Achieving a smooth, consistent plaster finish depends on more than technique alone. The trowel you use plays a crucial role in how easily you can flatten, close and refine a surface, particularly during the later stages of plastering.

For professional plasterers, flexible finishing trowels have become an essential part of the toolkit. Designed to provide controlled blade movement and a refined working edge, they help achieve high-quality finishes while reducing the effort required during repetitive trowelling.

REFINA’s SUPERFLEX range has been developed specifically for professional plastering applications, combining flexible stainless steel blades with carefully engineered designs to suit different working preferences and finishing techniques.

In this guide, we explore the complete SUPERFLEX range, explain the differences between the SUPERFLEX-1, SUPERFLEX-2 and SUPERFLEX-3, and look at how to choose the right finishing trowel for your requirements.

What Are Flexible Finishing Trowels?

Flexible finishing trowels are designed to help plasterers refine and smooth plaster surfaces as the material progresses through the finishing stages. Unlike traditional, more rigid trowels, their blades offer a degree of controlled flexibility, allowing the working edge to respond to pressure during use.

This flexibility can help reduce the effort needed to close the surface, improve control during finishing passes and minimise unwanted lines when working with suitable plastering materials.

For professional plasterers working with multi-finish and board-finish plasters, selecting the right finishing trowel can make a noticeable difference to the working experience and final surface quality.

Key benefits of flexible finishing trowels include:

• Controlled flexibility: Allows the blade to respond to pressure during finishing, helping achieve a smooth, consistent surface.
• Reduced finishing effort: A suitably flexible blade can help close the surface with less pressure than a more rigid alternative.
• Improved surface control: A well-designed working edge helps minimise drag marks and unwanted trowel lines.
• Greater comfort during prolonged use: Lightweight construction and ergonomic handles can help reduce strain during repetitive finishing work.
• Versatility across finishing applications: Suitable models can be used on walls and ceilings, depending on the plaster type and stage of the job.

The level of flexibility required will depend on the plaster being used, the stage of finishing and personal preference. This is where the SUPERFLEX range offers different options to suit individual working styles.

A Closer Look at the REFINA SUPERFLEX Range

SUPERFLEX is REFINA’s range of specialist flexible plastering and finishing trowels, designed for tradespeople who require precision, comfort and consistent performance on site.

The range includes three main models: SUPERFLEX-1, SUPERFLEX-2 and SUPERFLEX-3. While each is designed for professional plastering, differences in blade thickness, width and construction influence how each trowel feels and performs during use.

Key features across the range include:

• High-quality stainless steel blades designed for professional plastering applications.
• Flexible blade construction to support controlled finishing.
• Rounded corners and finished blade edges to help minimise drag and surface marking.
• Lightweight construction for comfortable handling.
• Ergonomic handle options to suit different preferences.
• Designs suited to finishing and smoothing plaster on walls and ceilings.

The three models offer different balances of flexibility and rigidity, allowing plasterers to select a trowel that complements their technique rather than relying on a single blade feel for every application.

If you’re comparing flexible finishing trowels and want to understand how different options perform, explore our Flexible Finishing Trowels: An In-Depth Comparison & Buying Guide to discover the key features, benefits and factors to consider when choosing the right tool for your work.

SUPERFLEX-1: The Most Flexible Finishing Trowel

The SUPERFLEX-1 is the most flexible model in the range, making it a popular choice for plasterers who prefer a more responsive blade during finishing.

Featuring a 0.4mm stainless steel blade with a 125mm width, the SUPERFLEX-1 is designed to provide a high degree of flexibility while maintaining control over the working edge.

This makes it particularly well suited to finishing and smoothing multi-finish and board-finish plasters, where achieving a consistent surface is a priority.

Key features:

• 0.4mm stainless steel blade.
• 125mm blade width.
• Highly flexible design.
• Rounded corners and finished blade edges.
• Suitable for finishing and smoothing plaster.

Best suited for:

Plasterers who prefer a highly flexible finishing trowel and want a responsive feel when refining plaster surfaces. It is particularly suitable for later finishing stages, where controlled pressure and a smooth working edge help achieve the desired result.

SUPERFLEX-2: A Balance of Flexibility and Control

The SUPERFLEX-2 offers a slightly different feel, providing a balance between flexibility and additional stiffness along the length of the blade.

It features a 0.4mm stainless steel blade with a narrower 120mm width. Its longer bracket gives the blade a slightly firmer feel than the SUPERFLEX-1, making it a useful option for plasterers who want flexibility without quite as much movement through the blade.

This balance can be beneficial when flattening and finishing plaster, particularly for tradespeople who prefer a little more support and control during their working passes.

Key features:

• 0.4mm stainless steel blade.
• 120mm blade width.
• Longer bracket for a slightly stiffer feel.
• Flexible construction for controlled finishing.
• Suitable for flattening and finishing applications.

Best suited for:

Plasterers who are looking for a flexible trowel that retains additional stiffness along its length. The SUPERFLEX-2 offers an alternative to the more flexible SUPERFLEX-1, making it a useful choice for those who prefer a firmer feel while maintaining the benefits of a flexible blade.

SUPERFLEX-3: A More Rigid, All-Round Finishing Trowel

The SUPERFLEX-3 completes the range with a more rigid blade design, offering a different balance of flexibility and support.

Featuring a 0.5mm rose gold stainless steel blade with a 125mm width, it provides additional rigidity compared with the SUPERFLEX-1 and SUPERFLEX-2. This makes it a versatile option for plasterers who prefer a firmer trowel and want to use the same tool across more stages of the plastering process.

While it retains the benefits of the SUPERFLEX design, its increased blade thickness gives it a different working feel that may suit tradespeople who prefer greater support during application, flattening and finishing.

