Plastering Skills

As the owner of a small business specializing in fine decorative finishes, particularly authentic colored-plaster veneers as of late, I am always seeking to broaden my insight into the technical aspects of the plastering trade. As in the case of all trades, the art and science of plastering is not simply cut and dry with glossy photographs and glamourous coverart. This book is a necessary read for anyone desiring to produce quality plaster work, for it takes the reader through the broad scope of the trade while providing mountains of insightful detail. From raw material chemistry to essential tools, to the proper methods of finishing walls, ceilings, and decorative trimwork, the information is presented clearly, well illustrated, and in a manner that a common laborer with a reflective mind can absorb, retain, and apply. Specific difficulties and job-related uncertainties are developed, especially concerning the bonding properties of plasters to different materials. So much technical information, yet it is presented in a reader-friendly "field guide" manner. Certainly this book is the best of what I own and will be a steadfast reference for the production of fine finishes by my hands in the central New Jersey area. -Douglas Keil- Palatial Paint and Plaster- North Plainfield, NJ

Altho it's a text book, it is very helpful for laypersons who want to understand how it works and how to hire a contractor, and not get ripped off. It's pretty exhaustive, but it's well indexed and there are headings and you are free to read as much depth as you want to. Hard to see anyone writing a better treatise than this.

I have been a plasterer for 25 years. This is the book we all studied from while in union training. Dating back to the late 1950's, it has been equally invaluable to apprentices, as well as to masters. All who are interested in learning the craft must start here.

"Plastering Skills" is an examination of the historical process of the Plastering trade. It presents a indepth study of the trade which includes many lost application techniques. The newer veneer plastering techniques are well presented and anyone interested in a quality trade, which is being lost, will really appriciate this manual. It was written in plain language for the tradesman.