With increasing demand for special effect theming, historic restoration and old world charm, an interest in good old-fashioned quality, plastering and the skills of the construction industry's "oldest profession" are making a big comeback.
A good plasterer must be familiar with a wide variety of tools, materials and application techniques. Portland cement works differently than gypsum, three-coat plaster works differently than veneer systems, all of which in turn work very different from the newer acrylic materials ? not to mention the sculpting skills required for "free form" plastering of trees and rocks, or applying coloring and texture patterns associated with European finishes like venetian and marmorino. Did I mention that there is a difference in applying cementitious vs. mineral fiber fireproofing?
In Europe, long before the formation of the North American Colonies, skilled craftsmanship was passed down one generation to the next through a formalized system called apprenticeship. Often, a father would enter into an agreement with a master craftsman to train his son in the arts of the trade. In exchange, the apprentice would be "indentured" to the master until the term of the contract expired.