Taper

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Drywall Finisher; Drywall Mechanic; Drywall Taper; Finisher; Patch Guy; Patcher; Sheetrock Finisher; Taper Finisher

Tasks

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

Knowledge

• English Language
• Administration and Management
• Public Safety and Security
• Education and Training
• Building and Construction
• Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

• Manual Dexterity
• Near Vision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Multilimb Coordination
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Oral Comprehension
• Stamina