Plastering a wall or ceiling may look easy, but anyone who
has had a go themselves will know just how tricky it really is. A good
plasterer is so highly skilled in his or her craft that they can make the job
look effortless. Smooth, creamy plaster glides onto the surface and dries out
evenly and perfectly flat – but only when the job is done well.
Most building services companies include plastering in their
range of services. When they find someone good, they hang on to them as a
valuable commodity. Plastering, like every trade, has some highly skilled
craftsmen and women, but many more who are still learning or just don’t take
care to get it right.
From mixing up the plaster to preparing the surface to
applying a smooth coat, there are many things to take into consideration. A
good company will understand this and respect their
plasterer’s art. For example, the humidity and temperature on the day of
plastering will affect the consistency of the mix and the drying time. If
plaster dries too quickly it will crack. The characteristics of the surface
being plastered are important too. It won’t stick to a damp or glossy surface.
Knowing how to get all of these elements right is a skill that most people
aren’t aware of.
The part of the job that people do notice is the speed and
art with which the plaster goes onto the wall or ceiling. With quick and steady
sweeps of the arm, a smooth surface is created. Watching this being done well
is an impressive sight and has inspired many amateurs to embark on their own
projects, with disastrous consequences. Another sign of good plastering skills
is the care he or she takes to avoid creating a mess. It is important to take
the time to lay out dust sheets, loosen sockets and switches and vacuum the
floor after you’ve finished.
Often a project such as an extension or a renovation will involve
several tradesmen trying to work around each other to get everything completed
in time. Plastering is one of the final tasks and cannot be done until the
electricians, plumbers and joiners have all done their bit. The building
services company is usually in a hurry by the time it calls in the plasterer,
so availability is crucial.
Most people appreciate the skill and art of
plastering once they have seen both good and bad examples.
