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If you’ve ever tried to smooth a fresh render or plaster and ended up with streaks or an uneven surface, you know the tool makes all the difference. A masonry float is the unsung hero of a tidy wall finish — it levels, compacts, and brings renders and plasters to life. Pick the wrong float and you’ll fight the job; pick the right one and it almost feels like cheating. Whether you’re a DIY weekend warrior or a pro builder, choosing the right float means faster work, better coverage, and fewer touch-ups down the line.
One product that keeps coming up in pro circles is the CK Skimmer Float, stocked by Expert Electrical. This tool is commonly used for skimming and finishing plaster, and its dimensions are approximately 7.1 in x 12.6 in, giving a handy working area without being bulky. The CK Skimmer Float is favoured for its balanced weight and smooth face, which helps photographers — I mean plasterers — get a consistent skim coat. If you’re aiming for a fine finish on interior walls, this float is a reliable go-to.
The CK Skimmer Float typically features a lightweight blade, a comfortable handle, and a face engineered to reduce drag. At roughly 7.1 in by 12.6 in, it’s compact enough to manoeuvre around corners but big enough to cover decent surface area. The handle often provides ergonomic grip so you can work longer without hand fatigue. For most interior skimming jobs, this size hits the sweet spot between control and coverage.
Finding the right float is as much about availability and service as it is about the tool itself. In the UK, a mix of trade suppliers, nationwide chains, and specialist stores stock quality masonry floats. Below are some of the best-known retailers where you can find floats similar to the CK Skimmer Float, plus a quick note on what each is good for.
Screwfix serves both pros and DIYers with a wide selection of floats from basic plastic models to pro-grade magnesium and stainless steel options. If you like browsing specs and picking up in-store, Screwfix often has a healthy range of sizes and brands. Their trade-level floats tend to offer durable faces and replacement options for handles if needed.
Toolstation is a favourite for builders who want value without compromising too much on build quality. They often stock practical skimmer and finishing floats in sizes that suit interior skimming or exterior rendering. If you’re watching costs but still need a tough tool, Toolstation is usually worth checking first.
B&Q and Wickes cater mainly to the homeowner market, so their range tends toward user-friendly tools and moderate prices. These chains are ideal when you need a float for a weekend job or occasional repair. They also stock accessories like plasterboards, trowels, and jointing tools, making it easy to pick up everything in one trip.
For professional builders, Travis Perkins and Jewson are go-to merchants. They offer a heavier selection of pro-grade floats, including specialty shapes and larger finishing faces for big walls. These merchants also often carry branded floats recommended by plastering professionals and can advise on the best tool for specific renders or plasters.
If you want a huge choice and customer reviews to compare, Amazon UK is convenient. Homebase fits between DIY and trade options and is handy for local pick-up. Specialist stores and plastering suppliers may stock premium or niche floats — think marble-faced or specially textured finishes — which are excellent if you’re after something beyond the mainstream range.
Not all floats are created equal. The face material, size, and handle style change how a float performs on different mixes and stages of work. Let’s break down the main types so you can match the tool to the task.
Wooden floats are an old-school favourite, especially for initial renders. They provide a slightly textured finish that helps subsequent coats key in. If you’re working on a base coat or need a bit of bite to hold the next layer, a wooden float is a sensible choice. Expect the face to wear over time, but it’s easily sanded or replaced.
Magnesium floats are common for finishing because they’re lightweight, durable, and leave a very even surface. Aluminum behaves similarly but can be a touch stiffer. These floats are fantastic for skimming coats and smoothing out fine plasters where you want a near-polished look. They’re often a go-to on sites where speed and finish quality matter.
Stainless steel floats and finishing trowels offer a very smooth face and are often used at the final stage to close the surface. They’re heavier than magnesium, but that added weight helps press out imperfections and bring moisture to the surface for a slick finish. For the last pass on a skimmed wall, a steel float or trowel is hard to beat.
Rubber and sponge floats are used to create certain textures or to sponge down surfaces for a subtle look. Plastic floats are cheap and useful for quick jobs or where corrosive mixes might damage metal faces. These are less about a smooth finish and more about specific textures or inexpensive solutions for occasional use.
Size matters when you’re choosing a float. Smaller floats like the CK Skimmer Float’s roughly 7.1 in x 12.6 in face give precision around corners and in small rooms. Larger floats save time on big, flat areas but can be harder to control near edges. Think of the float size as a balance between control and productivity — a bit like choosing a paint roller for a ceiling versus a small brush for trim.
Mastering a float is part skill and part rhythm. Keep the float flat against the surface for initial passes, then gradually increase the angle to remove excess and create a smooth plane. Use light, overlapping strokes and keep your wrist relaxed — tense hands make jagged finishes. For a perfect skim, apply two or three thin coats rather than one thick coat; it’s like layering a cake rather than trying to build it all in one go.
Start with the blade nearly flat for compaction, then angle the float between about 10° and 30° on finishing passes. Use even pressure; too hard and you’ll dig grooves, too light and you won’t level properly. A sweeping reverse-motion can also help blend patches into a seamless finish.
Care is simple: clean your float immediately after use with water and a brush, especially if you used cement-based renders that set fast. Dry metal faces thoroughly to prevent rust, and store floats flat to avoid warping wooden faces. Replace or sand wooden faces when they get rough, and check handles for looseness so you don’t have wobble in the middle of a job.
Prices vary with face material and brand. Basic plastic floats can start very cheap, while branded magnesium or stainless steel floats used by pros sit in the mid-range. Premium floats or specialist finishes cost more, but for tradespeople they often pay back in durability and finish quality. If you’re a DIYer, a mid-range magnesium float gives a strong mix of performance and longevity without breaking the bank.
If you want a bargain or a niche tool, compare trade merchants and online marketplaces. Local builders’ merchants often have knowledgeable staff who can recommend the right float for your plaster or render type. Online reviews are useful but balance them with advice from experienced plasterers — nothing beats practical tips from someone who’s used the tool day in and day out.
For DIYers: grab a mid-sized magnesium float around the size of the CK Skimmer Float for versatility. For pros: invest in a couple of pro-grade floats — a larger finishing float and a smaller skimming float for corners and edges. For textured or specialty finishes: keep a rubber or sponge float to hand. And always keep at least one spare handle or two; a loose handle can derail a good workday faster than anything else.
Choosing the right masonry float and learning a few simple techniques will save you time and make your walls look remarkably better. Whether you buy from trade suppliers like Travis Perkins, mainstream chains such as Screwfix and B&Q, or specialist retailers like Expert Electrical for trusted models like the CK Skimmer Float, the right tool makes the job enjoyable rather than frustrating. Match the float to the mix and the task, keep it clean, and practice your strokes — soon you’ll be turning rough walls into smooth canvases.
Masonry floats are simple tools with big impact. From the compact CK Skimmer Float at roughly 7.1 in x 12.6 in to larger finishing floats, each has a role in creating smooth, professional walls. UK retailers including Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, Travis Perkins, and Jewson offer a range of options for DIYers and pros alike. Choose a float that suits your job size and finish, look after it, and develop your technique — your next plaster or render will thank you.
| Floats | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ck Skimmer Float 180x320mm | £ 8,52 |
