Hawk and trowel is a texture that is named after the tools used to create it. It's not a common texture these days, but it adds a lot of character to a wall. It's defined by overlapping waves of mud that have been applied with a swirl effect. Then it's marred a bit with a drywall knife to finalize the effect.
Hawk and trowel is a texture that is named after the tools used to create it. A hawk is a tool with a flat surface with a handle jutting out of it. It is used to hold mud, functionally similar to a mud pan. A trowel is a tool used to apply the mud to the wall.
This texture is kind of a mix between skip trowel, santa fe, and a brocade. Overlapping waves of mud are applied to the wall in an arcing pattern, and then tapped in places to add a rougher texture.
You won't find many contractors who do this texture these days. It is more involved than most hand textures, but it's not quite an artisanal texture.
It's a heavy texture and will cover almost any imperfection in your wall.
