From Trowels to Float: Must-Have Tools for Aspiring Plasterers

Introduction: Why Your Toolkit Defines Your Plastering Career

Walk onto any building site in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, or Iasi and you will notice one constant: the best plasterers are never under-equipped. Their hawks are balanced, their trowels are tuned, their floats are ready, and their materials are organized. In plastering, your technique matters, but your tools and how you use them make or break the finish.

This comprehensive guide unpacks the must-have tools and materials that set aspiring plasterers up for success. Whether you are starting as an apprentice, pivoting from general construction, or polishing your CV for roles across Europe and the Middle East, understanding the essential equipment is your bridge from good intentions to faultless walls and ceilings. We cover the hand tools, power tools, materials, safety gear, and workflow systems that employers expect. We also include salary ranges in EUR and RON, city-specific notes for Romania, and practical tips you can apply on your very next job.

By the end, you will have a clear shopping list, maintenance routines, and on-site habits to produce consistent, high-quality work. From trowels to float and everything between, consider this your actionable playbook.

What Plasterers Do and Why Tools Matter

Plasterers apply, level, and finish coatings on interior and exterior surfaces. Depending on the project and region, this can include gypsum skim coats, cement-based renders, lime plasters, EIFS systems, stucco, and decorative finishes like Venetian plaster. The quality of the result is a direct function of:

• The right tool for the material and surface
• Effective preparation and mixing
• Timing between passes and the appropriate float or trowel at each stage
• Control of moisture, temperature, and dust
• Consistent safety practices and housekeeping

Employers and clients judge plasterers on flatness, corner crispness, surface sheen, and defect rate. The correct toolkit and disciplined use are the fastest way to stand out, win repeat work, and progress into higher-paid roles such as foreman or specialist finisher.

Core Hand Tools Every Plasterer Needs

1) Trowels: Your Primary Finishing Instruments

Understand trowel types and match them to task and technique:

• Plastering trowel (11-14 in, stainless or high-carbon steel)

  • Use: Applying and spreading base and finish coats on walls and ceilings.
  • Tips: A slightly stiffer blade is forgiving for base coats; stainless resists rust and sticks less to gypsum; carbon steel seasons to a slick finish but requires oiling.

• Finishing trowel (13-16 in, thin stainless, rounded corners)

  • Use: Closing and polishing skim coats without leaving tracks.
  • Tips: A thinner, flexible blade helps achieve a uniform burnish; rounded corners prevent lines when angling.

• Pool trowel (rounded ends, very flexible)

  • Use: Ultra-smooth final passes on large ceiling areas or decorative finishes.
  • Tips: Ideal for late-stage steel troweling of gypsum skim; avoid over-polishing that can cause delamination.

• Margin trowel (narrow, 5-8 in)

  • Use: Cleaning buckets, loading hawks, small patching, corners.
  • Tips: Keep one dedicated to mixing cleanup to reduce contamination of finish coats.

• Corner trowels (internal and external)

  • Use: Forming crisp, consistent corners on gypsum and lime finishes.
  • Tips: Use after establishing bead lines with a straightedge to avoid telegraphing uneven beads.

• Notched trowel

  • Use: Applying adhesives or keycoats for certain render systems.
  • Tips: Size the notch to the system spec; too large a notch wastes material and adds sanding later.

Pro tip: Maintain a dedicated finishing trowel used only on clean, late-stage work. Do not use it for base coats or mixing. Keep edges slightly eased with fine sandpaper to avoid scoring the surface.

2) Hawk: The Platform That Keeps You Moving

A hawk is the portable staging area that holds your plaster close to the work. Aluminium hawks are light; magnesium models are robust and balanced. Key considerations:

• Size: 13 x 13 in is common. Smaller hawks reduce wrist fatigue for apprentices.
• Handle: Comfortable grip with a non-slip surface is critical when working overhead.
• Maintenance: Keep the surface perfectly clean to avoid grit that can gouge a finish coat.

3) Floats: The Secret to Flatness and Texture Control

The term float covers a family of tools that govern the texture and consolidation of the coat:

• Polyurethane or resin float

  • Use: Bringing sand-cement renders to an even plane and preparing for sponge finishing.
  • Effect: Slight abrasive action that levels highs and opens the surface.

