Flat trowel vs Curved Trowel

We've all seen those weird curved trowels at Home Depot. Here is my opinion of them.

Tools I use often:
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Drywall knives:
Mud Pan with Grip!! (This is the BOMB! You will thank me!)

Hawk and Trowels
13 inch hawk:
13 inch trowels:
12 inch trowels:
14 inch trowels:

Auto tools
Mud tubes and applicator:
Flushers
Handle adjustable
Corner roller (head only, you may need another handle)

[dlove]

My favorite part of these videos is when he tries to mess something up but his muscle memory takes over and it ends up better than i could do when really trying.

[houserjesse]

So I didn't realize I was using a curved trowel until I watched this video. Went out and bought a flat one and it's crazy how much easier it is to work with. Thanks for the video and the info!

[forestpage]

I use trowels almost exclusively. I use both straight and curved (and I do have and use a 15" curved). One thing I'd like to point out is that with either a curved or straight trowel you essentially have a 4 or 5 inch knife with the SHORT edge of the trowel. In your example of the butt you tried to do with the curved trowel, that is exactly how I do them with a curved trowel, BUT I then use the end of the trowel like a knife to wipe down the center. You can even spot screws with the end of a trowel. Just something I've never seen you mention. Love your videos.

[glennworton]

I've been using curved trowels for over 30 years, and, in their place, they can't be beat. I do a lot of plaster repairs and skimming, where the flat trowels have their place. You really need both -

[NewEngland]

Ive been a curve trowel finisher for 25 years. And i have zero issues doubling butt joints with no lines. First coat down middle. Double up on second coat and ride center of butt

[edwh]

OK so I’ve noticed a few things about your videos. If I had to give you a title other than Vancouver carpenter I would say “ mud artist” would fall into your realm. I think I have watched all of your videos if not all most all for sure. I just finished a kitchen where I put new drywall on three walls and the ceiling. I am not a drywall guy, this was my first drywall job in five years. Comparing my work to yours proves what I have already stated, you are an artist. Also along the lines of what you mentioned in this video several times, I hardly ever criticize especially publicly. There’s enough criticism going around right now for the rest of the duration of this world. I focus on positive, and your work is amazing. You have an eye for detail, you are a perfectionist in every sense of the term and you care about your work. It shows in all of your videos. I have learned a lot from your videos and I appreciate you taking the time to make them and making the public. If I ever make it to Vancouver I’m looking you up. Keep on keeping on man Best regards from a Central Illinois Wood floor guy. Ed Michael, Artistic Wood Floors

[donteatglue]

Please dont ever stop making videos. Your sense of humor is priceless. And you tips are perfect. I'd gladly buy you a cola if I ever met ya haha

[B.r.i.a.n.]

Love my curved trowel. Only use it on 1st coat butt joints. Second coat feathers from the high spot. I used to do water damage restoration. So replacing the bottom 24" of drywall left a ton of butt joints. It works wonders on the right project.

[TonyCampbellOfficial]

I've fixed a lot of my botched house repairs off of your videos. Thanks. Plannin on selling soon so I wanna fix everything. Great videos!

[GreenDragonPainting]

Im a painter in the U.S. im not even a drywall man and i enjoy watching your videos. I occasionally have to do minor point up on the foreclosures i paint. Your videos are definitely helpful. Thanks

[peterhunter]

Well I’ve taken your advice and started using a trowel for my drywall, even made the switch at work. Well my boss noticed and said “so your good with a trowel eh?” “I’m getting there” I replied. Well for the last week I’ve been using my trowel skills to install tile floor! My back hurts, my knees are shot and my hands are a mess (mortar is nasty stuff) and I have you to thank, so I yeah, thanks for that! Lol. I guess I’ll be back to mudding before too long! Keep up that good work, your vids have helped immensely!

[hemichargerrt]

you just answered why I get so many lines in my mud and why I cant do as nice of a job as you do! I thought I was doing something wrong. turns out i've been using a curved trowel! going to the store tomorrow to find a flat one! Thanks a Bunch!

[FamilyFriendlyDIY]

Your best video yet. I've watched and liked them all, but this one just really gives you the complete comprehensive feel of mudding. Trowel here ... a little touch with a knife there ... load ... feather ... finish. -- It just kind of gives the big picture. Great video! -- You've helped me immensely!

[billhackley]

binged for days for my first drywall project ever. but came to this video AFTER having unknowingly bought a curved trowel. was in a wtf mode till I sighted down the blade. considered flattening it but fear breaking loose the spot welds. back to lowes. so my head scratcher for the week plus binge on your channel is 74k subs and 30 to 70 thousand views per any given video and the thanks you get is a handful of likes each time. thanks for taking the time to help educate us all.

[VeLouRsK]

Love my 12 inch curved trowel when coating flats! Makes finishing super quick and easy

[markeakin]

I'm using a tiling trowel that was gifted to me at the moment because its flat. Bought a trowel and didnt realize they have curved once. Got real fed up with lines everywhere! Swapped back to the 10" tile trowel til I get a proper flat. Yeah, this is my first time and glad to see its not just the lack of experience as to why curved trowels are unsatisfying. Learning through your videos though. Keep up the stream of knowledge!

[Mugetsu]

I bought a curved trowel and came to the same conclusion after watching your videos.. Kinda helps that I finished concrete for a few years as well.

[ariel]

I like the method you guys are using in canada, i used to do the same way back in 2000 here en usa, and i recieved laughing and joking. They said, are you going to do some cement work?lol..but now im seeing more people using trowels over here. Well done amigo !

[velocite]

You are spot on!! I LOVE my curved trowels but only for flat joints, i mostly do new construction so i use it all the time, keep up the good work buddy!!

[mikefennema]

As a novice who doesn't do much dry wall, I made my own. I started with an inexpensive Canadian Tire 11X4.5 trowel. I made one long edge concave by 3/16 inch with a grinder and fine sanding disc. When held against the work at an angle it leaves a slight extra bit of mud in the centre.