The answer is a bit of a yes - and - no. It really depends on the type of decorative plaster you're working with and what kind of look you're going for. Decorative plaster, like Venetian plaster, textured plaster, or lime plaster, is a bit more finicky than regular plaster, but a good plastering trowel can still be useful in some situations.
For simple decorative jobs, a plastering trowel can work just fine. If you're going for a basic textured finish, like a knockdown texture, or if you're applying a thin layer of Venetian plaster to get a smooth, marble - like look, your trusty plastering trowel can do the job. I once used my 12 - inch stainless steel trowel to apply Venetian plaster to my bathroom walls. It took a bit of patience, but I managed to get the smooth, glossy finish I was after. The key here is that the decorative plaster is relatively easy to spread and doesn't require super - precise detailing.
However, when it comes to complex decorative work, you're going to need some specialty tools. If you're trying to create intricate patterns, swirls, or raised designs, a regular plastering trowel just won't cut it. These jobs call for specialty trowels, like a Venetian plaster trowel with a curved edge, or other tools like sponges or brushes. I made the mistake of trying to create a swirl pattern with my regular plastering trowel once. It was a disaster. The pattern looked messy and uneven, and I had to buy a small, flexible decorative trowel to fix it.
The type of decorative plaster also matters. Some decorative plasters, like lime plaster, are softer and more delicate than regular plaster. A stainless steel trowel is usually gentle enough for these, but a carbon steel trowel might be too stiff and could scratch the surface. I used a stainless steel trowel for lime plaster on my living room wall, and it worked great, but I had to be extra careful and gentle.
One more tip: always practice first. Decorative plaster is a lot more unforgiving than regular plaster. Before you start working on your actual walls, practice on a piece of cardboard or a spare piece of drywall. This will help you get a feel for how the decorative plaster spreads with your trowel and will save you from making costly mistakes. I practiced Venetian plaster on cardboard for a whole week before I dared to touch my bathroom walls. It was a bit of a pain, but it saved me from a lot of headaches.
So, in summary, you can use a plastering trowel for simple decorative plaster jobs, like smooth finishes or basic textures. But for complex designs or intricate work, you'll need to invest in some specialty tools. And always, always practice first. Decorative plastering can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can achieve some amazing results.
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