A plasterer completes finishing work on interior and exterior walls.
A plasterer is a skilled craftsman who performs finishing work on the interiors of buildings with plaster coating. Plaster strengthens and insulates walls to prevent heat from escaping. It’s also an effective soundproofing material and provides protection from fires. Plasterers usually receive training on the job during construction projects. They typically act as helpers to experienced plasterers and learn through guidance and observation. Many employers hire candidates with only high school diplomas. The average salary of a plasterer as of May 2009 was $37,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Primary Application
Once a carpenter has constructed the frame of a building and a lather installed lath material, a plasterer begins his work. Plasterers usually use straight edges to delineate the surface area that requires plastering. A plasterer typically applies three levels of plastering. The initial coat is applied directly to the lath, a wire mesh board that allows plaster to adhere to walls, and is known as the "scratch" coat. This is because it is applied in a scratching/raking motion to ensure the second coat will stick to it.
Secondary Application
The second application is called the brown coat. This is smoothed off as neatly as possible to prepare for the last application. Plasterers use a "hawk" to help them with their work. This is a plate that holds the plaster in their spare hand as they work. They scoop the plaster and apply it to the walls with a trowel, which is a flat metal blade used for spreading plaster and other substances.
Finishing Coat
For interior walls, the last coat of plaster usually consists of a white lime mixture, which is applied quickly and smoothed down with brush and water. For exterior walls, a plasterer applies a heavy mixture consisting of sand and cement to protect against bad weather. They also use power machines to apply the initial and finishing coats.
Decorative Work
If working on building exteriors, a plasterer usually uses cement plaster, as it is resistant to the effects of weather. Plasterers who specializes in decorative molds, cornice work or complex paneling are known as ornamental plasterers. A plasterer can also apply marble chunks to the last coat to give the walls a decorated and ornate finish. They can also make unusual and intricate patterns with the trowel to customer specifications. A plasterer may also be required to lift heavy equipment, although this work is typically done by other laborers.
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