More involved in Plastering than meets the eye
Plastering involves working with plaster to create and enhance surfaces in both buildings and outdoors. Plastering can be used to reinforce walls or to sculpt decorative objects. Plaster is one of those materials that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used for soundproofing, weather proofing, fire proofing as well as for decorating and reinforcing. Using plaster involves using gypsum, cement mixes and even acrylics from time to time.
First of all, as a plasterer, you should be in excellent shape and have very good manual dexterity. If you have a creative streak that is a plus because a lot of the work that is done with plaster is decorative. Plastering also involves the use of tools (both hand and power tools) as well as plaster mixing machines, piston pumps, floats, straight edges and brushes. You will need to learn how to read blueprints and mechanical drawings. You should also know how to create a mechanical drawing and have reasonable math skills.
Some employers, while willing to give you the on the job training that you will need might require a membership in a union like the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. If union membership is required, check to see if the preferred union requires people in the plastering field to have certification. The certification course for plastering is twelve weeks long and at the end of it, if you pass, you will have earned a journey level as a plasterer. You also will have the choice of continuing the program and becoming a certified journey worker instructor.
With plastering there is more involved than the simple mixing of the plaster. A plasterer will measure the area that is going to be plastered, mix enough plaster to complete the project and lay the fitting work for the plaster to be poured into. The plaster once it is poured will then be sanded or worked with to form the texture required by the project and sometimes more plaster is applied to add decorative touches. After the plaster is dried it needs to be primed for painting which is often up to the plasterer. The plasterer will make sure the surface is dry and then manipulate it to be paint ready. Sometimes the plastering process involves painting the plaster as well, though sometime that job is left up to a painter or decorator to do.
Plastering is a promising field. By the year 2016, the job field is expected to grow by eight percent. This is also a relatively easy trade to enter into because most people prefer work that is more comfortable and less strenuous. If you are interested in starting on a plastering career, call the plasterers in your area to see if they might need any help. Being the plastering assistant is a great way to learn more about the field and find out if the field just might be right for you.
Plastering is a very satisfying job in that you can see the result of your labor right away.
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