Description of the Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Trade
“Drywall Finisher and Plasterer” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by drywall finishers and plasterers.
Drywall finishers and plasterers prepare surfaces, tape and finish drywall. They apply, maintain and restore plaster and similar materials on interior and exterior walls, ceilings and building partitions to make them more decorative, soundproof and fire-rated. Drywall finishers and plasterers inspect and prepare the surface. They apply tape to fire-rate and gas-proof walls and prevent drafts. They install beads to protect corners, fill joints and imperfections, mix and apply compound, and sand to create a smooth surface.
Drywall finishers and plasterers may repair or restore plastered surfaces, and textured drywall. They may also repair and restore mouldings.
Drywall finishers and plasterers work in the construction industry, largely in the institutional, commercial and residential sectors. They may be employed by drywall finishing contractors or be self-employed.
Drywall finishers and plasterers use a wide variety of hand, power, and layout and measuring tools. They mix compounds and fast-setting materials using electrical mixers. They may apply tape using automatic taping tools or hand tools such as hawks, trowels and taping knives. Drywall finishers and plasterers occasionally texture walls and ceilings using power compressors. Measuring tools are used to lay out the location of mouldings and ornaments on walls and ceilings. Access equipment such as scaffolding, ladders and scissor lifts are used for hard-to-reach areas.
Drywall finishers and plasterers may practice the full scope of the trade or specialize. Many work indoors on new construction sites while others work on older buildings doing repairs or renovations. They often work at heights, in noisy and dusty conditions, and alongside other trades.
Key attributes for people entering this trade include physical endurance, flexibility and strength as the work requires a lot of standing, bending and lifting. Manual dexterity and good eye-hand coordination are necessary as are good vision and spatial perception. The ability to estimate and calculate size and dimensions is important and an artistic aptitude is helpful in restorative work. Attention to detail, problem solving and job planning skills are also important attributes.
This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of bricklayers, painters and decorators, lathers (interior systems mechanics), concrete finishers and carpenters.
Experienced drywall finishers and plasterers may advance to supervisory and mentorship positions or other related areas such as construction management, instruction and inspection.