• Sponge float (fine and medium grade)

  • Use: Closing and blending cement and lime render surfaces; controlling sand pop-outs.
  • Effect: Produces an even, slightly open texture ready for paint or final polish.

• Wood float

  • Use: Traditional renders or where a rustic texture is desired.
  • Effect: Leaves a coarser finish; ideal under certain breathable coatings.

• Magnesium float

  • Use: Flattening base coats quickly before finer finishing steps.
  • Effect: Helps draw moisture to the surface for controlled troweling.

Use progression: Magnesium float to flatten, resin float to refine plane, sponge float to close texture, finishing trowel to polish where required.

4) Straightedges: Ensuring Level and Plane

• Feather edge (6-8 ft)

  • Use: Ruling off base coats to a uniform plane.
  • Tips: Keep edges true. Place diagonally to cut highs and fill lows.

• Darby (3-4 ft)

  • Use: Shorter areas, ceilings, and tight spaces.

• Spirit level and laser level

  • Use: Checking plumb, level, and flatness against benchmarks.
  • Tips: Combine a rotating laser with story poles on larger sites for repeatable heights.

5) Joint and Putty Knives

• 3-6 in knives for tape embedding and patching small defects
• 10-14 in taping knives for wider feathering on plasterboard and joint compound

These bridge the worlds of plastering and drywall finishing. Keep edges free of burrs to prevent track marks.

6) Scarifier or Scratcher

• Use: Keying first-coat render so subsequent coats mechanically bond.
• Tips: Scratch horizontally and clean the tool frequently to maintain a consistent depth.

7) Rasp and Planer

• Use: Shaping EPS/XPS insulation boards in EIFS systems and shaving plasterboard edges.
• Tips: Use a dust extraction adapter where possible to keep air clear.

8) Cutting, Fastening, and Layout Tools

• Utility knife with hook and straight blades
• Aviation snips for metal beads and lath
• Drywall saw and oscillating multi-tool for cutouts
• Tape measure, chalk line, laser distance meter
• Drywall screw gun or impact driver with depth stop
• Assorted screws and anchors suitable for substrate

9) Buckets, Mixing, and Cleaning Tools

• Heavy-duty mixing buckets (20-40 liters), color-coded for base and finish plasters
• Bucket trowel for scraping and loading
• Mixing paddle matched to the motor power and material viscosity
• Stiff and soft brushes for tool cleaning and texture control
• Spray bottle or churn brush for water management during finishing

10) PPE and Site Essentials

• Safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, P2 or P3 respirator for silica and gypsum dust
• Knee pads for floor-level work
• Hard hat, high-visibility vest, and safety boots for site compliance
• Hearing protection when using mixers and power sanders
• Portable task lighting and extension leads with RCD protection

Power Tools and Equipment That Elevate Productivity

High-Torque Paddle Mixer

A reliable mixer is essential for consistent batches:

• Specs: 1200-1800 W corded or high-torque cordless unit; variable speed; soft start.
• Paddles: Basket or helical for gypsum and compounds; spiral for renders.
• Practice: Water first, then powder. Mix 2-3 minutes, rest 1 minute, remix 30 seconds. Follow product spec for pot life.

Dust Extraction Vacuum (M-Class minimum)

• Captures fine dust during sanding and mixing.
• Use antistatic hoses and automatic tool start if connecting to power sanders.

Power Sanders and Pole Sanders

• Drywall pole sander for hand finishing coats.
• Power sander with mesh discs and dust extraction for large apartments, hotels, and office fit-outs.

Oscillating Multi-Tool and Rotary Tools

• Clean cutouts around electrical boxes and HVAC penetrations.
• Use carbide or bimetal blades and keep spares.

Plaster Pumps and Spray Machines (Advanced)

• For large-scale render and spray-plaster systems.
• Requires training and cleaning discipline; increases output on commercial sites.

Lighting and Layout Tech

• LED site lights and headlamps reveal surface defects early.
• Lasers for control lines, drop heights, and datum transfers across rooms.

Materials Every Plasterer Should Know

Gypsum Plasters

• Base coat gypsum: Higher build, used over masonry or lath as the first coat.
• Multi-finish or board-finish: Thin skim coats over plasterboard or prepared surfaces.
• Setting compounds vs ready-mix: Setting compounds offer stronger, faster cures; ready-mix suits jointing with longer open times.

