatsNot this tool: use a larger application trowel from the Plaster Trowel range
Large open walls at production speedNot this tool: a 12–18 inch finishing blade is the class for that work
Spreading tile adhesiveNot this tool: use a notched trowel such as the German Standard Notched Trowel (702301-74 to -82)

Comparison with other trowel types

Trowel typePrimary useHow it differs from the Finishing Trowel
Application / laying-on trowelLoading and leveling base and float coatsLarger and stiffer; it moves material, it does not close a surface
Finishing Trowel (690721 / 691721)Final smoothing, compaction and polish—
Notched trowelCombing adhesive to a controlled ridge height for tilingA flat face cannot form ridges; adhesive coverage would fail
Margin / corner trowelNarrow square blade for tight corners and behind servicesDifferent geometry; used for access, not for closing a face

Related products in the Leading Tools range

  • 691721: the smaller Finishing Trowel, 70mm x 80mm x 200mm, same chamfered edge and Spot Riveted construction.
  • 611510 / 611511 / 611512 DIY Trowel: light, one-piece plastic handle, Spot Riveted, for application work and occasional users.
  • 702301 German Standard Trowel and German Standard Notched Trowel 702301-74 to -82: flat and notched versions of the German-pattern tool, for tiling and adhesive work.

Full Size Reference

All Finishing Trowel article numbers, listed in full.

ART. NrSize (nominal)Approximate imperialEdgeConstructionBlade materialHandle
690721100mm x 114mm x 280mmapprox. 4" x 4-1/2" x 11" (1" = 25.4 mm)Chamfer EdgeSpot RivetedCarbon steel, polishedErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount
69172170mm x 80mm x 200mmapprox. 2-3/4" x 3-1/8" x 7-7/8" (1" = 25.4 mm)Chamfer EdgeSpot RivetedCarbon steel, polishedErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount

Note: the imperial column is a direct conversion of the same three metric figures.

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning after use

SituationCleaning method
Fresh plaster on the bladeWipe with a damp cloth immediately; never let material set on the tool
Set plaster on the bladeSoften with water and lift with a plastic scraper or stiff brush; do not use a steel scraper on the face, which scratches the polish that produces a smooth pass
Lime deposits and scaleSoften with water, then lift with a plastic scraper or nylon brush; rinse and dry thoroughly
GeneralWash with mild soap and water, then dry completely before storing

Blade care

  • Carbon steel: dry fully and wipe with a light oil after every use. Carbon steel rusts, and rust on a finishing blade transfers into the next light-colored finish.
  • Stainless steel: high corrosion resistance and low maintenance; chlorinated water, coastal air or prolonged soaking can still cause rust spots, so rinse with clean water and dry after use.
  • Storage: dry storage, blade face protected, never left standing in a bucket of plaster or water.
  • Inspection: check the chamfer for nicks, the face for rust pitting, and the blade for flatness before each job.
  • Edge condition: a chamfered edge does not need sharpening in the way a sharp-edged trowel does; if it is nicked, blend the nick back into the surrounding bevel with a fine stone rather than grinding a new edge.

Handle maintenance

  • Inspect the grip for splitting, or for looseness on the aluminum mount.
  • Clean with a damp cloth and avoid solvents.

Mount and flatness

  • If the blade shifts against the mount, or the feel of the tool changes at the end of each pass, stop using it and have it checked.
  • A blade with a rock or a warp cannot produce a flat finish and should be assessed by a competent repairer or replaced.
  • Replacement is usually the economic answer once a carbon steel blade has been reworked repeatedly and thinned, because a thin blade flexes under hand pressure and compacts the middle of the pass differently from the ends.
ProductDetail
  • Art. Nr: 690721, 691721
  • Size: 100mm x 114mm x 280mm (690721); 70mm x 80mm x 200mm (691721)
  • Material: Carbon steel, polished; for stainless steel, contact sales
  • Construction: Spot Riveted, Chamfer Edge
  • Handle: Ergonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount

