Plastering is a manual trade and is an ideal career for someone that likes to work with people both inside and outdoors. Plasterers work alone or as part of a team (or gang) and a majority of their work will be plastering walls floors and ceilings.

Solid Plastering- This type of plastering is where the plasterer would apply wet finishes to whatever surface they are working on. They would then apply protective coverings to the surface.

Fibrous Plastering- Using a mixture of plaster and short fibers, the plasterer creates ornamental plasterwork. This might include the creation of ceiling roses, columns and archways.

Dry Lining- This part of the job is for fixing the internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions. To do this, the plasterer fastens them together on a timber or metal frame. They would then be ready of either painting or papering.

A plasterer uses a variety of tools and trowels to apply the plaster they are working with. Those who are working on fibrous plastering would be following a design that was created by an architect or interior designer. There are many different types of jobs a plasterer will be expected to carry out; form a small residential home to large scale buildings. They may also work on repairs and restorations of old buildings and structures.

A plasterer applies the plaster by using many different types of tools, including different sized-trowels, depending on the surface area they are working with. With fibrous plastering, one would follow the designs that have been created by an architect, artist or interior designer. As a plasterer, you may be employed on big commercial developments, or you could work on small-scale domestic jobs, repairs and restoration.

Work Environment

Those who choose plastering as a career can expect to work mainly indoors on their jobs. Some may work outside applying decorative exterior finishes. A plasterer may use scaffolds to work high off of the ground. Plastering can be a demanding and physical job. It will require much standing, lifting, bending and reaching. Plasterers sometimes complain of neck, back and shoulder cramps and muscle strains. A plasterer should always use protective coverings for their eyes, nose and mouth, and wear gloves as well. Plastering can cause much dust, and it is imperative to protect ones skin and lungs.

Education and training

Some schools offer technical schools or vocational schools which may or may not offer courses that can help in this field.

Many plasters will learn how to plaster by becoming apprentice for a contractor and learning on the job. Workers can start out as helpers or laborers, and may start out by being what is sometimes known as a "go-fer". Although many plasterers are self taught, some employers will formalise these skills by sending an employee to college or a training centre. A formal way of on the job training is called an apprenticeship.

Employment

Those who choose the career as a plasterer can expect it to be a fast growing one. The job prospect outlook is excellent, as there will always be building and developing underway, making a plasterer a necessary job. A career in the job of a plaster can be profitable, busy and rewarding.

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