Career summary

Details for Tapers


Description

Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.

Tasks

  • Remove extra compound after surfaces have been covered sufficiently.
  • Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
  • Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
  • Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable electric mixers.
  • Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
  • Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
  • Sand or patch nicks or cracks in plasterboard or wallboard.
  • Use mechanical applicators that spread compounds and embed tape in one operation.
  • Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
  • Install metal molding at wall corners to secure wallboard.
  • Sand rough spots of dried cement between applications of compounds.
  • Countersink nails or screws below surfaces of walls before applying sealing compounds, using hammers or screwdrivers.
  • Select the correct sealing compound or tape.
  • Apply texturizing compounds or primers to walls or ceilings before final finishing, using trowels, brushes, rollers, or spray guns.
  • Check adhesives to ensure that they will work and will remain durable.
  • Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction -Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Skills

None found.

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