Product Name & Model

Item Detail
Product name Finishing Trowel
Article numbers 690721, 691721
Product family Plaster Trowel
Size, 690721 100mm x 114mm x 280mm
Size, 691721 70mm x 80mm x 200mm
Construction Spot Riveted
Edge Chamfer Edge
Blade material Carbon steel, polished; for stainless steel, contact sales
Handle Ergonomic soft-grip, red and black, on an aluminum mount
Note Quality Consistent

The Finishing Trowel is the professional finishing member of the Leading Tools Plaster Trowel line and sits alongside the entry-level DIY Trowel 611510 / 611511 / 611512 in the same line.

The two differ as follows: the DIY Trowel is a light one-piece plastic-handle tool for spreading and leveling, while the Finishing Trowel carries a chamfered edge, a Spot Riveted aluminum mount and a soft-grip handle, and is built for the closing passes that decide how the wall actually looks. It is offered in two sizes, 690721 and 691721, both with a polished carbon steel blade; for stainless steel, contact sales.

Core Features

  • Chamfer Edge. The blade edge is beveled rather than left square, so the leading edge does not dig in and cut tram lines into a surface that is otherwise finished, and the trowel can be laid onto fresh work at a low angle without scoring it.
  • Spot Riveted construction. Listed for both art numbers.
  • Polished carbon steel blade. Both art numbers are carbon steel, which has to be cleaned and oiled or it stains the work. Each art number corresponds to one blade material; for stainless steel, contact sales. Stainless offers high corrosion resistance and low maintenance; chlorinated water, coastal air or prolonged soaking can still cause rust spots, so rinse with clean water and dry after use.
  • Ergonomic soft-grip handle on an aluminum mount. A two-tone red-and-black soft grip, fitted to the aluminum mount.
  • Two sizes in one family. 690721 for general finishing reach and 691721 for tight work: behind pipework, above sanitaryware, in reveals and cupboards, without changing tool type or handling.
  • Quality Consistent. Listed by Leading Tools as a property of this family.

Product Advantages

Advantage What it means on the job Who benefits most
Chamfered edge The blade can be laid almost flat into partly set material without the edge biting; fewer tram lines means less patching and less sanding afterwards Finishers working to a paint-ready standard
Compact blade footprint Follows a wall that is not perfectly flat instead of bridging it, and reaches into reveals, around boxes and behind fittings that a 14–18 inch blade skips Renovation, patch-repair and fit-out crews
Stainless steel through sales for lime and moist work Far less risk of rust marks in a light-colored finish, and less daily maintenance Lime plaster, Venetian plaster and bathroom work
Soft-grip handle on an aluminum mount Finishing is repetitive low-force work over long sessions, and grip comfort decides how long an operator can hold a consistent pass Professional plasterers working full days
Two sizes on the same geometry The finish produced by 691721 in a corner matches the finish produced by 690721 on the open field, because the edge geometry is the same Anyone who has to make a repair invisible

How to Use

When to Use the Finishing Trowel

Surface condition Use the Finishing Trowel? What to do instead
Freshly applied, wet and glistening No Continue with the application trowel; the finishing blade will smear and drag the material
Sheen just gone, surface still soft Not yet Wait; a pass now leaves the tool's own marks
"Thumb-print hard": sheen gone, a light thumb press leaves only a faint mark, surface firm but not cured Yes, this is the window Begin the closing passes
Firm and drying fast in hot or windy conditions Yes, but assist it Carry a thin film of water on the blade or mist the surface to extend the workable time
Fully set and hard No The window has closed; correct by abrasion, not by trowel
Base coat that needs to be leveled or built up No Use an application trowel; the finishing tool is for closing, not for carrying material
Tile adhesive No Use a notched trowel
Rounding a concrete or render arris No Use an edging trowel

The finishing window is the whole skill. Start the final trowel at the thumb-print-hard stage. The practical consequence is that the work must be fast and regular, because if the material dries before the pass is complete you cannot go back over it.

