MASTERING THE FINISH
The Refina TOOLS Series
Part 1 – Trowels, Spatulas & Edges
When it comes to rendering and plastering the right trowel or spatula is more than just a tool, it’s the difference between a flawless finish and endless rework. That’s why REFINA has become the trusted choice of professionals across the UK and Europe and now it’s making its mark in Australia.
In this first blog of our three-part series, we’ll explore why your choice of trowel matters, the different types of plastering and rendering trowels available and how REFINA’s specialist range of trowels and spatulas helps you master the render trade.
Choosing the Right Trowel
Achieving the perfect plaster or render finish doesn’t come down to skill alone, your tools play a massive role. The type and size of trowel you choose impacts:
Control – Smaller trowels (like midget trowels) offer greater precision in tight spaces and detailed areas.
Speed – The size of the trowel influences how quickly you can apply your compound, a larger trowel, for example the 450mm FINATEX-1, allows you to cover more area with each stroke, increasing your speed on large, open surfaces. The smaller trowels, such as the 305mm FINATEX-1, takes more time but offers the precision needed for detailed areas.
Pressure – Larger blades distribute pressure evenly, making smooth finishes easier on big walls. Smaller blades focus pressure, useful for corners or intricate areas.
Finish Quality – Big trowels create uniformity across wide surfaces; smaller trowels let you fine-tune edges and details.
In short: match your trowel to your task and you’ll work faster, smarter, and with less fatigue.
REFINA: Designed for Professionals
Now let’s look at the tools that have made REFINA the go-to brand for the trade in UK & Europe.
SUPERFLEX Trowels
The Superflex range is renowned for its flexibility, radiused corners and finely finished blade edges that minimise drag. Designed with an intermediate plate the trowels allow for a two-step flex profile, perfect for multi-finish plaster and render.
Watch the process
FINATEX Trowels
Made in Germany and engineered from a carefully refined alloy, these blades strike the ideal balance between gauge, durability and break-in time. With a perfectly flat, pre-worn base and rounded edges the FINATEX reduces trowel marks, chatter and surface defects in each application. Lightweight and well-balanced, it’s highly responsive, allowing for accurate feathering of edges, cleaner corners and smoother transitions.
Watch it perform
PLAZIFLEX Trowels
With plastic blades that glide over wet compounds, the PLAZIFLEX is flexible with a foam layer which creates less drag than a traditional steel trowel. The innovative lightweight plastic blade also helps to reduce day to day working fatigue and aids the relief of common elbow joint shoulder pain.
See them in use
H Section Feather Edges
Consistency is king in rendering and plastering. REFINA’s feather edges and serrated feather edges make light work of large walls, ensuring render is applied evenly with zero guesswork. The serrated edge distributes material and removes air pockets, whilst the straight edge levels and identifies high and low spots.
Watch the process
Notched Spatulas & Diamond Floats
When speed and precision matter, notched spatulas and diamond floats are your best mates. Notched spatulas evenly distribute compound and remove air pockets. The hard-wearing diamond floats helps compact and flatten the surface whilst defining the texture with the unique diamond indented pattern.
Pool Trowels
Available in both short and long shanks, REFINA’s pool trowels are ideal for creating smooth flat surfaces in cement, render, screed and epoxy applications.
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Trowel
Start small, finish big – Use smaller trowels for detail, then switch to larger blades for main walls.
Invest in flexibility – A trowel like the Superflex-1 adapts across different stages, from flattening to finishing.
Look after your tools – Keep blades clean and store them properly to extend their life.
The REFINA Advantage
By choosing REFINA, you’re investing in:
Durability – Specialist stainless steel and plastic blades built to last.
Ergonomics – Soft-grip handles and balanced weight to reduce fatigue.
Precision – Engineered edges for flawless results.
Trust – A brand backed by tradespeople across the UK and now in Australia.
Stay tuned for the next in the series: Part 2 – Brushes, Floats and Sponges
