Trowels
Which trowel to choose for microcement?
Flexible trowel
For final smoothing. The flexible blade better follows the surface, helping to unify the microcement pattern and reduce pronounced marks from the trowel edge.
Plastic trowel
For light and delicate shades. The plastic edge helps reduce dark streaks, metal marks and unwanted ‘burning’ effects on the microcement during final smoothing.
Texturing tools
For more pronounced texture. Texturing trowels and sponges are used to create scratched, stone, travertine or naturally hand-crafted effects.
Trowels for microcement and concrete coatings
Microcement trowels are among the most important tools when applying concrete coatings. They affect layer thickness, surface pattern, trowel marks, final texture and overall appearance of the finished work.
In this category, you will find professional trowels for applying, smoothing and texturing microcement. The right choice of trowel depends on the type of material, application stage, desired appearance and the applicator’s experience.
Why is choosing the right trowel important?
Microcement is hand-applied. The final effect is created not only by the coating itself but also by working technique, hand pressure, trowel angle and blade type. A rigid stainless steel trowel produces a different result than a flexible blade or plastic edge.
A poorly chosen trowel can leave marked edges, streaks, metal marks or uneven patterns. A quality trowel makes work easier and helps achieve a cleaner, more natural surface.
Types of trowels in this category
Flexible stainless steel trowels
Flexible trowels are especially suitable for final microcement layers. The flexible blade better follows the substrate, glides more easily over fresh coatings and helps minimise unwanted edge marks.
Double-blade trowels
The double flexible blade allows for more delicate movement over the surface and steadier pressure during smoothing. Ideal for the final application phase where unifying the pattern and refining the appearance is necessary.
Plastic trowels
Plastic trowels are mainly suitable for light, delicate and sensitive microcement shades. They help reduce dark metal marks and the ‘burning’ effect that can occur when using classic stainless steel trowels.
Texturing trowels and sponges
Texturing tools are used to create decorative textures directly into freshly applied microcement coatings. They enable scratched, stone, travertine or more pronounced concrete effects.
Trowel according to application stage
Applying the first layer
When applying the first layer, it is important to achieve an even thickness, good material spread and control over stroke continuity. The trowel should fit well in the hand and allow firmer guidance over the substrate.
Final decorative layer
For the final layer, feel is crucial. A flexible trowel helps create a finer pattern, smoother surface and more natural hand effect. Trowel pressure and the direction of strokes significantly influence the final look.
Light shades of microcement
With light shades, work more carefully as metal marks or streaks may be more visible. A plastic trowel is often a safer choice for final smoothing of sensitive colours.
Textured surfaces
If you want something other than a perfectly smooth surface, but with more pronounced texture, use a texturing trowel or sponge. The result depends on pressure, stroke direction, setting time and subsequent sanding.
Stainless steel vs. plastic trowel
Stainless steel trowel is a versatile tool for applying and smoothing microcement. It is precise, durable and suitable for most applications. For final layers, it is important to watch the pressure, blade cleanliness and edge marks.
Plastic trowel is gentler on the surface and mainly suited for final smoothing of light or delicate shades. It does not leave metal marks and reduces the risk of dark streaks that can disturb light microcement.
What to watch out for when working with a trowel?
The trowel must be clean, free from dried material residues and with no damaged working edges. Even a small dried piece of coating can create a scratch or unwanted mark during final smoothing.
The angle of the trowel is also important. Too sharp an angle can scrape the material off; too much pressure can cause dark marks or burnt effects. With microcement, sensitivity and even work over the entire surface are key.
Trowels for beginners and professionals
Beginners are advised to choose tools that forgive more mistakes — for example, more flexible trowels for final layers and plastic trowels for light shades. They help reduce sharp edges, streaks and overly aggressive surface contact.
Professional applicators often use several trowels according to the work stage. Different trowels are used for spreading material, final smoothing and creating texture. The combination gives greater control over the final appearance.
Most common mistakes in choosing a trowel
A common mistake is using one universal trowel for all application stages. With microcement, it is worthwhile to differentiate the tool for application, final smoothing and possible texturing.
Problems can also arise from too rigid a blade, damaged edges, dirty trowels or using a metal trowel on light shades without sufficient care. The result may be streaks, sharp strokes, scratches or uneven patterns.
Related categories and guides
Frequently asked questions about microcement trowels
Which trowel is best for microcement?
For final microcement layers, a flexible trowel with a flexible blade is suitable. It helps better follow the surface, unify the pattern, and reduce prominent edge marks.
When to use a plastic trowel?
A plastic trowel is suitable mainly for light and delicate microcement shades, where it helps reduce dark metal marks, streaks and unwanted surface ‘burning’ effects.
Is one trowel enough for the entire application?
For simple jobs, one trowel may suffice, but better results usually come from combining tools — for example, one for application, another for final smoothing and possibly another for texture.
Why does the trowel leave streaks?
Streaks can appear due to too much pressure, incorrect trowel angle, metal marks, a dirty blade, or using the wrong trowel for the shade and application stage.
How to create a scratched microcement texture?
For scratched or more pronounced texture, use a texturing trowel or sponge on freshly applied coating. The result depends on stroke direction, pressure, material setting and subsequent sanding.
Is a flexible trowel suitable for beginners?
Yes, a more flexible trowel can help beginners during final smoothing as it better follows the surface and reduces the risk of sharp edge marks.
How to care for a trowel?
The trowel must be cleaned continuously and microcement must not be allowed to dry on it. The working edge must remain smooth, clean and undamaged, otherwise it can create scratches on the surface.
Which trowel to use for light microcement?
For light microcement, a plastic trowel or a very clean flexible trowel used with gentle strokes is recommended. The aim is to reduce dark marks, metal streaks and burnt appearance.
Not sure which trowel to choose?
Send us the type of microcement, planned shade and the kind of surface you want to create. We will recommend the suitable trowel for application, final smoothing or texturing.
Advice on choosing a trowel