Basic Technique

Step Action Notes
1. Test Press a thumb on an inconspicuous area The surface should be firm with only a faint print; if it dents, wait
2. Clean the blade Wipe the blade and the chamfer clean before starting Hardened crumbs trapped at the bevel roll under the blade and cut arcs into the finish
3. Angle Lay the blade close to flat and lift the leading edge only enough to stop it biting From near-flat up to about 20°, with a circular motion.
4. Pressure Enough pressure to close and compact the surface, applied steadily and evenly Firm, steady pressure at the correct angle, with enough force to shape the surface.
5. Motion Long, continuous, overlapping passes; complete a direction before reversing Overlaps are less visible because the edge is chamfered
6. Water On the last pass, carry a very thin film of water on the blade This is a technique for extending workability and closing the surface
7. Clean between passes Wipe the blade whenever material builds on it A loaded blade drags material instead of closing it
8. Second pass Repeat as the surface firms further Each pass at a later stage compacts and polishes more than the last

Compatible materials

Gypsum base coat and float coat; gypsum finish and skim coat; setting-type and drying-type joint compound; lime putty plaster; hydraulic lime plaster; cement-lime render topping; polymer-modified finishes; Venetian plaster and stucco. It is also used to close crack and hole repairs.

Gypsum finish coats and a high-gloss pass

For a polished finish on gypsum: wait until the surface is thumb-print hard, put a very thin film of water on the blade, and take the closing passes with the blade nearly flat. Successive passes as the material continues to firm are what build the sheen; a single heavy pass will not produce it. A stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the better choice here because carbon steel can leave a gray metal deposit on a very light finish.

Venetian plaster and burnished finishes

Venetian plaster is applied in multiple thin coats, each closed and burnished as it sets but while still workable. A stainless steel blade (contact sales) keeps rust marks out of a translucent finish; keep the blade close to flat, and let repeated passes rather than force build the depth and shine. The chamfer matters more here than anywhere else, because a hard edge leaves a visible line in a finish that is meant to read as continuous.

Lime plaster and hydraulic lime render

Lime is more flexible and sets far more slowly than gypsum, so the working window is longer but the surface is easier to open up again.

The chamfered edge helps by riding over the breathable surface rather than cutting into it, and a stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the right choice for corrosion resistance in a wet, alkaline material. Work when the surface has reached the firm stage, mist to extend workability where the weather is drying the work too fast, and protect fresh lime work from direct sun and wind during curing.

Drywall and joint compound

On drywall joints and small areas, the Finishing Trowel is used to apply and close thin skim coats of joint compound rather than to build thickness. Multiple thin passes with the blade nearly flat produce a flatter result and less sanding than one thick coat, and the chamfered edge is what allows a skim to be feathered out without the edge cutting a line into it.

Repairs and detail work

For crack and hole repair, work the trowel at an angle to the wall so the material is pushed to an even thickness across the repair, then close it with the flat of the blade.

This is where the 691721 earns its place: the smaller blade stays in contact with a small repair area instead of bridging across it, and the chamfered edge lets the repair be feathered into sound surrounding plaster. A sponge float can be used as a second stage after the steel pass for a matte, even texture.

FAQ

Q1. When exactly should I switch from the application trowel to the Finishing Trowel?
A. When the surface has lost its sheen and a light thumb press leaves only a faint mark, the "thumb-print hard" stage. Earlier than that, the finishing blade drags and smears; later, the material will not move at all.

Q2. Carbon steel or stainless steel?
A. The listed art numbers are polished carbon steel; each art number corresponds to one blade material.

Stainless steel suits lime plasters, Venetian plaster, bathrooms, exterior work and any light-colored finish where rust staining would show, and anyone who will not oil a tool every night; contact Leading Tools sales for it. The carbon steel art numbers suit general dry gypsum work, as long as the tool is cleaned, dried and oiled after each use.

Q3. What is the difference between 690721 and 691721?
A. Size only. 690721 is 100mm x 114mm x 280mm and 691721 is 70mm x 80mm x 200mm; edge, construction, handle and material options are identical. Buy the larger one for general finishing and the smaller one for reveals, patches and work behind fittings.