Performance notes:

• Working time: 20-90 minutes depending on product. Always check batch and ambient temperature.
• Surface prep: Prime dusty or highly absorbent substrates with appropriate bonding agents.

Cement-Based Renders and Stucco

• Portland cement with graded sands and lime or polymer modifiers.
• Used for exterior facades, wet rooms, or high-impact surfaces.
• Requires controlled moisture curing and correct float progression to avoid cracking.

Lime Plasters

• Breathable and flexible; ideal for heritage and restoration.
• Longer set times and gentle finishing techniques; avoid over-troweling.

Decorative and Specialty Finishes

• Venetian and Marmorino: Multiple thin coats with steel trowel polishing.
• Spray plasters: Applied with airless equipment; minimal sanding; consistent texture on large areas.

Primers, Bonding Agents, and Sealers

• PVA or SBR-based primers: Reduce suction and improve adhesion.
• Key coats: Provide mechanical grip for smooth concrete or difficult surfaces.
• Sealers: Lock down dust before decorative coatings.

Beads, Mesh, and Reinforcements

• Corner beads, stop beads, and expansion joints: In steel, PVC, or stainless varieties.
• Paper or fiberglass mesh tapes: Control cracks at joints and stress points.
• Alkali-resistant mesh for render systems and EIFS.

Fasteners and Accessories

• Corrosion-resistant screws for plasterboard and metal frames.
• Anchors appropriate to masonry or concrete when fixing beads.

Water and Sand Quality

• Clean, potable water for mixing.
• Correctly graded sands for render; avoid salts that cause efflorescence.

Practical, Actionable Workflows

Step-by-Step: Mixing Gypsum Plaster

1. Prepare: Clean buckets and paddles; measure water per product spec.
2. Water first: Add clean water to bucket; sprinkle plaster powder evenly to reduce lumps.
3. First mix: Use a low speed to avoid air entrainment for 2-3 minutes.
4. Slake: Let the mix rest 1 minute for full hydration.
5. Final mix: 30-45 seconds to a creamy, lump-free consistency.
6. Pot life: Note the clock. Most skims give 30-60 minutes of usable time; do not retemper with water once it thickens.
7. Transport: Load the hawk and start application immediately.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing at high speeds that whips in air and weakens the coat
• Mixing too large a batch for your working speed
• Dirty buckets contaminating finish coats with grit

Step-by-Step: Applying a Skim Coat on Plasterboard

1. Prep: Check screw depths, set proud screws, and tape all joints. Prime if required.
2. First pass: Apply thin, even coat with a stiff plastering trowel at 10-15 degrees to the surface; aim for full coverage.
3. Level: Use a Darby or 14 in knife to pull down highs across light.
4. Second pass: Once the first pass firms (finger touch leaves minor print without pulling), add a tight second coat to fill hollows.
5. Trowel off: As the plaster tightens, use a finishing trowel at slight angle with light pressure to close the surface.
6. Final polish: If spec requires, lightly spray or brush water and do a final steel trowel pass. Do not over-polish.
7. Inspection: Use raking light to check for tiger stripes, lines, or hollows. Rectify before full set.

Step-by-Step: Floating a Cement Render

1. Key coat: Apply scratch coat and run scarifier horizontally for consistent key.
2. Second coat: Apply to thickness; rule off with feather edge using diagonal passes.
3. Float progression: Use magnesium or resin float to flatten; finish with sponge float to blend and close texture.
4. Moisture management: Mist lightly if drying too fast. Protect from direct sun and wind.
5. Curing: Follow product recommendations to minimize cracking.

Daily Setup and Close-Down Routine

Morning setup:

• Check the site plan and finishing sequence room-by-room.
• Verify power, water, and lighting.
• Stage materials by room and coat type.
• Calibrate lasers and mark datum lines.
• Inspect and clean trowels, floats, and buckets.

Evening close-down:

• Thoroughly clean all tools; dry and oil carbon steel edges lightly.
• Empty and rinse buckets; store paddles hung, not submerged.
• Bag and label waste for proper disposal.
• Charge batteries and stage tools for the next day.

Tool Care and Maintenance

Your tools are an investment. The lifespan and performance depend on meticulous care.

