Ongoing construction in commercial and residential spaces has made careers in drywall finishing promising and sought after. When COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, there will be more and more projects available for drywall finishers. Drywall finishing offers individuals a chance to use both their minds and hands while they work. While drywall finishing can be a job suitable for almost everyone, there are a number of skills that successful drywall finishers must have.
1. Dexterity
The use of your hands cannot be overlooked in this job. Having a steady hand and a firm grip will go a long way. Whether you are driving screws into studs or filling holes and joints with a trowel, drywall finishers constantly use their hands to make sure the drywall joints and screw depressions are properly filled and sanded.
2. Strength
With the use of hands often comes the use of muscles. Drywall finishers frequently have to lift drywall compound boxes or bags. They need to mix the material with a drill and apply it to the drywall. The use of flat boxes and corner finishers are often used along with a sander, to sand in between coats and after the finish coat. On residential sites, there’s the option of the use of stilts, these require a certain amount balance and practice in order to be used safely, you are required to be in possession of a license to wear stilts on a construction site.
3. Being Organized
In order to accurately and effectively complete a drywall finish, you must be organized. Drywall finishers need to have a plan of approach to the job. They need to assess the amount of material they need, the steps that they need to take, and the appropriate equipment needed. Furthermore, drywall finishers need to come up with a timeframe on how long the job will take. Having the ability to plan out, schedule and keep customers up to date is important to maintain professionalism.
4. Working with Numbers
Something that is at times overlooked is the use of numbers. Being able to work comfortably with numbers is important when it comes to drywall finishing. Taking measurements are sometimes required on the job for the installation of beads of various types. Being able to calculate the drywall surface area can be vital to ensure the calculation of proper amount of materials and proper payment of wages.
Drywall finishing is a rewarding career that offers both mental and physical stimulation. As projects become larger, the more you will need to use all your available skills to ensure the project’s success. For more information about becoming a drywall finishers, contact IUPAT today.