Q4. I am getting tram lines or gauge marks. What is wrong?
A. Either the leading edge is lifted too high so it cuts instead of riding, the pressure is uneven, or hardened material is stuck at the chamfer and dragging across the surface. Lower the angle, clean the blade, and check the chamfer for nicks.

Q5. Can I use it on large open walls?
A. You can, but it is not the efficient tool for it. This trowel sits at the compact end of the range and is chosen for control and access, not for coverage rate. Blades of 12–18 inches are the general finishing size for open walls.

Specification

Specifications Overview

Specifications

Item690721691721
Size (nominal)100mm x 114mm x 280mm70mm x 80mm x 200mm
ConstructionSpot RivetedSpot Riveted
EdgeChamfer EdgeChamfer Edge
Blade materialCarbon steel, polishedCarbon steel, polished
HandleErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mountErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount
NoteQuality ConsistentQuality Consistent

How to read the size field. The size is printed in the catalog as 100mm x 114mm x 280mm; contact Leading Tools sales to confirm what each figure refers to.

Blade Design

A flat, untoothed rectangle with a chamfered edge. Because the face is flat it spreads and compacts material rather than combing it. The edge is chamfered rather than sharp.

Handle Design

FeatureDescription
Handle typeErgonomic contoured soft grip
Grip colorTwo-tone, red and black
MountingAluminum mount, Spot Riveted

Material Options

The listed art numbers are polished carbon steel. Each art number corresponds to one blade material; for a stainless steel blade, contact Leading Tools sales. The comparison below is for reference.

VariantBlade materialBest forTrade-off
Carbon Steel (CS)Carbon steel bladeGeneral gypsum and cement plastering where the tool is cleaned and oiled after every useRusts if left wet; rust can bloom into a light finish
Stainless Steel (SS)Stainless steel bladeLime plasters, Venetian plaster, bathrooms and exterior work; anywhere the finish must stay uncontaminatedSome finishers find it slides differently on the first passes

A stainless steel blade (contact sales) is the better choice for the final polish on dolomite-lime and gypsum plasters, because it is far less likely to leave rust or metal marks on the surface it is polishing.

Key Design Features

  • Chamfered edge. Prevents the leading edge from digging into partly set material, which is the direct cause of gauge marks and tram lines.
  • Spot Riveted mount. Spot Riveted construction on both art numbers.
  • Compact working face. Enough face to close a surface efficiently, small enough to stay in contact with a wall that is not flat and to work into details.

Selection Guide

Selecting the right Finishing Trowel

ConsiderationRecommendation
General finishing, walls and ceilings within reach690721: the larger of the two, more surface closed per pass
Tight work: reveals, behind pipework, cupboards, small patches691721 (70mm x 80mm x 200mm): same edge geometry, smaller footprint
Lime plasters, lime putty, Venetian plasterStainless steel blade (contact sales), to keep rust out of a light-colored finish
Bathrooms, kitchens, exterior renderStainless steel blade (contact sales), for corrosion resistance
Gypsum finish coats, dry interior workThe listed carbon steel art numbers suit this work if the tool is cleaned and oiled
High-gloss or burnished finish requiredStainless steel blade (contact sales)
Loading and leveling base coatsNot this tool: use a larger application trowel from the Plaster Trowel range
Large open walls at production speedNot this tool: a 12–18 inch finishing blade is the class for that work
Spreading tile adhesiveNot this tool: use a notched trowel such as the German Standard Notched Trowel (702301-74 to -82)

Comparison with other trowel types

Trowel typePrimary useHow it differs from the Finishing Trowel
Application / laying-on trowelLoading and leveling base and float coatsLarger and stiffer; it moves material, it does not close a surface
Finishing Trowel (690721 / 691721)Final smoothing, compaction and polish—
Notched trowelCombing adhesive to a controlled ridge height for tilingA flat face cannot form ridges; adhesive coverage would fail
Margin / corner trowelNarrow square blade for tight corners and behind servicesDifferent geometry; used for access, not for closing a face

