Tapers are required to finish walls, ceilings and trim using hand tools and mechanical tools that conform to the required levels of finishing standards. While maintaining the necessary production and quality required to complete a project and exceeding the customers’ expectations. Tapers apply drywall tape compound to the seams between drywall panels and to nail and screw indentations on the surface of the panels. Tapers work on new walls and ceiling installs and make repairs to existing walls as well. Tapers install and finish metal, plastic, and aluminum trims. 

Apply number of coats of compound per specified level of finish, and sand areas after each coat.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Reading and interpreting drawings
• Checking working surfaces – verify panels joints are tight and aligned, fastened to framing members tightly without breaking the paper surface or fracturing the core.
• Establishing a work schedule and flow of work
• Organizing and verifying materials
• Cleaning and repairing tools
• Mixing Joint compounds
• Applying fill coats
• Applying finish coats
• Finishing inside and outside corners
• Dry sanding
• Wet sanding
• Vacuum sanding
• Skim coating over gypsum board, concrete, or other related materials
• Spraying finish compound
• Know and understand the 5 levels and methods of drywall finishing.

Tapers are typically responsible for the production and quality of the products they install. A Taper will usually report to a foreman or lead man and will be assigned a range of tasks to be completed. Timely production and quality are the main responsibilities of a Taper. In addition, Tapers are responsible for working safely and maintaining a safe work environment. Tapers must work within precise limits and standards of specified finish level. Physically, Tapers must be able to: Climb and maintain balance on scaffolds and ladders; reach for, handle, and manipulate objects and materials; lift and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, and see well (either naturally or with correction).