The plastered surface has a long tradition, as this type of covering was considered to be the best way to get an even and smooth surface finish on masonry walls and ceilings. With today's new-build construction techniques, the types and forms of plaster and its elements have adapted to the newer and more innovative ways of using plaster based finishes.Training to be a plasterer requires learning to both learn and master a considerable varied skillset to approved City & Guild qualification standard. Entry level certificated diploma courses are recommended for being extremely useful to gain insight into this substantial and always in demand trade skill.Plastering different types of walls and ceilings requires adopting different techniques which can also be dictated by requirements of the client or the nature of the space :Dry Lining: Dry lining or dry plastering, forms the basis of modern plastering and is the most preferred method of construction in timber frame structures today.Plasterboard walls - manufactured in a standard size of 2.4m x 1.2m - are lightweight, offer greater flexibility, speed of installation, reduced structure load and are time and cost effective.Wet Plaster: Most common of all plastering techniques, wet plaster finish is obtained by covering the surface to be plastered in mortar and smoothened with trowels to produce a clean finish. The dried wet plastered surface can be papered or painted according to preference. However, like most plastering techniques, wet plastering job requires a skilled hand and sufficient time for drying. Unfortunately, wet plaster is also prone to cracks, shrinkage, and in frequent need of re-plastering to cover up the cracks.Screeding: A traditional plastering technique, screeding is not as simple as it looks. A time consuming and labour intensive job, ready mixed screed is now being used on construction sites. The mix is quality assured and helps save on time, labour, less wastage. Cement screeds have been replaced by gypsum or calcium sulphate-based ones. These screeds are easier to handle, quicker laying, without compromising on the strength, despite lesser depths, when compared to the traditional screeds.External Plastering: Plastering techniques such as external plaster - also known as Stucco - require keeping in mind the wear and tear and weather damage that may occur. Types of finishes include : Rough Stucco ( which imitates stonework), Trowelled Stucco, Coloured Stucco (for attractive colour finishes) and Pebbledash ( which uses small rocks, stones or pebbles).