Over the last few years we’ve noticed a lot of so called plasterers making a Sour’s ear of works that we have then been asked to paint. Customers who pay good money for a decent job, later find out that once we have applied a first/mist coat, their ceiling or walls are as wavy as the ocean. This then leads to far more time being spent by decorators who have to spend hours filling sanding and making good the shoddy workmanship, and of course leads to extra costs for the homeowner.
It seems that in this trade anyone believes they can pick up a trail and are a fully skilled plasterer. I think not.
What does a plasterer do?
Plasterers coat the inside walls of buildings with plaster to make them ready for decorating. You may also render the outside walls of buildings. You will normally be working on three main types of plastering:
- Solid plastering – applying wet finishes to surfaces and putting protective coverings like pebble-dashing on external walls
- Fibrous plastering – creating ornamental plasterwork, such as ceiling roses, cornices, and architraves, using a mixture of plaster and short fibres, shaped with moulds and casts
- Dry lining – fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions by fastening them together on a timber or metal frame ready for decorating
What do I need to do to become a plasterer?
You do not need formal qualifications to become a plasterer, though you can do an apprenticeship to gain the skills needed for the job. Alternatively, you can gain onsite experience working as an assistant plasterer, or complete a college course in plastering skills. Plastering can be physically demanding work, so a level of physical fitness is important.
Skilled plasterers should take a city and guilds accredited plastering course.
When you are looking for a competent plasterer, always ask for references and if you can, look at their previous work.