Decorating tools

A filling knife is used for applying filler to various materials such as wood, plaster or masonry. It has a blade similar in shape to that of a scraper but is more flexible allowing the filler to be spread smoothly into holes and cracks.  Filling knives are available with either a narrow or a broad blade. 

A knife with a razor sharp blade, often retractable, used for scoring and cutting a variety of materials.

Used to prevent dirt, paint and any other mess getting on the furniture or carpets that cannot be removed from the room. These sheets can be washed and reused, however large spillages can seep through the fabric. An alternative is plastic sheets, but these do not absorb dirt in the same way as a dustsheet, and can be slippery under foot.

Sandpaper has a rough face, which is used to smooth down surfaces before painting. It is available in various grades of coarseness ranging from smooth to very coarse. Always use sandpaper in the direction of the grain.

Steel wool comes in various grades of coarseness and is used to prepare metal surfaces. It can also be used for applying wax.

A brush with wire bristles for cleaning flaking paint and rust from metal surfaces.

The electric hot-air gun has replaced the gas blowtorch for removing old paint. Quick and efficient to use, the heat emitted causes the paint to blister and bubble without scorching the wood. The paint can then be easily scraped off.

There are two types of shave hook: the triangular shave hook and the combination shave hook. Both have blades set at right angles to the handles. The triangular shave hook is named after the shape of its blade and is used to remove paint from flat surfaces. The combination shave hook has straight and curved edges allowing it to strip paint from moulded woodwork and flat surfaces. Paint is removed by pulling the shave hook towards you.

A hand tool with a flat, slightly sprung blade used in decorating. The blade may be narrow or broad. Narrow blade paint scrapers are generally used to remove paint from surfaces that have been softened by chemical paint stripper or hot air. Paint scrapers with broad blades are generally used to strip wallpaper.