Plasterer
Summary
Plasterers make, apply and fix the internal and external linings of commercial and domestic buildings, including decorative and protective coverings made of plaster, cement or similar materials.
Duties & Tasks
Plasterers may perform the following tasks:
- measure room walls, work out plasterboard layout and install insulation and moisture barriers
- measure and mark cutting lines on plasterboard
- cut plasterboard; lift and position panels; and nail, screw or glue panels to walls, ceilings or wooden strips (battens)
- prepare corner beading panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings
- cover joins and nail holes with wet plaster or sealing compounds and smooth them using wet brushes and sand paper
- fix precast cornices and panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings
- apply finishing coats of plaster to give a smooth finish or decorative texture
- install fire-rated wall barriers
- spray fibrous materials over surfaces to be covered
- install acoustic walls and treatments
- render exterior walls and moulds
- make fibrous plaster moulds in factories.
Specialisations
Fixer (Plaster)
A fixer (plaster) installs plasterboard sheets and cornices in buildings.
Modellers Hand (Plaster)
A modellers hand (plaster) makes plaster moulds.
Sheet Hand (Plaster)
A sheet hand (plaster) makes fibrous enrichments.
Wet Plasterer
A wet plasterer conducts rendering work by applying wet solutions to internal or external walls and ceilings.
Working Conditions
Plasterers usually work in dusty conditions. They may work alone or in teams of two or three, indoors and outdoors. They may have contact with the public.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to work at heights
- able to work neatly and accurately
- able to read, interpret and work from plans.
