Plastering

**Plastering**

This trade covers the application of cement and sand plaster and skim coat to internal and external walls, columns, beams and ceilings, so that the finished surface is flat, plumb, smooth and ready for painting or other finishes.

1. Read and interpret drawings, specifications and finishing schedules

2. Prepare wall and ceiling surfaces by cleaning, hacking, wetting and applying bonding agent where required

3. Set out and fix screeds, dots and corner beads to control plaster thickness and line

4. Measure and mix cement, sand and additives to the correct ratio and consistency

5. Apply base coat and finishing coat plaster to walls, columns, beams and ceilings

6. Rule, float and trowel the plaster to a flat, plumb and even surface

7. Form neat corners, arrises, reveals and grooves

8. Apply skim coat and finish the surface smooth without cracks, hollows or trowel marks

9. Check the finished work with straight edge, spirit level and plumb line

10. Use plastering tools such as trowels, floats, hawks and straight edges safely

11. Complete the practical test within the given time following safe work practices