Key features:

• 0.5mm rose gold stainless steel blade.
• 125mm blade width.
• Increased rigidity compared with the SUPERFLEX-1 and SUPERFLEX-2.
• Flexible trowel design with a firmer working feel.
• Suitable for a broader range of plastering stages.

Best suited for:

Plasterers who prefer a more rigid finishing trowel with all-round versatility. The SUPERFLEX-3 is a strong option for those who want the benefits of a flexible blade while retaining additional support during different stages of plastering.

SUPERFLEX-1 vs SUPERFLEX-2 vs SUPERFLEX-3: What’s the Difference?

Although all three trowels belong to the same range, their differences in blade thickness, width and construction affect their flexibility and intended use.

Feature	SUPERFLEX-1	SUPERFLEX-2	SUPERFLEX-3
Blade material	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Rose gold stainless steel
Blade thickness	0.4mm	0.4mm	0.5mm
Blade width	125mm	120mm	125mm
Blade feel	Most flexible	Slightly stiffer	More rigid
Key characteristic	Maximum flexibility	Balance of flex & control	Firmer, all-round feel
Typical applications	Finishing & smoothing	Flattening & finishing	Application, flattening & finishing

The right option ultimately comes down to your preferred working style and the level of flexibility you want from your trowel. Those who prioritise a highly flexible blade may prefer the SUPERFLEX-1, while the SUPERFLEX-2 offers a slightly firmer alternative. For plasterers who want additional rigidity and broader versatility, the SUPERFLEX-3 is worth considering.

What to Consider When Choosing a SUPERFLEX Trowel

Selecting the right finishing trowel is about finding a balance between blade flexibility, control and the demands of the application.

Before choosing a model, consider the following factors.

Blade Flexibility

Blade flexibility influences how the trowel responds to pressure and how it feels during finishing passes.

A more flexible blade may suit plasterers who prefer a responsive tool for refining surfaces, while a slightly firmer blade can provide additional support for those who prefer more resistance through the working edge.

The SUPERFLEX range offers options across this spectrum, allowing you to choose according to your technique and finishing preferences.

Plastering Stage

The stage of the plastering process can influence which trowel is most suitable.

During flattening and finishing, the aim is to refine the surface without introducing unnecessary marks or imperfections. A flexible finishing trowel can help achieve this when used at the appropriate stage, with the correct pressure and technique.

The SUPERFLEX-1 and SUPERFLEX-2 are particularly suited to finishing applications, while the SUPERFLEX-3 offers additional rigidity for those who prefer a more versatile tool throughout the process.

Handle Comfort and Grip

A finishing trowel should feel comfortable and balanced during extended use. Handle preference can influence grip, control and the overall working experience, particularly when completing multiple rooms or working overhead.

REFINA offers different handle options across its trowel range, allowing professionals to select a configuration that suits their preferences.

Blade Width and Working Style

Blade width can influence how a trowel feels in use and how it responds to different movements.

The SUPERFLEX-1 and SUPERFLEX-3 feature 125mm-wide blades, while the SUPERFLEX-2 has a narrower 120mm blade. These differences, combined with the blade construction, contribute to the distinct feel of each model.

Rather than choosing solely by specification, consider which combination of width and flexibility gives you the control you prefer on site.

Typical Applications for SUPERFLEX Trowels

The SUPERFLEX range is designed for professional plastering and finishing applications, particularly where control and surface quality are important.

Common applications include:

• Multi-finish plaster: Refining and smoothing plaster during the finishing stages.
• Board-finish plaster: Achieving a consistent finish on plasterboard surfaces.
• Wall finishing: Smoothing plaster surfaces while helping minimise drag marks and trowel lines.
• Ceiling finishing: Providing controlled blade movement during overhead plastering work.
• General finishing work: Supporting different finishing techniques according to the selected blade and the material being used.

As with any plastering tool, results depend on the material, its setting stage, surface conditions and the user’s technique. Choosing a suitable blade and applying appropriate pressure remain essential to achieving a consistent finish.

Getting the Most From Your SUPERFLEX Trowel

Choosing the right tool is only part of achieving a professional finish. Correct handling, maintenance and technique are equally important.

Use appropriate pressure – Allow the blade to work with the plaster rather than forcing it across the surface. Excessive pressure can introduce unwanted marks and make finishing more difficult.

Work at the right stage – The condition of the plaster affects how the blade responds. Follow the material manufacturer’s guidance and adjust your technique as the plaster progresses through its setting stages.

Keep the blade clean – Remove plaster residue and debris between passes to reduce the risk of dragging unwanted material across the surface.

Look after the working edge – Clean and store your trowel carefully to help protect the blade from damage that could affect finishing performance.

Choose a blade that suits your technique – The most flexible option is not necessarily the best choice for every plasterer or every stage. Understanding the differences between the SUPERFLEX models helps you select the right tool for your preferences.

Why Choose the SUPERFLEX range at REFINA?

The SUPERFLEX range has been developed for professional plasterers who need dependable tools for consistent finishing work.

By offering three models with different blade characteristics, REFINA gives tradespeople the flexibility to select a trowel that suits their working style and the demands of the job.

Whether you prefer the highly flexible SUPERFLEX-1, the balanced feel of the SUPERFLEX-2 or the additional rigidity of the SUPERFLEX-3, the range provides options for achieving controlled, professional plaster finishes.

For tradespeople who rely on their tools day in and day out, choosing the right finishing trowel can make a meaningful difference to comfort, control and consistency on site.

Explore the complete SUPERFLEX range at REFINA to find the finishing trowel that best suits your requirements.