I'm a plasterer me.

[noseall]

Being proficient at plastering (internal) does in no way qualify you to be proficient in rendering (external-decorative) or have the slightest clue about mixes etc.

I can float and set to a decent standard all be it a little slower these days.

I can also dab and skim boards with one hand tied behind my back, whilst hopping on one foot and spinning a few plates.

However, whilst i can achieve an ok finish on small panels of exterior rendering, there is no way i would ever deem myself an external coatings specialist.

I have the highest regard for guys that can produce good decor finishes, i.e. roughcast, pebble-dash, coloured renders etc, on large facades and also make it look easy.

The UK is producing a new generation of "plasterers" that quite frankly are lost once taken away from their comfortable dot n dab skimmy-skim routine.

 

[joe-90]

Well I don't know what inspired that, but I concur.

 

[noseall]

It wasn't a dig at anyone inparticular, more of a pat on the back for renderers.

The whole getting the mix right, the timing, whether to wet the wall or leave, how wet the mix needs to be, etc etc.
Sound like simple things but there is an awful lot to external coatings, which when i see a well finished building leaves me in awe of these guys.

Their skill is so far up the ladder of plastering that regular plasterers like me making comments, can only come from my own limited experience. I prefer to listen and learn from the big guns.

 

[catlad]

When working on some renovation jobs over the last few years, you come down the ladder to get a brew and you see the other trades at work and you can't help but look at the quality of work going on and have a bit of banter for a few mins, and then one says I'm the plasterer me and I think yea right, Young lads out of these quick fire coarses.