Building Materials
Knauf Fill & Finish Jointing Compound (5kg)
Lightweight ready-mixed jointing compound for plasterboard joints, used for both the filling and finishing coats.
Knauf
OX Speedskim Semi-Flexible Plastering Rule ST 1200mm
1200mm semi-flexible plastering rule with a plastic blade and aluminium handle for flattening skim coats on large walls and ceilings.
- 1200mm blade covers large areas in fewer passes
- Semi-flexible plastic blade
- Aluminium handle
- Replaceable blade
Overview
The OX Speedskim ST 1200 is a 1200mm plastering rule with a semi-flexible plastic blade on an aluminium handle. It covers a wider area than a plastering trowel, so large walls and ceilings need fewer passes when flattening a skim coat.
In-Depth Look
Wide plastering rules such as the OX Speedskim are used to flatten skim coats on large, open areas, alongside the usual trowel.
How It Works
A wider blade covers more area in each pass. You apply the skim coat with a trowel and hawk as normal, then use the Speedskim in long passes to flatten the surface. At 1200mm wide, a wall needs far fewer passes than with a standard trowel.
Semi-Flexible Blade
The ST blade is semi-flexible plastic on an aluminium handle. It flexes to follow gentle changes in the wall surface, which helps on renovation work where walls are rarely flat, as well as on new plasterboard.
Summary
The OX Speedskim ST 1200mm is a wide plastering rule for flattening skim coats on large walls and ceilings. It does not replace a trowel for detail work around switches, sockets and corners, and the blade can be replaced when it wears.
How It Compares
The OX Speedskim ST rule is 1200mm (48 inch) long. It has a plastic blade with an aluminium handle. The blade is semi-flexible and can be changed, and the rule has an integral blade guard. It is used for ruling off, flattening and finishing gypsum-based plasters, whether hand or spray applied, as well as traditional sand and cement renders and insulated render systems.
A plastering rule is drawn across a freshly laid surface to level it. That process is called ruling off.
| Option | What it is | What to weigh up |
|---|---|---|
| This plastering rule | A 1200mm plastic blade with an aluminium handle | Semi-flexible blade, with a guard |
| Feather edges | A straight-edged tool for levelling | A different shape and handling |
| Aluminium straight edges | A rigid bar for levelling | Not semi-flexible |
| Skimming trowels | A hand tool for applying and finishing plaster | Used for a different stage of the job |
| Darbies | A long float for flattening | A different tool for flattening |
The Knauf Fill and Finish jointing compound is a plasterboard jointing product, not a plaster. Our guide on choosing site equipment and PPE covers more tools.
Common Questions
What is a plastering rule for? It is used for ruling off and flattening the plaster surface after it has been laid.
Why a semi-flexible blade? It follows the surface slightly as you work across it.
Can it be used on render? Yes. It is used on traditional sand and cement renders and insulated render systems, as well as gypsum-based plasters.
How do I look after the blade? Clean off wet material before it sets and dry the blade. Keep the guard on when you store it.
Is the blade replaceable? Yes. Check with the maker for the part.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
| Blade Width | 1200mm |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Plastic |
| Blade Type | Semi-flexible (ST) |
| Handle | Aluminium |
| Blade Replaceable | Yes |
| Suitable For | Skim coat finishing, rendering |
Who It's For
- Plasterers flattening skim coats on walls and ceilings
- Builders and multi-trade workers who do occasional plastering
- Competent DIYers tackling skim coat renovation projects
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1200mm width reduces the number of passes on large areas
- Semi-flexible blade follows gentle contours
- Blade can be replaced
Cons
- Too wide for small or awkward spaces like alcoves and reveals
- Takes practice to get the pressure and angle right
- Blades wear and need replacing with heavy use
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