Scrapers and compound-spreading hand tools remove surface coatings or apply substances to surfaces. They're commonly used to prepare surfaces for painting and finishing. Stiff putty knives and scrapers have a rigid blade that slides under and lifts away paint, coatings, stickers, and residues. Flexible putty knives and spreaders have a blade that flexes under pressure to press against surfaces and smooth on joint compounds, apply spackle and pastes, lay drywall tape, or remove residues. Painter's multi-tools have a multipurpose blade with cutouts, pointed tips, and flat edges to scrape off residues and surface bumps, spread compounds, clean paint rollers, and pry open cans with a single tool. Combination scraper and spreader sets provide multiple tools to handle application and removal tasks.