Plaster pans come in various sizes, usually between 305mm (12″) and 457mm (18″) in length with an average capacity of 2 litres.
The size you need will depend on the size of the blade you use, the type of job you are doing and, more importantly, the size of your hand.
So for a job which requires a larger blade, you are going to need a larger plaster pan.
But remember, a larger pan places a greater strain on your hand and wrist.
Materials
Plaster pans are also available in three different materials to suit all budgets:
1. Plastic
2. Galvanised steel
3. Stainless steel
Plastic pans
A plastic pan should be durable enough to resist heat, cold, temperature changes and most chemicals.
Some plastic pans have metal inserts on the edge, which are useful for scraping residue from a trowel.
Galvanised steel pans
A galvanised steel plaster pan means the steel has been coated with a layer of zinc to give further protection against rust.
It is more durable than plastic, which has a tendency to buckle under constant use.
Stainless steel pans
At the top of the budget is a stainless steel plaster pan, where the corrosion protection element is not only on the surface like galvanised steel, but goes all the way through the metal.
Scratch stainless steel and there is just more stainless steel underneath! Stainless steel has a well-deserved reputation for resisting stains and damage.