What is Jack doing when he applies plaster over rough spots in the drywall?

When Jack applies plaster over rough spots in the drywall, he is engaged in the process known as "floating." Floating refers to the technique where a layer of plaster is applied to create a smooth surface by covering imperfections or rough areas. This is a critical step in drywall finishing as it helps to prepare the surface for further finishing work, ensuring that the final appearance is seamless and blemish-free.

In this context, floating is specifically aimed at leveling out the surface, which may involve building up areas that are lower or filling in voids left during previous installation stages. The goal is to achieve a consistent and uniform texture across the entire drywall surface.

Other terms related to drywall work, such as finishing, typically encompass the overall process of preparing and completing the drywall installation, including taping and applying joint compound. Taping specifically refers to the process of applying strips of tape to the joints between sheets of drywall to prevent cracking. "Plastercating" is not a commonly recognized term in drywall or plastering vocabulary.