• Cleaning discipline: Wipe trowels constantly while working; never let gypsum harden on blades.
• Edge conditioning: Use fine abrasive paper to ease sharp corners on finishing trowels.
• Rust prevention: Stainless resists rust but still needs drying; carbon steel requires a light oil film.
• Straightedge verification: Check feather edges against a known flat surface; replace if bent.
• Sponge hygiene: Rinse often; replace when loaded with grit to avoid scratching finishes.
• Storage: Use rigid cases or sleeves for finishing trowels; do not stack blades.

Safety and Compliance: What Employers Expect

• Dust control: Use M-class extraction when sanding and during cleanup. Wear P2 or P3 respirators.
• Manual handling: Mix and lift with neutral spine; split heavy bags between buckets when possible.
• Access safety: Inspect ladders and small towers; maintain 3 points of contact; secure planks.
• Electrical safety: Use RCD-protected leads; inspect for cuts; keep cords off wet areas.
• Chemical safety: Read SDS for plasters, primers, and additives; wear gloves appropriate to alkalinity of renders.
• Housekeeping: Keep walkways clear; clean spills immediately to prevent slips.

Sites across the EU and Middle East increasingly audit safety behaviors. A reputation for safe work widens your employer options and day rates.

Starter Kit vs Advanced Kit: Budgeting Your Toolkit

Prices vary by brand and supplier, but the ranges below help you plan. Approximate conversions use 1 EUR = 5 RON for readability.

Starter kit (apprentice or junior, practical and affordable):

• Plastering trowel and finishing trowel: 60-140 EUR (300-700 RON)
• Hawk: 20-40 EUR (100-200 RON)
• Floats (resin and sponge): 30-70 EUR (150-350 RON)
• Darby or short straightedge: 25-60 EUR (125-300 RON)
• Joint knives set: 20-40 EUR (100-200 RON)
• Utility knife and blades: 10-20 EUR (50-100 RON)
• Mixing paddle: 20-40 EUR (100-200 RON)
• Buckets (2-3 heavy duty): 20-40 EUR (100-200 RON)
• Brushes and spray bottle: 10-20 EUR (50-100 RON)
• PPE (glasses, mask, gloves, knee pads): 50-120 EUR (250-600 RON)
• Tape measure, chalk line, small level: 20-40 EUR (100-200 RON)

Total starter investment: roughly 285-610 EUR (1,425-3,050 RON).

Advanced kit (experienced plasterer or team lead):

• High-torque mixer: 150-350 EUR (750-1,750 RON)
• Extended straightedges and laser level: 150-400 EUR (750-2,000 RON)
• Full float set (magnesium, resin, multiple sponges): 80-160 EUR (400-800 RON)
• Corner trowels and specialty finishing trowels: 60-150 EUR (300-750 RON)
• Dust extraction vacuum (M-class): 250-700 EUR (1,250-3,500 RON)
• Power sander with extraction: 200-450 EUR (1,000-2,250 RON)
• Site lights and RCD cables: 80-180 EUR (400-900 RON)

Incremental advanced spend: roughly 970-2,390 EUR (4,850-11,950 RON). Buy gradually as your workload and rates increase.

Employers and Sectors Hiring Plasterers

Typical employers in Romania and across the EU and Middle East include:

• General contractors delivering residential and commercial builds
• Interior fit-out contractors for offices, retail, and hospitality
• Drywall and plastering subcontractors on large developments
• Restoration and heritage specialists working with lime
• Property developers and facilities management firms maintaining assets

In Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, demand tends to be strongest in commercial office fit-outs and residential high-rises. Timisoara sees steady industrial and logistics refurbishments alongside residential. Iasi shows growth in residential and institutional projects. Internationally, Gulf-region fit-out contractors often seek teams experienced in spray plaster and high-speed skim systems.

Salary Ranges and Career Progression in Romania

Rates vary by experience, employer, specialization, and city. The following are indicative monthly gross ranges (EUR and RON), with day-rate equivalents for reference. Always confirm current market conditions.

