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Bad jobs
From my vantage point I run into “bad jobs” far too
often — where both plaster and drywall have been used to
do the new or repair work. I believe we’re in a time of crisis
and something drastic must be done to turn the tide. Some
of the problems and challenges include where the union and
independent contractors are concerned. Th e union is one of
the last places that true training is being carried out, where
skills are passed on and preserved for the next generation. Th e
challenge is that the union is not in the residential sector. I
personally think this needs to change, and soon.
Plaster repairs and work done on putting remodeling
projects back together are often horrendous. Th is is often the
case because the knowledge and skill to do such work is being
lost as older independent contractors retire, and those now
carrying on in their absence are working with skills that are
partial at best. Th is will only continue to worsen, since no
organized training outside the union is really going on. How
and when this is going to be remedied is an open question, and
how it’s answered remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: A bad job is a bad job whether it’s
drywall or plaster. Raising the standards so that fewer bad
jobs are done is our intention, and we will devote tireless
eff ort through the pages of this magazine to make sure this is
accomplished. I have no doubt that we will succeed.
Plaster vs. drywall
One of the reasons I’m so excited about this magazine
is that we’re attempting to bring together the drywall and
plastering fi elds and to bring back pride in both trades. For the
past two years now I have had the privilege of being able to
call Myron Ferguson, “Th at Drywall Guy,” a friend of mine.
We both have been bothered that there has been a rivalry
between the two trades which goes way back (much farther
than we can remember), and this magazine is our attempt to
work together in helping both trades see that there is room for
us all to work together and profi t well from such association.
We both feel that it’s not a matter of “this or that,” but more a
winning blend of both worlds. Much more on this topic later.
Why plaster rocks
I feel that a person can only speak on what they know.
And so I wanted to conclude this piece by including what
impresses me so much about plaster. I do a tremendous
amount of plaster repair and restoration work. When the worst
has happened — water damage from a storm or broken pipe,
cracks that have developed from years of settling, or a sudden
piece of plaster that falls in the night, I enjoy being called in
and putting things back together again. One great advantage
plaster gives is that it can be applied in heavy coats in quick
succession, thus straightening uneven areas in short order, and
all without sanding. Th is gives me the ability to make major
transformations in a few short hours of time. I don’t compare
this to drywall work. I simply set it out there as something
that plaster makes possible. And I feel strongly that these
skills are ones that every painter and hanger and taper would
do well to add to what they off er their clients.
I’d appreciate hearing your take on the topics brought up
here, and I thank you ahead of time for writing. I look forward
to meeting up with you again the next time around. ◆
Robin Raymer, The Plaster Man, has more than 25 years of experience in the art
of plastering. He specializes in training individuals and crews in how to do plaster
repair and advanced plastering, and he has produced a number of plaster training
DVDs. Reach him at robin@plasterzone.com. He answers all comments and
questions personally.
Spring 2008 ◆ www.Hawk-n-Trowel.com ◆ 11
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