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Floats are hand tools used in the construction industry, especially for plastering and tiling.

They are used for smoothing and structuring plaster, concrete or screed surfaces and ensure an even and smooth finish. There are different types of smoothing boards depending on the material and application purpose, which are specially adapted to the type of building material used.

Below is an overview of how they work, the different types and uses of floats and tips on how to handle and care for them:

How floats work:

The main function of a float is to evenly spread and smooth freshly applied materials such as plaster or screed.
To do this, the smoothing board is dragged flat or at a slight angle over the surface being worked on to remove any unevenness and achieve an even texture. The float pushes or spreads the plaster so that small cavities are filled and a uniform layer is applied.

Types of floats:

Depending on the area of application and the material of the building material, there are different rubbing boards:

1. Plastic floats:
   Made from robust plastic.
   Use: For smoothing light or fresh plaster.
   Advantages: Lightweight, rustproof and easy to clean. Ideal for working on damp plaster as plastic does not absorb moisture.
2. Sponge float:
   Consists of a layer of sponge on a plastic or wooden board.
   Use: Particularly suitable for tiling work and rubbing in grout. Also for finishing and smoothing damp plaster.
   Advantages: Absorbs excess water and ensures a smooth surface.
3. Sponge rubber float:
   Has a rubber layer of foam rubber on the rubbing surface.
   Uses: Commonly used in tiling work, especially for smoothing and finishing grout or plaster.
   Advantages: Flexible and soft, ideal for delicate surfaces and fine plaster. Adapts well to the shape of the surface and is easy to wash out.
4. Styrofoam float:
   Lightweight styrofoam or polystyrene.
   Use: Particularly suitable for the first work step on very damp layers of plaster.
   Advantages: Lightweight and good for rough work on soft plaster. Due to its structure, polystyrene is particularly suitable for structural effects in plaster.
5. Stainless steel or metal grating float:
   Metal or stainless steel.
   Use: For working on harder surfaces and for final smoothing of plaster.
   Advantages: Very robust and durable, particularly suitable for professional applications. Provides a smooth, even surface on hard plaster.

Areas of application for floats:

Floats are versatile tools used in various construction jobs:

1. Plastering:
When applying and smoothing interior and exterior plaster to achieve an even layer.

2. Screed work:
For smoothing and leveling screed floors before it hardens completely.

3. Tiling:
For rubbing in and smoothing grout. The sponge float is particularly handy here for removing excess compound from the tiles.

4. Structuring:
To incorporate certain textures and structures into the plaster, which can serve decorative purposes.

Tips for handling and caring for grating floats:

• Floats should be cleaned after each use to remove any plaster or mortar residue. This prevents the material on the grating surface from hardening.
• After cleaning, the floats should be allowed to dry to prevent rust formation (with metal grating floats) or mold formation (with sponge floats).
• With sponge floats or sponge rubber floats, the sponge can often be replaced. This keeps the tool ready for use and hygienic for longer.
• Grating floats should be stored flat and dry to prevent deformation and prolong their service life.

Floats are indispensable tools for construction and renovation work, used for smoothing and structuring surfaces such as plaster, screed or joint compound. Choosing the right float - depending on the material and desired surface texture - is crucial to achieving the best results. With the right handling and care, the tool remains ready for use for a long time and ensures clean, even work surfaces.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying floats:

When buying floats, there are several important criteria to ensure that the tool is durable and ideally suited for the respective area of use.

• The material of the grating surface is determined by the intended use:
• Plastic: Lightweight and rust-free, ideal for soft plaster and damp surfaces. Robust and easy to clean.
• Styrofoam/polystyrene: Lightweight and inexpensive, suitable for coarse plastering work and textured effects. However, polystyrene is too soft for more delicate surfaces.
• Sponge or foam rubber: Ideal for fine and finishing work, especially with grout or sensitive surfaces.
• Metal (stainless steel): Very stable and durable, suitable for harder types of plaster or concrete. Provides a very smooth surface, but can be heavier.
• An ergonomically shaped handle that sits well in the hand and has a non-slip coating is important for longer work and prevents fatigue.
• Wooden handles offer a classic, pleasant feel, while plastic handles are lighter and more weather-resistant.
• A robust handle that is well connected to the grating surface guarantees longer durability and more control.
• Depending on the work surface; larger floats cover larger areas and save time, while smaller floats are more suitable for detailed work.
• Rectangular floats are ideal for most jobs, while rounded edges are useful for hard-to-reach corners.
• Stainless steel is particularly important for metal grating boards so that the tool does not corrode.
• With sponge floats, the sponge should be firmly attached to the board so that it does not come off quickly.
• Floats should be easy to clean after use. Sponges should be easy to wash out and should not leave any residue on plastic or metal surfaces.
• If you buy a sponge float, a replaceable sponge may be a good idea so that you can use the tool for longer.
• A simple plastic or polystyrene float may be sufficient for occasional work. For professional, frequent use, it is worth investing in high-quality materials.
• Branded products often offer a longer service life and better ergonomics, which pays off especially with frequent use.
• Tools with positive feedback and tests (such as the GS seal) often guarantee higher quality and safety.

With these criteria, you can find a suitable float that meets the requirements of the project and at the same time ensures clean and even surfaces.

Floats can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Floats from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.