Soft rubber spatula
As a rule, this tool is produced from technical rubber( often silicone).It easily bends in all directions. The canvas is cut at an angle, that is, it is well sharpened. Be sure to check this point when purchasing. The working side is the one where the chamfer is located.
It can be used for many painting works( for wallpaper smoothing, sealing of seams).The downside of such a tool is its volatility towards aggressive compounds. That's why it can not be used for two-composite putties and paints, since there is a possibility that it can deteriorate.
In the process of work it is important to constantly clean the spatula from the dried mortar. This is justified by the fact that the solution does not dry on a rubber spatula, unlike a metal spatula. Therefore, with further work with the new mixture, the pieces of dried old composition can be applied to the surface, creating an uneven and, at the same time, unstable layer.
Paint spatula
Otherwise it is called a black rubber spatula, since it has a corresponding color. It is used for applying thick glue, grout, mastic, putty on curved surfaces( cylindrical, arcuate and rounded).It is also used to seal seams and joints with sealant( for example, on ceramic tiles, linoleum)
The main difference between this tool and its metallic counterparts is that it does not scratch the surface. Also, it can easily bend, adjusting to the right base. Usually it looks like a monolithic piece of rubber, without a handle. There are several types of this tool: rectangular, wedge-shaped, trapezoidal, in the form of a figure-eight and others.
The best recognized rectangular spatula with rounded edges. It can be produced both from hard and soft rubber. In the first case it is called technical. It almost does not bend, but at the same time it is distinguished by its extraordinary strength. Because it is ideal for hard-to-reach places: behind pipes or lining. The second, from soft rubber, have been described above.
Trowel trowel
In accordance with its name, the tool is used only for grouting joints on tiles, decorative stones. For shpatlevki it can not be used( the work will not be successful anyway).It is equipped with a plastic or wooden handle, and it is much longer than a typical paint trowel. Most often it has a rectangular shape, in some cases a trapezoidal one. The cloth is double-sided, thin, with a slightly rounded sharpening.
When choosing this tool, you should pay attention to a few points. First, the canvas should be sharpened( rounded), because there are defective tools, which simply attached rubber. Second - if your spatula has a wooden handle, then it can quickly become unusable due to dampness. Therefore, it is necessary to provide it with appropriate protection. It is enough to pour it in sunflower or linseed oil.
Note! When buying any kind of spatula, be sure to check if there are any microcracks on it. With a bend, look at the canvas. If any, the tool should not be purchased, as it will quickly fail.