How To Become A Drywall Finisher/ Taper Union and Non Union

Many people do not realize how much work is involved in being a drywall taper. There is so much more than just slapping on some tape with mud and you’re done. If you want to choose this trade as a career I must warn you that it is a very intense and demanding job that is very hard on the body.

Becoming proficient in this trade takes many years as well as talent. You will need to be organized, committed and be able to handle the stress of great income fluctuation. When the building industry is down, work is hard to find. Tapers do work year round due to it being an inside job which is beneficial as it is not a seasonal job.

First you will need to decide whether you want to be part of a union, work for a non-union company, and whether you want to work by the hour or as a piece worker. Working on your own or starting up your own company is another option. 

In North America to belong to IUPAT  (The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades) you will first need to go through a four-year apprenticeship-training program that entails classroom instructions with on the job training, which you do get paid for. Belonging to a union not only protects your rights while on the job but gives you a pension plan, health benefits and with IUPAT member can retire with a full pension at the age of 55. Once finished your apprenticeship training you will receive your ticket and then be considered a Journeyman. 

Most large buildings, hospitals, prisons and malls hire union companies that in turn will send hourly tapers to work. All taxes are deducted from each persons pay. Supplies such as tape, drywall compound/mud are supplied.

Piece Worker

Relating to how a piece worker is paid: It is calculated by the footage of the drywall. Most companies will pay extra skylights for high ceilings,cathedral ceilings, if the ceiling is to be painted there is an extra and for corner beads.

Houses and some buildings will hire union companies that in turn will send piecework tapers to complete the work. In a house you will usually find either a single taper or a taping crew. There are no tax deductions and the individual has to submit his or her own taxes. In most cases the taper has to supply all materials. The taper is given a time frame in which the house or building unit has to be finished completely.

Assortment of knives ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches

Trowel

Hawk

Utility Knives

Paddle to mix the mud

Pails to mix the mud in and to wash tools in

A 1/2" drill to attach the paddle to

Mud Pan

Mud Box

Benches

Hammer

Ladders, Bakers Scaffold if you are a piece worker

Mask to wear while sanding

Construction Hat

It is very common to see drywall tapers that use hand tools and machines. When learning how to tape you may find it easier to use only hand tools but you should also try the machine tools as well.

When sanding drywall, always be sure to wear a mask or an air purifying respirator as the dust can cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Keep work area clean so that you are not tripping over anything.

Always use caution when using electrical tools and working from ladders benches and lifts and scaffolding.

When working on open stairs make sure that safety rails are installed.

Always wear safety boots or shoes and hard hat when required.

Be sure that your WHMIS and Fall And Arrest training is up to date.