

Scraping blades have to be stiffer than spreading blades are to promote more flexibility since the blades will be thicker and a lot more rigid.Stripping furniture is a messy, time-consuming process. You will definitely need a steel blade versus a plastic one. You can also use a putty knife to scrape and remove residue but you will need a stiffer more flexible blade with a chiseled flat edge.

How do you use a putty knife to remove residue? These versions of the putty knife can actually last throughout your lifetime. A better option would be a putty knife with a stainless steel blade with a very sturdy and longer-lasting handle made of nylon or wood. Chances are you have one or more standard putty knives in your toolbox.Īlthough this putty knife is much more durable than a plastic one, it will rust over time and will need to be replaced. This genius little combo knife is a big help for the professional contractor, home-improvement buff and weekend crafter alike. The 2-edge putty knife is a putty and utility knife rolled into one.

Putty knives can also be used to make a clean paint edge when you are in the process of applying painters tape around a baseboard before painting a wall. What’s the difference between joint knife and taping knife? The premium version of a putty knife blade is made of stainless steel. However, although the carbon steel is more durable, it may rust if not properly maintained. A better-constructed blade is made from ground and polished carbon steel. Plastic blades are often disposable and do not stand up well to continued use. Is a plastic or metal putty knife better? Scrapers and spatulas have wider blades to scrape and spread drywall mud more efficiently. Putty knives can apply compound around window pane edges cleanly, helping the glass to stay in place. Taping knives, on the other hand, are typically more rectangular. Generally, joint knives are smaller (6” and below) while taping knives are larger (6” and above). Some manufacturers make a distinction between joint knives and taping knives. What’s the difference between a joint knife and a taping knife? Here’s how you might use the full range: 3-Inch putty knives are perfect for use in tight areas and awkward angles. It’s the best size for filling small holes and cracks, it has an easy-to-clean stainless steel blade, and it has a long, ergonomic handle that makes the tool comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.Īvailable in six sizes (3”, 4”, 5”, 6”, 8”, 10”), there’s a LEVEL5 putty knife for every finishing scenario you might find yourself in. We found that the best general purpose putty knife is the Craftsman 1½-inch Flex Stainless Putty Knife. Putty knives and scrapers can perform multiple scraping and smoothing functions, helping to make drywall and window installation much easier. If you don’t have a putty knife, just about anything with a flat edge and at least one smooth side will work-a butter knife, a paint stirrer, or even a ruler. What can be used instead of a putty knife? If you’re working on a gap larger than a nail hole, spread putty around its edges first. Bring the handle down toward you so the coated edge is easy to move down the wall. Make sure the putty-covered side is on the bottom. Touch the edge of the putty knife firmly against the wall. Putty knives, on the other hand, have a thinner blade that is too flexible for scraping. While they both look the same, scrapers have a stiff blade that is too stiff for the efficient application of compounds. Is a paint scraper the same as a putty knife? Putty knives are used to apply putty or surfacing compound into cracks and nail holes, patch divots with wood filler, and spread drywall mud into drywall joints and seams. What is a putty knife used for when painting?Įverything About Putty Knives Chances are you have one or more standard putty knives in your toolbox.
