What is an outside corner trowel used for?

An outside corner trowel is a specialized tool used primarily in drywall installation and finishing. Its purpose is to create smooth and clean outside corners where two walls meet at an angle. The trowel has a unique design optimized for applying joint compound or mud to these corners, ensuring a professional-looking finish.

Drywall installation involves fitting large sheets of gypsum board onto wall studs or ceilings to create a smooth, even surface for painting or wallpapering. However, since walls rarely meet at perfectly straight angles, corners often require additional work to appear seamless. This is where the outside corner trowel comes into play.

The main components of an outside corner trowel include a flat blade and a bent metal or plastic guide that forms a 90-degree angle. The blade is typically made of stainless steel or another durable material, while the handle may be constructed from wood, plastic, or rubber for a comfortable grip.

Here's how the outside corner trowel is used in the drywall finishing process:

1. Preparing the Corner: Before using the Drywall Trowel , the drywall installer must first ensure that the corner is properly prepared. This involves securely attaching the drywall sheets to the studs and ensuring that the edges meet at a clean 90-degree angle.

2. Applying Joint Compound: Once the corner is ready, joint compound or mud is applied to both sides of the corner using a drywall knife or taping knife. This compound helps to fill in any gaps or imperfections between the drywall sheets and creates a smooth surface for finishing.

3. Using the Outside Corner Trowel: With the joint compound applied, the outside corner trowel is used to create a crisp, straight edge along the corner. The bent guide on the trowel ensures that the compound is applied evenly and at the correct angle. The trowel is pressed firmly against the corner, and excess compound is smoothed away as the blade is dragged along the surface.

4. Finishing Touches: After the compound has dried, additional coats may be applied as needed to achieve the desired level of smoothness. Once the compound is fully dry, the corner can be sanded lightly to remove any rough spots or imperfections.

5. Painting or Wallpapering: Once the corner is smooth and free of imperfections, it is ready for painting or wallpapering. The finished result should be a clean, seamless transition between the two walls, with no visible gaps or unevenness.

In addition to drywall installation, outside corner trowels can also be used in other applications where smooth, straight corners are required, such as plastering or stucco work. They are an essential tool for any professional drywaller or contractor who wants to achieve professional-quality results.

In conclusion, an outside corner trowel is a specialized tool used in drywall installation and finishing to create smooth, straight corners where two walls meet at an angle. Its unique design and functionality make it an essential tool for achieving professional-quality results in drywall and other construction projects.