Venetian Plaster: withstanding the test of time

Venetian Plaster consists of marble, sand and lime which has been ground finely to a powder and can be tinted with paints and glazes. This is used in surface covering and creates a beautifully smooth finish. A stuccoed wall effect is created by applying several layers of tinted plaster with a trowel and is also known as “Italian plaster” or “Marmorino plaster”.

Natural lime plaster has been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians and the people of Antiquities. Primitively, the plaster was purely used for protection of structures. But the method was taken to another level by adding natural coloring material to add a decorative use for both interior and exterior applications.

The ageless visual aspect of Italy and its Venetian plaster finishes are glorious, warm, and rustic and these days easy to create in any home, definitely an unmatched level of beauty, elegance and sophistication. Whether you prefer the lustrous glare of Venetian plaster, sparkling Marmorino, or heavily textured Venetian plaster with an "old wall" feel you will be guaranteed happiness with the end result.

One of the more relied-upon and time tested methods of producing a reasonably durable and arguably appealing indoor finish to walls and floors is through the use of plaster. The abundance of the materials needed to make plaster prompted the general use of plaster in households throughout the ages, with known records of plaster used in history dating back to as early as the Mesopotamian civilization.

This time-tested plaster method has understandably evolved into various designs and textures to suit the various tastes, with one of the more popular being the Venetian plaster, otherwise known as the Stucco Veneziano. This is mainly because of the warm, living atmosphere this particular plaster lends to wherever it is applied to. Venetian plaster is made more popular with the onset of the more 'organic' trends in indoor design, as the earthy tones produced by Venetian plaster mixes tends toward a very natural coloration and texture.

Another very handy use of plaster is for covering cracks or imperfections on household walls. The consistency of plaster allows for it to be very suitable in sealing those unsightly cracks running down aged walls. Another good thing about this is the fact that when plaster does get to settle and harden, it is often more durable than paint, and therefore able to last longer and look better too. Just like custom-made paints, plaster can be customized to whatever color tone or texture you think is best for your house.

Venetian plaster is also very flexible when it comes to application, as it can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, and even in places that get frequent exposure to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. This plaster can be applied to either an existing drywall, or even a completely new wall made up of concrete, tile, bricks, and even wood. Customization is also no problem when using Venetian plaster, as colors can easily be combined to produce the desired shade, and even the finish can be mixed using a combination of plaster finishes, allowing you to coordinate with the overall theme of your dwelling.

A lot of people may want Venetian plaster for the superb finish it applies to the floors and walls, but what many may not know is that using plaster finishes does come with its benefits. Limestone, a natural component of Venetian plaster, is a natural mold deterrent, thus preventing the accumulation of potentially hazardous molds within the household. Plaster, if applied properly, also allows the walls to 'breathe', thereby preventing moisture build-up. If used on outside walls, exterior venetian plaster can be washed down with acetone, allowing it to be restored to its initial state should the wall be subject to color blemishes, or even acts of vandalism, such as graffiti. Limestone, being basically an organic and natural substance, poses less of a danger to people with allergies to artificial household building materials.

Venetian Plaster is considered by many people as a faux finish, however it is an excellent method to cover imperfection on walls or cracks and can be accomplished in an easy three part procedure. The first step is to apply a thin layer of plaster with a small trowel or filler knife, smooth it with a large trowel and let it dry. Then, with the small trowel apply the second layer of plaster in an x-pattern and let it dry. Finally, you need to smooth the layers with the large trowel and sand the surface to add an elusive radiance. For safety reasons it is extremely important to wear a dust mask and eye protection when using the sander.

Arguably, the best part of using Venetian plaster is the budget factor. Venetian plaster finish is quite affordable and is an ideal choice for those on a budget.

Venetian Plaster New York offers a one-stop-shop for your renovation project, including interior design, materials and complete remodeling services. Stucco Veneziano New York gives decorative paste plaster utilized for interior applications. Faux Finish New York have sustained immense popularity over the ages - and can be seen in modern Art Deco styles and in today's creative design-effect boom in our post-wallpaper age.