If you’re someone who likes to work with your hands or work on home renovation projects, you may consider a career in plastering. Plastering can provide both home safety and art, with some people wanting plaster as a design feature on their walls. When learning to plaster, it’s important to research what materials plasterers use, job responsibilities and what salaries can look like for this career path.
In this article, we explore the plasterer profession, including what a plasterer is, what they do, what their workplace includes, who might be a good fit for the job, and what jobs and salaries are available for plasterers.
What is a plasterer?
A plasterer is a tradesperson in the field of construction who works with plaster. Applying plaster can give walls a protective layer that helps protect against effects from the atmosphere, like moisture. It can also provide decorative designs to walls and ceilings. Plasterers may work as part of a private practice or through contracting companies. They may also take jobs as part of a contract with construction teams or businesses who want plastering work completed in a temporary position.
What does a plasterer do?
A plasterer mixes ingredients together to make plaster and applies it to walls and ceilings. When applying the plaster, plasterers try to create a smooth or decorative finish on the internal walls and ceilings of homes and buildings. They also use plaster to repair damaged walls and ceilings. They may also apply renders and finishes on floors, ceilings, and walls, which are other types of protective or shiny layers that make the place applied to have a new look.
Plasterer work environment
Plasterers can spend most of their workday on their feet, plastering with one hand and troweling with the other. If plastering ceilings or tops of walls, they may also spend time on a ladder or stretching to reach certain areas. Their work areas may have large amounts of dust, dirt, or flaked materials coming off walls and ceilings. Because these environments may irritate skin, eyes, or lungs, plasters typically wear protective gear, including goggles, masks, and gloves.