You may think that concrete and plaster are the same, but they are different in many ways. Plaster is a white powder and you need to mix this powder with water to make it thick and slurry. Plaster is made of gypsum and you can use plaster for your concrete work too. This powder is commonly available as “Plaster of Paris” in the market, and you can use such powders for various applications, like pottery plaster, ultra cal, casting plaster, hydrocal, hydro stone, garden caste, and mold-making plasters. 

What is Plasterer?

A plasterer is a skilled professional who can apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls and ceilings. Plasterers can also use plaster or stucco for decorative purposes, and they work under certified trade contractors. Most of the contractors work on drywall, and few of them can work as masonry contractors. You can find some self-employed plasterers, who can work on the individual project. You can hire them for repairing and maintenance jobs.

Plastering process that is followed by the plasterers:

Plasterers can work on various surfaces, indoor and outdoor. They can repair your walls and ceiling, and you can also hire them for installing a concrete driveway, pavement, and drywalls. However, such professionals can follow a common process of plastering, which is stated below:

• They prepare the surface by removing all dust, stains, and grease. They can use some wire mesh to clean the surface. Concrete is a porous material, and it can accumulate more dust and grease. So, plasterers can use some advanced tools to clean such surfaces.

• Then they will mix the plaster to the desired ratio and apply two to three coats of plaster on the surface. They can use different types of tools like brushes, trowels, and spray guns for the same.

• If you want to apply plasters for decorative purposes then the plasterers will use the brushes, sand and stones for the same. Then they will apply the sealant and waxes to protect the plasters. It will give a smooth finish to your wall or ceiling, and you can easily clean the surface in the future.  

• You can apply plasters on the ceiling and walls for proper insulation of your rooms. Plasterers can make your property fire-resistant, water-proof, and soundproof. Sometimes, they can use concrete blocks or supportive wire mesh for the same.

• They can also apply plaster on your drywalls to make your walls scratch resistant. You can find few plasterers specialized in decorative and ornamental plastering, and they can show their creativity and design your ceiling or walls with some unique designs.

Like other fields of the construction industry, plasterers also work on height and it is a risky job. They need to work on their feet for the whole day and they have to apply the plasters by using hawk. They have to hold a trowel for a long to keep the mixture intact and use their other hand to apply plastering membranes. It is really a tough job and you cannot do it with your DIY tools.

Plasterers mostly suffer from skin irritation, and their eyes and lungs can get affected by dust and dirt. Workers usually wear some protective gear during this job, such as masks, gloves, and goggles. If you want to try this plastering work on your own, then you can get affected in adverse ways. To keep your family safe and avoid such health hazards, you must hire a professional plasterer. Make sure, you must check their license, certifications, insurance, and reviews before you hire. You can search for them online to choose the best one.