Exploring the Trade of Plastering

Copyright (c) 2008 Able Skills

Plastering is one of the most important trades in the construction industry but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people believe that plastering is carried out by painters and decorators. Whilst a decorator may make simple plaster repairs or maybe even plaster a wall, they will not have the in depth skill and experience as a qualified plasterer.

There are many different types of plaster available and only an experiened plasterer will understand the advantages and disadvantages of each different product.

What is Plastering?

In it's simplist form, plastering is a way of strengthening and sealing the walls of a house with a cement or lime based product designed to dry quickly. Even this shortened statement does not provide a complete picture of what plastering does, however, as it can be used for a variety of other purposes as well.

The Multiple Purposes of Plastering

While the original purpose of plaster was to strengthen walls and to prevent weather from getting inside a home, it has sense grown into both a craft and too a degree an art form. On one hand, plastering is the final touch to what the carpenter started. In essence, the plasterer creates a hard shell around the wooden walls of the home. Because of plaster's properties, however, many plasterers are able to create unique decorative molds with plaster. This in itself is part of the plastering process.

If you look at a plastered wall, you will see that it is much more than a wall with a dried substance slathered on it. Rather, you will notice some texture and shaping has taken place. You may also notice that the plastering technique was different on the ceilings that it was on the walls. This is all part of the art of plastering.

Making it Look Easy

One of the many misconceptions people have about plastering is that it is easy. This is actually far from the truth. There is much to know about how to plaster, including what kind of plaster to use for a given surface, how thick to spread the plaster and how to make the right designs. While it is something almost anyone can learn how to do, it is best to consult an expert and maybe take a plastering course before launching into your own plastering project. This way, you will be certain to know the proper techniques before you get started.