The trowel cut is a craft technique in plastering and stucco work in which the edge of a smoothing or stainless steel trowel is used to draw a straight incision into still fresh or leather-hard plaster. This creates clean joints that serve as visual design elements or form technically necessary movement joints. In ETICS applications, trowel cuts are frequently used at transition zones, storey bands or plinth areas. The depth of the cut depends on the plaster coat and the desired joint pattern. Masking with plaster profiles or separating strips can complement or replace the trowel cut. Clean, straight cuts require experience and a steady hand.