Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
Apply drywall compound, tape joints, and plaster to interior walls and ceilings.
About Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
Drywall finishers and plasterers apply drywall compound, tape, and corner bead to joints and fastener heads to prepare surfaces for painting or wallpaper. Plasterers apply plaster coats to interior and exterior walls and ceilings and may create decorative plaster finishes.
Work Environment
They work on interior construction sites in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The work involves exposure to dust from sanding, working at heights on stilts and scaffolding, and lifting heavy sheets and compound buckets.
Physical Demands
- Prolonged overhead work on stilts
- Lifting sheets and buckets of compound
- Exposure to dust from sanding
- Repetitive arm and hand motions
- Working at heights on scaffolding and stilts
Designated Provinces & Territories
Red Seal Exam Structure
The Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Red Seal exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering 4 major work activity areas.
Total Questions
Multiple choice
5–15%
Knowledge & Recall
60–70%
Procedural Application
20–30%
Critical Thinking
Skills for Success
The essential skills required to succeed in this trade, as defined by the Red Seal program.
Reading
Read technical manuals, code books, specifications, and safety documentation related to drywall finishing and plastering.
Document Use
Interpret blueprints, schematics, drawings, and technical documents used in drywall finishing and plastering.
Writing
Complete work orders, reports, inspection records, and other documentation for drywall finishing and plastering.
Oral Communication
Communicate with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and other trades to coordinate drywall finishing and plastering work.
Numeracy
Perform measurements, calculations, and estimates required for drywall finishing and plastering tasks.
Thinking
Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose issues and plan drywall finishing and plastering work.
Working with Others
Collaborate with team members, apprentices, and other trades on drywall finishing and plastering projects.
Digital Technology
Use digital tools, diagnostic software, and computer-based systems relevant to drywall finishing and plastering.
Continuous Learning
Stay current with evolving codes, technologies, and best practices in drywall finishing and plastering.
Career Advancement
Experienced finishers can advance to supervisory or estimating roles. Some specialize in decorative plaster, Venetian plaster, or exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS).
Specializations
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