Tapers

Also called: Drywall Finisher, Drywall Mechanic, Drywall Taper, Finisher, Sheet Rock Taper

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Tapers seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surface for painting or papering.

Spread sealing compound between boards or panels or over cracks, holes, nail heads, or screw heads, using trowels, broadknives, or spatulas.
Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compound and to seal joints.
Apply additional coats to fill in holes and make surfaces smooth.
Seal joints between plasterboard or other wallboard to prepare wall surfaces for painting or papering.
Spread and smooth cementing material over tape, using trowels or floating machines to blend joints with wall surfaces.
Sand or patch nicks or cracks in plasterboard or wallboard.
Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable electric mixers.
Work on high ceilings, using scaffolding or other tools, such as stilts.
Select the correct sealing compound or tape.
Countersink nails or screws below surfaces of walls before applying sealing compounds, using hammers or screwdrivers.
Remove extra compound after surfaces have been covered sufficiently.
Install metal molding at wall corners to secure wallboard.
Apply texturizing compounds or primers to walls or ceilings before final finishing, using trowels, brushes, rollers, or spray guns.
Check adhesives to ensure that they will work and will remain durable.
Sand rough spots of dried cement between applications of compounds.
Use mechanical applicators that spread compounds and embed tape in one operation.

Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Skills information for this career will be available soon.

Near Vision

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.