Plasterer
A plasterer is a person who applies plaster to walls and ceilings to give them a smooth, durable finish.
Check yourself in a minute: plasterer
Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
apply proofing membranes
plaster surfaces
transport construction supplies
inspect construction supplies
install insulation material
About plasterer
What a plasterer does: mixes dry plaster, gypsum, cement or another mortar, with water in the proportions the manufacturer specifies, spreads the resulting paste on the wall and smooths it before it sets. Before starting they inspect the construction materials, checking whether a bag has hardened in storage, whether the background is sound and whether it is too wet to take plaster.
They install insulation material and apply adhesive wall coverings, and where a wall is exposed to water they use waterproofing membranes that stop moisture reaching the plaster. The plasterer also transports construction supplies to the workplace, among them bags of mortar, buckets and mixers. Chemicals in mortars and preparations are handled with care, since gypsum and cement dry out and irritate skin.
Health and safety procedures in construction apply throughout, and ergonomic working methods matter, including when plastering ceilings. Someone starting out mixes and loads for an experienced plasterer. Formal requirements are set by national construction rules.
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 16 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- apply proofing membranes
Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water.
practical skill - plaster surfaces
Apply plaster to a prepared surface manually or using a mechanical plaster spreader.
practical skillresilient to AI - transport construction supplies
Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.
practical skill - inspect construction supplies
Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
practical skill - install insulation material
Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical or acoustic influences and to prevent fire.
practical skill - work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
practical skill - use measurement instruments
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured.
practical skill - mix construction grouts
Mix construction materials with water and other materials based on the appropriate recipe.
practical skill
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Knowledge (1)
types of plastering materials
Practical skills (7)
apply adhesive wall coating
cut wall chases
prepare surface for plastering
place drywall
work ergonomically
follow health and safety procedures in construction
follow safety procedures when working at heights
Optional skills (24) — show
art history
apply restoration techniques
answer requests for quotation
use sander
monitor stock level
craft ornamental plastering
work in a construction team
maintain moulds
maintain work area cleanliness
calculate needs for construction supplies
tape drywall
estimate restoration costs
install construction profiles
build scaffolding
place gypsum blocks
keep personal administration
order construction supplies
process incoming construction supplies
interpret 3D plans
use safety equipment in construction
keep records of work progress
select restoration activities
interpret 2D plans
set up temporary construction site infrastructure
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does a plasterer do?
Plasterers apply plaster made from gypsum, cement or other solutions to walls as a smooth finish. They mix dry plaster powder with water, then smear the resulting paste onto a wall. The plaster is then smoothed before it hardens and forms a solid coating on the wall.
What skills does a plasterer need?
A plasterer needs 16 essential skills, including types of plastering materials, work ergonomically, apply proofing membranes, plaster surfaces, transport construction supplies.
Will AI replace plasterer jobs?
The AI disruption score for plasterer is 31/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor stock level, keep personal administration, keep records of work progress. Most resilient: plaster surfaces, place gypsum blocks, use safety equipment in construction.
AI Replacement Risk
Quick Facts
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