Related products in the Leading Tools range

  • 691721: the smaller Finishing Trowel, 70mm x 80mm x 200mm, same chamfered edge and Spot Riveted construction.
  • 611510 / 611511 / 611512 DIY Trowel: light, one-piece plastic handle, Spot Riveted, for application work and occasional users.
  • 702301 German Standard Trowel and German Standard Notched Trowel 702301-74 to -82: flat and notched versions of the German-pattern tool, for tiling and adhesive work.

Full Size Reference

All Finishing Trowel article numbers, listed in full.

ART. NrSize (nominal)Approximate imperialEdgeConstructionBlade materialHandle
690721100mm x 114mm x 280mmapprox. 4" x 4-1/2" x 11" (1" = 25.4 mm)Chamfer EdgeSpot RivetedCarbon steel, polishedErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount
69172170mm x 80mm x 200mmapprox. 2-3/4" x 3-1/8" x 7-7/8" (1" = 25.4 mm)Chamfer EdgeSpot RivetedCarbon steel, polishedErgonomic soft-grip on aluminum mount

Note: the imperial column is a direct conversion of the same three metric figures.

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning after use

SituationCleaning method
Fresh plaster on the bladeWipe with a damp cloth immediately; never let material set on the tool
Set plaster on the bladeSoften with water and lift with a plastic scraper or stiff brush; do not use a steel scraper on the face, which scratches the polish that produces a smooth pass
Lime deposits and scaleSoften with water, then lift with a plastic scraper or nylon brush; rinse and dry thoroughly
GeneralWash with mild soap and water, then dry completely before storing

Blade care

  • Carbon steel: dry fully and wipe with a light oil after every use. Carbon steel rusts, and rust on a finishing blade transfers into the next light-colored finish.
  • Stainless steel: high corrosion resistance and low maintenance; chlorinated water, coastal air or prolonged soaking can still cause rust spots, so rinse with clean water and dry after use.
  • Storage: dry storage, blade face protected, never left standing in a bucket of plaster or water.
  • Inspection: check the chamfer for nicks, the face for rust pitting, and the blade for flatness before each job.
  • Edge condition: a chamfered edge does not need sharpening in the way a sharp-edged trowel does; if it is nicked, blend the nick back into the surrounding bevel with a fine stone rather than grinding a new edge.

Handle maintenance

  • Inspect the grip for splitting, or for looseness on the aluminum mount.
  • Clean with a damp cloth and avoid solvents.

Mount and flatness

  • If the blade shifts against the mount, or the feel of the tool changes at the end of each pass, stop using it and have it checked.
  • A blade with a rock or a warp cannot produce a flat finish and should be assessed by a competent repairer or replaced.
  • Replacement is usually the economic answer once a carbon steel blade has been reworked repeatedly and thinned, because a thin blade flexes under hand pressure and compacts the middle of the pass differently from the ends.
PRODUCT CONTACT US
Back to top

In compliance with EU personal data protection laws, we are committed to protecting and providing you with control over your personal data. By clicking "Accept All", you allow us to place cookies to enhance your experience on this site, help us analyze site performance and usage, and enable us to deliver relevant marketing content. You can manage your cookie settings below. By clicking "Agree" you agree to the current settings. For more information, please visit the Privacy Statement.

This website uses cookies

In compliance with EU personal data protection laws, we are committed to protecting your personal data and providing you with control over it. By clicking "Agree", you allow us to place cookies to improve your experience on this site, help us analyze site performance and usage, and allow us to deliver relevant marketing content.

By clicking "Only necessary" you allow us to place only necessary cookies. The website cannot function without these cookies and you cannot switch them off on your system. These cookies are typically set only in response to an action you perform (i.e. a service request), such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in a form. You can set your browser to block or prompt you for these cookies, but this may prevent some site features from working.

About cookies Google Privacy Policy