What Does A Plasterer Do?
Plastering has long been considered one of the oldest trades in the building profession. Because of the durability and low expense of the materials involved, plasterers are still in high demand. Plastering is the process of putting plaster on walls and ceilings using materials that form both a sound and fire proof surface. Plastering also includes the use of plaster veneer over drywall to make a textured finish that can withstand bumps and scrapes. Installation of prefabricated insulation systems and cast ornaments are also within the realm of the plasterer.
Plastering can be done on solid surfaces or over wire lathing. A coat of gypsum is applied to solid surfaces such as concrete to form a base that the plaster sticks to. It is followed by a second coat which is the finish coat of lime-based plaster. When plasterers use metal lathing, they apply what is called a ‘scratch coat’ of plaster in and over the metal framework. Before the plaster sets, plasterers use a rake-like tool to make ridges in the plaster surface so that the gypsum coat will stick to it followed by the final coat of plaster.
Different techniques of plastering use different types of plaster coating all of which use the brown coat of gypsum to give the plaster something to stick to. Most plasterers prepare their own finishing – or white coat – and it is made from a mixture of lime, water, and plaster of Paris. They use a tool called a ‘hawk’ to apply the plaster. The plaster dries and solidifies quickly, so it is imperative that the plasterer apply it to the prepared surface as soon as possible. This mixture provides the plasterer with a smooth and durable finish. A ‘thin-coat’ plaster – gypsum veneer plaster – is made the same way, but it is used on interior surfaces, such as gypsum baseboard or drywall that has been prepared with a bonding agent.
Plastering can be a decorative surface on the inside walls of your building by creating decorative swirls in the wet plaster. Plasterers can also create more complex patterns and this special work requires a bit of creativity on the plasterers part. These special plastering techniques can use molds to create things such as ceiling designs, cornice pieces, and chair rails. The plasterer is required to read a blue print in order to know where the decorative plastering work needs to go within the room. When working with insulation, plasterers help install the material and then cover the outer walls with a polymer-based or polymer-modified base coat that is then finished with an additional coat including a decorative finish.
Most plastering is done indoors unless the plasterer is a stucco mason – a type of plasterer – who is applying exterior finishes. Plastering is a physically demanding career and plasterers must be able to bend, lift, reach overhead, and be able to work on ladders and scaffolding above the ground. Additional hazards in the field of plastering include getting covered with dust and dirty from the preparation work. The dust and dirt can cause eye, skin and lung irritations and anyone doing plastering should make sure they use protective masks and gloves.
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