Krohvijaid

Krohvijaid (the Estonian term for plasterers) are plasterers, skilled tradespeople who apply plaster to interior and exterior surfaces, shaping walls and ceilings and providing protective and decorative finishes. They work in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, as well as in renovation projects.

Duties and methods include preparing surfaces by cleaning, repairing cracks, and applying bonding agents; mixing plaster to required consistency; applying base coats and finish coats with trowels, hawks, and floats; smoothing and texturing surfaces; embedding reinforcement such as mesh and adding decorative or textured finishes. Plasterers also assess moisture and crack risks, cure plaster appropriately, and perform repairs to extend longevity and maintain aesthetics.

Materials and finishes commonly used include lime plaster, cement-based plaster, gypsum plaster, and modern polymer-modified plasters. Finish coats may produce smooth, satin, or textured surfaces, with specialized coatings for fire resistance or improved insulation. Plasterers may work with both interior surfaces and exterior façades, using appropriate substrates and insulation when required.

Tools and equipment typically encompass trowels of various sizes, hawks, plastering floats, mixing drills and plaster mixers, edge and corner tools, levels, plumb lines, and protective gear. Surface preparation, mixing ratios, and curing conditions are tailored to the chosen plaster system and environmental constraints.

Training and qualifications usually involve vocational education in construction trades, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships. In Estonia, plasterers may complete kutseharidus (vocational education) programs and attain journeyman experience through practical work. Professional standards often emphasize safety, accuracy, client expectations, and coordination with other trades.

Overall, krohvijaid play a central role in creating durable, aesthetically pleasing, and well-insulated surfaces, contributing to the quality and longevity of built environments.