• Apprentice plasterer: 700-1,000 EUR (3,500-5,000 RON) per month; 45-70 EUR (225-350 RON) per day
• Junior plasterer: 1,000-1,400 EUR (5,000-7,000 RON) per month; 70-90 EUR (350-450 RON) per day
• Experienced plasterer: 1,400-2,000 EUR (7,000-10,000 RON) per month; 90-120 EUR (450-600 RON) per day
• Foreman or team leader: 1,800-2,500 EUR (9,000-12,500 RON) per month; 110-150 EUR (550-750 RON) per day
• Specialist finishes (Venetian, heritage lime, EIFS lead): 2,000-3,000+ EUR (10,000-15,000+ RON) per month; 120-180 EUR (600-900 RON) per day

City differences (indicative):

• Bucharest: Top of ranges due to scale and complexity of projects.
• Cluj-Napoca: Near Bucharest levels for commercial fit-out and tech-sector offices.
• Timisoara: Mid-range; strong industrial and logistics refurbishments.
• Iasi: Slightly lower ranges with growth driven by residential and institutional works.

Progression tips:

• Master skim timing and float progression; low snag counts justify higher rates.
• Add specialty skills: spray plaster, EIFS, Venetian finishes, or lime restoration.
• Learn to lead small teams, plan daily sequences, and liaise with site managers.
• Maintain a clean, complete toolkit and a defect-free photo portfolio.

How Employers Assess Tool and Site Readiness

Hiring managers and foremen often gauge your professionalism by:

• The completeness and cleanliness of your tools
• Your ability to estimate materials and batch sizes accurately
• Your approach to dust control and housekeeping
• Punctual daily setup and sequenced work plans
• Communication clarity and respect for other trades

On your CV and in interviews:

• List core tools you own and can operate confidently (trowels, floats, mixer, sander with extraction, laser level, plaster pump if applicable).
• Include quantified achievements: average m2 completed per day on skim coats, reduction in snag rates, or projects delivered ahead of schedule.
• Add city or site examples: Completed 1,200 m2 of skim in a Bucharest office tower, zero snag handover.
• Provide 6-8 high-resolution before-and-after photos showing corners, reveals, and raking light checks.

Buying Smart: Sourcing and Specification Tips

• Fit and feel first: Hold the trowel. Balance and handle ergonomics trump minor price gains.
• Stainless for finish, carbon for seasoned polish: Own one of each as you advance.
• Mixers: Variable speed and soft start are non-negotiable for quality control.
• Dust control: Budget for M-class extraction; it protects your health and speeds cleanup.
• Vendor choice: Combine reputable local merchants with online EU suppliers for range and value.
• Warranty and spares: Favor brands with accessible spares for paddles, carbides, and hoses.
• Avoid false economy: Cheap hawks or floats bend and create defects that cost you time.

Sustainable and Clean-Site Practices

• Water management: Use buckets, not open hoses; reuse cleanup water for first rinse when possible.
• Waste segregation: Separate gypsum, cementitious waste, and general refuse per site policy.
• Dust minimization: Wet-sand or use extraction; keep doors closed and vents protected.
• Material planning: Mix only what you can apply within pot life; record batch sizes for future jobs.
• Reuse and recycle: Preserve offcuts of board for patches; use leftover mesh judiciously.

Advanced Techniques: When to Trowel vs When to Float

• Gypsum skim: Early passes with a stiffer trowel; close with a flexible stainless finishing trowel. Add a fine mist of water only as needed to lubricate the late pass.
• Cement render: Do not jump to steel too early. Use magnesium or resin to flatten, then a damp sponge float for texture. Steel too soon can bring laitance to the surface and weaken the finish.
• Lime plaster: Gentle, patient troweling. Avoid aggressive steel passes that tear the surface. Use a wood or magnesium float to keep the surface breathable and even.

A Day-Bag Checklist for Aspiring Plasterers

• Plastering and finishing trowels (clean, edges eased)
• Hawk (clean surface, firm handle)
• Floats (resin and sponge)
• Joint knives (4, 6, and 12-14 in)
• Utility knife with spare blades
• Tape measure, chalk line, pencil, marker
• Spirit level (600 mm) and laser level if available
• Mixing paddle and 2 clean buckets
• Bucket trowel and cleaning brushes
• Spray bottle and clean sponge
• PPE: glasses, mask, gloves, knee pads
• Rags, garbage bags, and floor protection sheets

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overworking gypsum: Leads to blistering or burn marks. Solution: Respect the set; apply light, timed passes.
• Skipping primers on high-suction surfaces: Causes rapid drying and poor adhesion. Solution: Prime per substrate.
• Dull or burred trowels: Track marks and lines. Solution: Maintain edges and reserve a finish-only trowel.
• Mixing by eye: Inconsistent strength and workability. Solution: Measure water and powder every time.
• Ignoring dust extraction: Health risks and rework. Solution: Use M-class vacuums and wear respirators.

