I switched from a 6-inch to a 10-inch taping knife for finishing work

I always stuck with a 6-inch knife for my final skim coats, thinking it gave me more control. Last month, I did a big ceiling job in a new build and my buddy lent me his 10-inch knife to try. The difference after two coats was huge, way fewer ridges and a flatter finish. It covers more area per pass, so you get less overlap and a smoother look. I bought my own the next week and it's cut down my sanding time by at least a third on big flats. Anyone else make a switch like that and see a big jump in quality?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_martin1mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, I know exactly what you mean. I was the same way, swore by my 6-inch for control. But once you get the hang of the bigger blade, it just glides over those flats. It really does cut down on the sanding, which is the worst part.

julia1191mo ago

Yeah, @kim_martin, you just convinced me to try the bigger one.

willow_martin1mo agoTop Commenter

Whoa, hold on... I gotta disagree with you both on this one. I tried the bigger blade like @kim_martin said, and it just felt so clumsy in my hands. I went right back to my smaller one for the detail work. Sure, it might take a few more passes, but the control is everything for me. I'd rather spend a little extra time than fight with a tool that doesn't feel right.