Tasks
Applying drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw indentations on the surface of the panels. Finishers will work on new walls and ceilings and may repair existing walls as well. Install and finish metal, plastic and aluminum trims. Apply number of coats of compound per specified level of finish. Sand areas after each coat.
Prepare high walls and ceilings that require the use of ladders, scaffolding or lifts.
Standard taping tools, mixers, buckets, knives and trowels are required and some jobs may require additional tools, such as drywall stilts, tape and mud dispensers and hand tools that smooth drywall compound into rounded or arched shapes.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Reading and interpreting drawings
- Checking working surfaces – verify panels joints are tight and aligned, fastened to framing members tightly without breaking the paper surface or fracturing the core.
- Establishing a work schedule and flow of work
- Organizing and verifying materials
- Cleaning and repairing tools
- Mixing Joint compounds
- Applying fill coats
- Applying finish coats
- Finishing inside and outside corners
- Dry sanding
- Wet sanding
- Vacuum sanding
- Skim coating over gypsum board or concrete
- Spraying finish compound
- Know and understand the 5 levels and methods of drywall finishing.
Accountability
Finishers are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A finisher will usually report to a foreman or lead man, and will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. Timely production and quality are the main responsibilities of a finisher. In addition, finishers are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment.
Wages range from $18 to $23 per hour based on experience.