Two Unique Tools That Make Finishing Drywall Easier

Magic Trowel Flexible Drywall Taping Tool

The Magic Trowel looks a lot like a squeegee, but it acts more like the ultimate finishing knife. Because of the flexible rubber working edge, the trowel can skim-coat uneven surfaces, erase trowel lines, or create interesting textures and knockdown finishes for walls and ceilings. I can now easily match old textures and create new looks. I’ve also applied thinned joint compound onto drywall seams with a paint roller, then used the trowel to smooth them out.

– Myron Ferguson, drywall installer

Rubber Wipe-Down Knife

Even with laminations of scored drywall, when it comes time to apply joint compound to curved corners, the surface tends to get lumpy when using a straight taping knife. The solution is to spend $20 online and get a Rubber Wipe-Down Knife, made by Marshalltown. Commonly known as a “bat knife,” the tool is perfect for curved corners.

– Brian Campbell,  finish carpenter