Plaster and Drywall Course

Lesson 1 • Workplace Hazard Identification

Teaches recognition of physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards common to plaster and drywall work. Connects directly to safe behavior on every job site.

Lesson 2 • The Plaster and Drywall Trade

Covers the history, scope, and career pathways of the trade. Grounds students in industry context before any hands-on work begins.

Lesson 3 • Job-Site Safety Protocols

Covers lockout/tagout, housekeeping, and emergency response procedures. Prepares students to comply with safety standards on any commercial or residential site.

Lesson 4 • Regulatory Compliance Basics

Introduces occupational safety regulations and inspection readiness without referencing specific code identifiers. Students understand compliance obligations and documentation practices.

Lesson 1 • Drywall Panel Types and Properties

Examines standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, and specialty drywall panels. Students match panel type to application requirements before any installation begins.

Lesson 2 • Tool Inspection and Maintenance

Establishes pre-use inspection routines and maintenance schedules for all tools. Proper upkeep prevents equipment failure and extends tool service life.

Lesson 3 • Power Tools and Mechanical Equipment

Covers screw guns, routers, mixing drills, and lifts used in drywall and plaster work. Students operate each tool safely and identify when mechanical assistance is required.

Lesson 4 • Hand Tools for Plaster and Drywall

Identifies and demonstrates proper use of trowels, hawks, knives, and measuring tools. Correct tool selection directly affects finish quality and work efficiency.

Lesson 1 • Layout for Plaster Systems

Covers scratch coat grid planning, control joint placement, and lath layout on curved or irregular surfaces. Builds on flat-surface layout skills introduced earlier.

Lesson 2 • Measurement and Marking Techniques

Teaches accurate linear and diagonal measurement, squaring rooms, and marking stud lines. Precision at this stage prevents costly errors during installation.

Lesson 3 • Layout for Drywall Installation

Applies measurement skills to plan panel placement, minimize waste, and locate seams away from stress points. Students produce a panel layout diagram for a sample room.

Lesson 4 • Framing Inspection for Finishers

Covers how to evaluate framing alignment, spacing, and moisture content before applying board or plaster. Identifies framing defects that must be corrected first.

Lesson 1 • Corner and Edge Treatments

Teaches installation of metal and vinyl bead at outside corners, inside corners, and archways. Proper bead placement is essential for clean, durable finished edges.

Lesson 2 • Hanging Drywall on Walls

Covers panel sequencing, fastener patterns, and butt-joint management on vertical surfaces. Students hang a full wall section meeting industry fastener spacing standards.

Lesson 3 • Cutting and Shaping Drywall Panels

Teaches score-and-snap, router, and jab-saw cutting for straight and curved cuts. Accurate cutting reduces waste and ensures tight fits at openings and corners.

Lesson 4 • Fire-Rated and Specialty Assemblies

Covers multi-layer board installation, shaft-wall systems, and penetration sealing for fire-rated assemblies. Students apply manufacturer and code-compliant installation sequences.

Lesson 1 • Fill and Finish Coat Application

Covers second and third coat application with progressively wider knife strokes to blend seams. Students achieve smooth, flat surfaces ready for sanding.

Lesson 2 • Joint Compound Types and Selection

Distinguishes setting-type from drying-type compounds and identifies the correct product for each coat. Compound selection directly affects adhesion, shrinkage, and sanding ease.

Lesson 3 • Sanding and Surface Preparation

Teaches hand and pole sanding sequences, dust control, and surface inspection under raking light. Proper sanding determines final paint adhesion and visual quality.

Lesson 4 • Tape Embedding and First Coat

Teaches paper and mesh tape application over flat seams, inside corners, and bead. A properly embedded tape coat prevents bubbles, lifting, and cracking in subsequent coats.

Lesson 1 • Finish Coat Techniques

Teaches lime putty, gauged lime, and sand-float finish coat application for smooth and textured results. Finish coat skill distinguishes journeyman-level plasterers from beginners.

Lesson 2 • Substrate Preparation for Plaster

Covers metal lath, gypsum lath, and masonry surface preparation including bonding agents. Proper substrate prep is the single greatest factor in plaster adhesion and longevity.

Lesson 3 • Scratch Coat Application

Teaches mixing, applying, and scarifying the scratch coat to the correct thickness and texture. The scratch coat creates the mechanical key for all subsequent plaster coats.

Lesson 4 • Veneer and One-Coat Plaster Systems

Introduces thin-coat veneer plaster over blue board and single-coat systems for fast-track projects. Students compare performance, cost, and application differences versus three-coat systems.

Lesson 1 • Spray and Roller Texture Techniques

Covers knockdown, orange peel, and popcorn textures applied by hopper gun and roller. Students calibrate equipment and practice pattern consistency across large surfaces.

Lesson 2 • Drywall Repair Methods

Covers California patch, backing board, and mesh patch techniques for holes of varying sizes. Students select the correct repair method based on hole size and substrate condition.

Lesson 3 • Plaster Crack and Spall Repair

Teaches diagnosis of crack causes and application of appropriate repair materials for hairline to structural cracks. Correct diagnosis prevents recurring failures after repair.

Lesson 4 • Matching Existing Textures

Develops the diagnostic skill of identifying an existing texture and replicating it on a repair patch. Texture matching is the most common challenge in renovation work.

Lesson 1 • Quality Control and Inspection

Establishes self-inspection routines at each phase gate and prepares students for third-party inspections. Consistent quality control reduces rework and protects professional reputation.

Lesson 2 • Project Scheduling and Sequencing

Covers task sequencing, dry-time scheduling, and coordination with other trades. Students build a realistic project schedule that accounts for cure times and trade dependencies.

Lesson 3 • Client Handover and Documentation

Teaches punch-list resolution, warranty documentation, and professional handover communication. Students practice presenting completed work and providing maintenance guidance to clients.

Lesson 4 • Material Estimation and Takeoff

Teaches area calculation, waste factor application, and material quantity takeoff from drawings. Accurate estimation controls project cost and prevents material shortages or overstock.