Real-World Scenarios: Romanian Sites

• Bucharest office fit-out: Speed and cleanliness are paramount. Use spray plaster for large ceilings, power sand with extraction, and deploy lasers for consistent reveals.
• Cluj-Napoca residential high-rise: Gypsum skim over board with tight schedules. Pre-stage boards and beads, run two-person teams (one mixes, one applies), and maintain a just-in-time mixing cycle.
• Timisoara industrial refurb: Cement renders and patching. Use resin floats and controlled curing; coordinate with MEP trades for penetrations.
• Iasi institutional buildings: Heritage areas with lime. Use breathable lime plasters, wood floats, and gentle troweling; allow longer set times.

Putting It All Together: Your First 90 Days Plan

• Weeks 1-4: Build the starter kit, practice mixing, and perfect hawk-to-trowel transfers on test boards. Shadow an experienced finisher.
• Weeks 5-8: Take ownership of small rooms; track m2 per day and snag counts. Add a finishing trowel and a resin float to your core toolkit.
• Weeks 9-12: Expand into corners, ceilings, and reveals. Introduce a laser level to improve speed. Document your results with photos and collect references.

Conclusion: Tool Up, Level Up

Owning a well-chosen, well-maintained toolkit is the fastest way to elevate your plastering craft and employability. From the right trowels and floats to smart mixing, dust control, and daily routines, each decision compounds into smoother finishes, fewer snags, and better rates. Employers in Romania and across Europe and the Middle East notice professionals who arrive prepared, deliver consistent quality, and protect the site environment.

Ready to turn knowledge into opportunity? Connect with ELEC for market-matched roles, CV guidance tailored to plastering professionals, and openings with reputable contractors in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and beyond. Bring your toolkit and your ambition; we will help with the right project fit.

FAQs

1) What are the absolute must-have tools for a beginner plasterer?

Start with a plastering trowel, finishing trowel, hawk, resin float, sponge float, Darby or short straightedge, joint knives, utility knife, mixing paddle, 2 heavy-duty buckets, cleaning brushes, and basic PPE (glasses, mask, gloves, knee pads). This combination lets you mix, apply, flatten, and finish most gypsum and small render tasks.

2) Stainless or carbon steel trowel: which should I buy first?

Buy a stainless plastering trowel first for general work and rust resistance. As you progress, add a flexible stainless finishing trowel for late passes and a carbon steel option if you want a seasoned blade that can produce a slick polish with proper care.

3) How do I prevent lines and tiger stripes on my skim coat?

Use clean, slightly eased trowel edges; keep consistent pressure and angle (about 10-15 degrees); work in overlapping passes; and time your final trowel when the plaster is firm but not fully set. Raking light during work helps spot and correct issues early.

4) What size mixer do I need for small residential jobs?

A 1200-1800 W variable-speed mixer with a basket or helical paddle is ideal. It delivers consistent, lump-free batches without introducing excess air. For very small jobs, a drill-rated paddle can suffice, but a dedicated mixer improves quality and speed.

5) Which float should I use on cement render, and in what order?

Flatten with a magnesium or resin float, then finish with a damp sponge float to blend and close the texture. Avoid steel trowels too early, as they can bring fines to the surface and weaken the finish.

6) What salary can an aspiring plasterer expect in Romania?

As a guideline, apprentices typically earn 700-1,000 EUR (3,500-5,000 RON) per month in major cities. With experience and low snag rates, juniors move to 1,000-1,400 EUR (5,000-7,000 RON). Rates vary by city and employer and can be higher for specialists or foremen.

7) How can I make my CV stand out to plastering employers?

List the tools you operate confidently, quantify your output (m2 per day, snag rates), add photos under raking light, and note city-specific projects (for example, residential towers in Bucharest or heritage work in Iasi). Mention safety credentials and your dust control practices to show professionalism.