A putty knife may seem like a basic tool, but it is an essential and versatile must-have in any painter’s or drywaller’s toolbox. Available in various widths, materials, and shapes, its uses go beyond applying putty. You can also use it to scrape old paint, clean BBQ grills, and more.

Understanding the different types of putty knives and their features can help you get the most out of this tool.

Handle Construction

Putty knives come in two main blade types: full-tang and partial-tang. Full-tang blades are stronger and more durable, with the blade extending into the handle—ideal for heavy-duty tasks. On the other hand, partial-tang blades are better suited for lighter jobs.

Handles come in different materials like wood, metal, plastic, and rubber, with shapes ranging from straight to ergonomic. Ergonomic handles offer greater comfort, making the knife easier to use for extended periods while reducing hand fatigue.

Blade Flexibility

Putty knives can have plastic or stainless-steel blades. Although any putty knife can remove old paint or apply compound materials, the blade’s flexibility and construction determine how efficiently it performs specific tasks.

For instance, when removing paint or scraping dirt and grime, a stiff putty knife is your best bet. However, when applying compounds, the flexible putty knife will make the job much easier. Using a stiff knife for tasks that require flexibility can make the work unnecessarily difficult.

Edge Varieties

Putty knives come in various edge types, including:

Blade Size

It is essential to have a range of putty knives in your toolkit as they typically range from 25mm to 200mm. For larger tasks like stripping paint from a wide wall area, a larger blade is more efficient. For detailed work, such as taping around corners and edges, a smaller blade is ideal. Smaller blades also offer better control in tight spaces and more precise applications.

Is the Shape of a Putty Knife Important?

Absolutely! The shape of a putty knife greatly impacts its function, with each design suited for specific tasks.

• Standard Putty Knife: Featuring blades curved on the sides that meet at a straight edge, this design evenly distributes pressure, making it perfect for easily stripping old paint and wallpaper.

• Straight, Narrow Blade: Ideal for detail work like filling nail holes and other precision jobs.

• Broad Knife: With a wide, straight rectangular blade, the broad knife is perfect for applying compound and covering drywall tape efficiently.

• Curved Side Putty Knife: Great for scooping putty from the bucket, applying it to surfaces, and finishing corners with precision.

• Multi-tool Putty Knife: This versatile tool offers a range of functions, including nail setting, scraping paint, spreading compound, cleaning rollers, pulling nails, opening cans and bottles, and even cutting utilities.

What Can I Do with a Putty Knife?

While it is well known that a putty knife is perfect for applying joint compound or putty to nail holes and cracks, smoothing surfaces, and scraping away old paint, there is much more this versatile tool can do! Here are a few additional uses:

• Scrape-Off Wallpaper: Removing old wallpaper becomes much easier with the use of a putty knife. Begin by locating a loose corner or edge of the wallpaper, and gently work the putty knife underneath it. Use smooth, even pressure to lift the wallpaper from the wall, gradually scraping away the old paper.

• Fill Nail Holes: Use a narrow putty knife to apply a small amount of spackling or joint compound directly to the nail holes. Hold the knife at a slight angle and press firmly to fill the hole completely. Then, drag the knife across the surface to remove any excess compound, creating a smooth, even finish. Allow the compound to dry, and lightly sand the area if necessary to ensure the surface is perfectly smooth and ready for priming or painting.

• Patch Small Cracks: A standard putty knife is ideal for repairing small cracks in drywall. Begin by using the putty knife to widen the crack slightly, ensuring any loose or flaking material is removed. Then, apply a generous amount of joint compound over the crack using the knife. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and press firmly to push the compound into the crack. Once filled, smooth over the area by scraping off the excess compound with the putty knife, ensuring a seamless finish. After the compound dries, sand the surface lightly to ensure it's ready for painting.

• Glazing windows: Use your putty knife with a chiselled edge to remove old, cracked putty, and with a putty knife with a straight blade, apply and shape the glazing compound around the edges of glass panes and hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle. Smoothly pull it along the edge of the pane to create a clean, even, and waterproof seal.

• Remove Baseboards: Start by carefully inserting the edge of the putty knife between the wall and the baseboard, working along the seam where they meet. Gently wiggle the knife to create a small gap. Gradually move along the length of the baseboard, using the putty knife to loosen it from the wall.

• Remove Caulking: After softening the caulk with a remover, use a putty knife to pull off the old caulk cleanly.

• Add texture to the drywall: You can create decorative textures on drywall with a putty knife. Spread joint compound over the surface, then shape it into patterns such as swirls, fan designs, or stippling. Adding texture enhances walls and ceilings with a distinctive and personalized look.

• Flip Burgers: A 150mm putty knife can be a surprisingly handy tool for flipping burgers—be the BBQ hero this summer!

• Clean Your Grill: Use your putty knife to scrape off stubborn gunk from your BBQ grill and keep it spotless.

In summary, it's more effective to have a range of putty knives and use each for its intended purpose, rather than relying on the same on for multiple tasks like scraping paint and applying putty. To explore the full selection of putty knives available from Haydn, click here.