Plastering courses: learning the basics!

Plasterers are responsible for coating the external and internal surface of all constructions surfaces with a thin coating of plaster. The plaster is responsible for smoothing rough surfaces and providing a smooth water and weather resistant coat on building surfaces. Learning to be a plasterer is a great way to be a part of the construction trade and there are a whole lot of career alternative as you can choose. But first you have to start off by taking plastering courses to learn the basics of the trade.

Selecting plastering courses and the work you will have to learn-
Plastering is a highly skilled job that only expert plastering courses can teach you. No matter which plastering courses you shortlist, remember that you should be taught the following tricks of the trade.
 You should learn how to replace the existing plaster by chipping it off and then preparing the surface to receive a new layer of plaster. Attaching metal rivets to surfaces to fix plaster chipboards and preparing the chipboards for attachment.
 Learning the exact quantity of dry plaster which will be required to cover specific areas by calculating surface areas and amounts in basic math.
 And then the proper proportioning of water and dry plaster which has to be mixed to be the proper consistency. The quantity of water in the mix determines the porosity of the plaster mix and its strength. Plastering courses can teach this skill only through extensive practical training. Plastering courses have instructors who will teach you how to mix and apply the semi-liquid mix to prepared wall surfaces with the tools of the trade.
 Recognizing and basic proficiency with the tools of the trade like trowels and hawks. Preparing first and second coats of plaster and then scoring the first layer to provide mechanical retention for the second layer of plaster. Each plaster layer is applied in sections as the mix dries fast. Learning how to apply skim layers on top of the first two layers of plaster. Most plastering courses will teach you also how to apply fibrous backings to plaster moulds to make stronger castings.
 The average salary for a plasterer can range anywhere from $39,190 to about $ 40,000 and that was in the year 2007. The surveys were carried out by the U.S. Department of Labor but future statistics are optimistic about job prospects stating that there are more than 2000 vacancies available for trained plasterers who have completed professional plastering courses..
Most plastering courses are designed to teach you the basics of plaster work with a basic proficiency in wet work. But along with the skills and knowledge you will also have to work with a good construction company to get more hands-on experience. A few construction companies take on employees who have finished studying plastering courses and keep them on apprentices for three years. When you are an apprentice you get paid half the salary. Once your apprenticeship is over, you can work as a professional plasterer with full salary.