What Jobs Does A Plasterer Do?

What Jobs Does A Plasterer Do?

When constructing or renovating a property, there are a lot of jobs involved and these all require the services of different tradespeople. One such job is ensuring that the walls and ceiling are correctly prepared for finishing and decorating and that is where a plasterer comes in. But exactly what jobs does a plasterer do?

The main job role of a plasterer is to apply plaster to walls and ceiling in order to prepare them for decoration and finishing.

Plasterers usually work as part of a team as, depending on the project, this could be a big job. Where plasterers work will vary greatly with some people working on construction sites apply plaster to newly built properties while others work privately and will attend their client’s homes to do smaller jobs. 

Some plasterers are self-employed but others will work under an employer in order to progress their career. There are many trained plasterers who will work their way up to become a site manager or those who expand their skill set and take on tiling jobs, dry lining and estimating. 

Plasterers are able to prepare surfaces ready for the application of plaster which can also include making a wall or ceiling more even. If you have lumps and bumps on the surface, your plasterer will be able to help with this. They’re also adept at mixing plaster to ensure the right consistency to ensure the perfect finish. 

As well as just applying plaster, these skilled professionals are also able to create a number of ornamental features which is known as fibrous plastering. This might include things like cornices, architraves and ceiling roses so this is someone you’d need to hire for this decorative work. 

A plaster can also fix plasterboard and partition in rooms as well as working on external walls to apply things like render and pebble dash. 

Can A Plasterer Skim Over Artex?

Artex is a relatively dated decorative aspect and yet thousands of homes around the UK still have it on their ceilings. Take a look up; does  your ceiling have patterns, texture or swirls? If the answer is yes then it’s probably artex which is used as a coating to create a decorative finish. You may also sometimes find it used on walls. This was a common thing in the 1970s where people would add artex to give the room a little more flair.

However, these designs are now considered to be incredibly dated and a lot of people want them gone from their home. Not only are they not in keeping with modern decor styles but they’re super difficult to keep clean and when it comes to repairing them; it’s the stuff of nightmares. But can your plasterer cover them up?

It is possible to plaster over artex but this isn’t always an easy fix. The texture and intensity of the design will determine whether your plasterer can successfully plaster over the top. You will need to have a plasterer come out and take a look at the ceiling to see whether the texture height is suitable for skimming over. 

In most cases, you will be advised that the artex needs to be removed either partially or entirely. If the height of the textured pattern is quite short, a plasterer may not need to remove anything but in most cases, there will be an amount of prep work required. Usually, they will do this using a metal scraper to make the surface more even and smooth. 

It is also worth keeping in mind that, up until 1999, it was perfectly legal to add asbestos to plaster as a way of creating texture and if you’ve got an artex ceiling, this could be what was used. If your ceiling was done before 1999, then there is a very good chance that there will be asbestos present and to remove this, you will need to hire a licensed professional.

Can A Plasterer Skim Over Wallpaper?

Much like plastering over artex, skimming over the top of wallpaper is possible but it doesn’t come highly recommended by the best plasterers. This is because when you apply plaster to a wallpapered surface, there is not a lot of moisture. 

Plaster needs moisture in order to properly bond to the wall so you will find that, as it dries, it begins to crack and won’t adhere correctly. Any plastered worth his or her salt will tell you that removing the wallpaper first is the best option. 

Can A Plasterer Do Rendering?

Rendering is very similar to plastering in that the same process for application is used. However, the main difference is that plastering is done on an internal surface whereas rendering is saved for outdoor surfaces. Furthermore, the combination of materials is different for both processes. 

That said, most plasterers are also trained to apply render so if you’re looking for the right tradesperson, a plasterer is it. You will need to keep in mind that if you are looking to render a two or more storey property, you will need to have scaffolding installed and this will vastly increase the cost of the job but it is an important safety feature and no plasterer will attempt the job without it. 

Related article: What Tools Does A Plasterer Use?

Conclusion

A plasterer is a person who applies plaster to walls and ceilings to make them smooth and even before they are decorated and finished. They work both in private homes and on construction sites as well as in commercial settings. These people are able to do a wide range of ornamental jobs including making ceiling roses and cornices. They will also be able to apply render to the outside of your home.