Apply Plaster And Screeds To Surfaces Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and requirements of the unit standard.
• Identify different types of plaster and screed materials.
• Explain the properties and uses of cement, lime, sand, and additives.
• List safety precautions and personal protective equipment required.
• Describe the basic principles of surface preparation.

Topics:
• Overview of unit standard 119065 and course outcomes.
• Types of plaster: cement, lime, gypsum, and polymer-modified.
• Types of screeds: bonded, unbonded, floating, and heated.
• Material properties: setting time, workability, strength.
• Safety: handling cement, dust control, PPE.
• Tools and equipment: trowels, floats, straight edges, mixing equipment.
• Principles of adhesion and substrate compatibility.
• Introduction to surface preparation: cleaning, wetting, keying.

Objectives:
• Assess different substrate types (brick, block, concrete, masonry).
• Perform surface preparation techniques including cleaning and keying.
• Apply bonding agents and primers correctly.
• Identify and rectify common substrate defects.
• Measure and mix plaster materials to correct proportions.

Topics:
• Substrate assessment: soundness, moisture content, suction.
• Cleaning methods: wire brushing, pressure washing, chemical cleaning.
• Mechanical keying: hacking, scabbling, or etching.
• Bonding agents: SBR, PVA, slurry coats.
• Repairing defects: filling cracks, patching holes.
• Mixing ratios for cement-sand plaster and lime-based mixes.
• Using mixing tools: mechanical mixers, hand mixing.
• Quality control of mix: consistency, workability.

Objectives:
• Apply a scratch coat (first coat) to walls with correct thickness.
• Use straight edges and spirit levels to achieve plumb and flat surfaces.
• Demonstrate proper trowel techniques for even application.
• Create a mechanical key for the second coat.
• Manage workable area and setting times.

Topics:
• Setting out: thickness gauges, screed strips, profiles.
• Applying the scratch coat: techniques for vertical and horizontal surfaces.
• Using darby and straight edge to level.
• Cutting in to corners and around openings.
• Scoring the scratch coat for keying.
• Curing and initial drying considerations.
• Common faults: hollow spots, cracking, sagging.
• Adjusting mix for suction and weather conditions.

Objectives:
• Apply the second (browning) coat to achieve a flat, even surface.
• Apply the finish coat to a smooth, trowelled finish.
• Use steel trowels for final polishing.
• Achieve consistent thickness and surface quality.
• Demonstrate safe working practices on scaffolds.

Topics:
• Timing between coats: moisture content and setting.
• Applying the second coat: thickness, trowel strokes.
• Using straight edge and spot levels for flatness.
• Steel trowelling techniques: pressure, angle, timing.
• Achieving a smooth finish: water spraying, trowel marks.
• Finishing corners, edges, and reveals.
• Scaffold safety: setup, stability, access.
• Cleaning tools and equipment after use.

Objectives:
• Prepare floor substrates for screeding (cleaning, priming, moisture testing).
• Select appropriate screed type based on application.
• Calculate screed thickness and material quantities.
• Mix screed materials to correct consistency.
• Install movement joints and edge strips.

Topics:
• Floor substrate types: concrete, timber, existing screeds.
• Moisture testing: calcium carbide, hygrometer.
• Priming: SBR, epoxy, or latex primers.
• Screed types: bonded, unbonded, floating, reinforced.
• Calculating volume and material quantities.
• Mixing ratios for sand-cement screed.
• Use of fibres and additives for crack control.
• Installing perimeter expansion joints and movement joints.

Objectives:
• Lay screed using screed rails and straight edges.
• Achieve correct levels and falls using a spirit level.
• Compact and tamp the screed to remove air voids.
• Float and trowel the screed to a smooth finish.
• Apply curing methods and protect the screed.

Topics:
• Setting out screed rails: levels, falls, spacing.
• Pouring and spreading screed.
• Tamping and compacting with a straight edge.
• Floating: using a wood or magnesium float.
• Trowelling: steel trowel for smooth finish.
• Creating a non-slip finish if required.
• Curing: wet hessian, plastic sheeting, curing compounds.
• Protection: traffic control, temperature, humidity.

Objectives:
• Apply plaster to curved or irregular surfaces.
• Execute decorative finishes (textured, stippled, polished).
• Repair and patch existing plaster and screed.
• Diagnose and rectify common defects (cracking, delamination, efflorescence).
• Apply external plaster (render) with weatherproofing.

Topics:
• Plastering arches, columns, and curved walls.
• Decorative finishes: sponge, swirl, skip trowel.
• External render: waterproofing additives, scratch and finish coats.
• Repair techniques: cutting out, bonding, layering.
• Defect diagnosis: causes of cracking, hollow areas, dusting.
• Efflorescence: identification and treatment.
• Screed repairs: patching, overlays, self-levelling compounds.
• Quality assurance: checking tolerances and standards.

Objectives:
• Complete a practical assessment applying plaster and screed to designated areas.
• Demonstrate all skills learned throughout the course.
• Complete a written knowledge test covering theory and safety.
• Evaluate work against industry standards and unit standard criteria.
• Receive feedback and certification information.

Topics:
• Practical assessment: plastering a wall section and screeding a floor area.
• Assessment criteria: flatness, thickness, finish, safety.
• Written test: multiple choice and short answer questions.
• Self-evaluation and peer review.
• Instructor feedback on performance.
• Review of unit standard 119065 outcomes.
• Certification process and SAQA credits.
• Career pathways and further training opportunities.