Several video lessons on the application of Venetian plaster

Welcome to "All about the facades of the house," a place where we educate and inspire homeowners by examining a variety of exterior home design topics. This article explores the craft of Venetian plastering, which is recognized for its elegant appearance and classic appeal.

More than just a paint, Venetian plaster is an ancient art form that originated in Venice, where craftsmen developed the technique for applying plaster to produce a marble-like appearance. These days, this method is prized for its adaptability, enabling a variety of colors and textures that can turn any surface into an artistic creation.

You will find detailed instructions on how to apply Venetian plaster to the interior walls of your home in our video lessons. Every lesson aims to simplify the procedure so that even novices can understand it. Venetian plaster provides a durable and elegant solution, making it ideal for creating a dramatic focal point or adding subtle depth to a room.

Come learn about the subtleties of Venetian plaster with us as we go through real-world examples and professional advice. Our videos walk you through every step of the process, from prepping your surfaces to applying the plaster and getting a perfect finish. Use this classic method to add Old World charm and contemporary sophistication to your home decor.

Types, the difference between decorative plaster and Venetian

Venetian plaster mimics a natural stone coating.

Decorative plaster is a broad term that includes many kinds of sealants. Plasters made of acrylic, cement, liquid glass, silicone resin, or stone flour are examples of decorative compositions. Each of these substances is unique in both appearance and characteristics. Among the various types of decorative finishing compositions is Venetian plaster. The Venetian plaster is distinguished from other plasters by its composition of components, appearance, application method, and operational features.

There are several primary categories of traditional Venetian plaster:

1. Veneto coating creates on the wall an imitation of polished marble. Such plaster is popular among other analogues due to acceptable cost and relative ease of application. Veneto plaster, covered with a layer of wax composition, is not difficult to care for and is easily cleaned with a wet sponge or rag.
2. Trevinyano is superimposed on the wall with numerous translucent layers. After hardening, the surface looks like it is highlighted from the inside. Trevinyano plaster is created on a polymer basis and has a wide color spectrum. Such coating is used in interiors made in the styles of Baroque, Vintage, Classic.
3. Marbello plaster allows you to create a matte velvety surface on the wall with glossy veins scattered along it. In the process of applying plaster, compounds of different colors are used, so that, under the influence of lighting, the wall plays unexpected shades and overflows. The component composition of the material contains polymer substances that give the coating moisture repellent properties.
4. The Encausto Venetian coating is distinguished by a semi -water surface diluted with interspersed of a contrasting shade. Visually, this coating resembles granite. To extend the durability of the cladding and add decorativeness to it, after drying the plaster is opened with a wax -containing substance.

Explore a collection of captivating video lessons on "All about the facades of the house" to gain professional advice on applying Venetian plaster. These tutorials are designed for both novices and enthusiasts who want to improve the visual appeal of their home. They offer detailed instructions along with helpful advice. Discover key methods that will help your next renovation project turn out professionally, from surface preparation to gorgeous finishes.

Application technique

You can decorate 8 m2 of walls with roughly 3.5 kg of finished plaster from one liter of varnish.

The application method in this instance will be exactly the same as the imitation. I’ll stick to the essentials and avoid repetition:

1. The walls are aligned and primed before plastering.
2. The first layer of the Venetian is applied with a metal cell with multidirectional movements, putty is leveled to a thickness of 1 – 2 mm. Leave small layers of strokes without even lines of doctors.
3. Make sure that the material does not dry out on the tool, otherwise the lumps will leave traces on decorative plaster. Clean the canvas of the cell from time to time.
4. After 1.5 – 2 hours, put a second layer to enhance the color depth. Use the same composition. Its thickness should be 0.5 – 1 mm. Dries quickly, about 15 – 20 minutes.
5. The third layer is applied "to the cut" as if they were making a finish putty.
6. After half an hour, when the entire surface has dried up, they begin to emphasize. The smallest sandpaper we clean all the tubercles and protrusions on the surface. We remove dust.
7. We glorify the “Venetian” with a spatula or kelma – we hold the tool at an acute angle to the wall and with an effort we carry out on plaster, as if smoothing. At this stage, gloss is already manifested.
8. Righten wax for decorative coatings, polish it with a soft cloth.

Materials and equipment used

The instrument and your creativity will determine the final product.

It will be determined by the tint, so choose an appropriate mixture before beginning work.

This will determine the final area’s texture and color scheme. Experts typically try to collaborate with a reliable manufacturer.

This enables the achievement of a predictable outcome. The tint’s color is chosen based on the design solution. To ensure that the right decision is taken, it won’t be unnecessary to conduct a trial run in a limited space.

Having a trowel won’t be unnecessary because it will help you deal with difficult-to-reach places. To polish, prepare a piece of suede and some wax beforehand.

Other tools: angle leaps, plaster shoulder blade, falcon, ironing room, half at rest, and level.

Application technique

You can decorate 8 m2 of walls with roughly 3.5 kg of finished plaster from one liter of varnish.

One square meter can hold 400–500 grams of the final mixture.

This article describes how to work with Venetian plaster. The application method in this instance will be exactly the same as the imitation. I’ll stick to the main points and avoid repetition.

1. The walls are aligned and primed before plastering.
2. The first layer of the Venetian is applied with a metal cell with multidirectional movements, putty is leveled to a thickness of 1 – 2 mm. Leave small layers of strokes without even lines of doctors.
3. Make sure that the material does not dry out on the tool, otherwise the lumps will leave traces on decorative plaster. Clean the canvas of the cell from time to time.
4. After 1.5 – 2 hours, put a second layer to enhance the color depth. Use the same composition. Its thickness should be 0.5 – 1 mm. Dries quickly, about 15 – 20 minutes.
5. The third layer is applied "to the cut" as if they were making a finish putty.
6. After half an hour, when the entire surface has dried up, they begin to emphasize. The smallest sandpaper we clean all the tubercles and protrusions on the surface. We remove dust.
7. We glorify the “Venetian” with a spatula or kelma – we hold the tool at an acute angle to the wall and with an effort we carry out on plaster, as if smoothing. At this stage, gloss is already manifested.
8. Righten wax for decorative coatings, polish it with a soft cloth.

In this way, you can save a lot of money and make a beautiful décor by hand without using pre-made materials.

Venetian plaster – pros and cons of

It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using Venetian plaster independently when decorating a space. Among the benefits, the following stand out.

1. The texture that imitates many types of natural stone (depends on the technique used by the wizard-stocker).

Venetian plaster used for decoration

1. The effect of "internal glow", due to the high reflection of light in the material and the use of wax coating.
2. Resistance to mechanical loads and temperature changes.
3. The long service life, which is at least 25 years (with the correct technology for applying plaster).
4. Lack of seams and joints on wall decoration and other surfaces.
5. Color preservation for a long time due to wax coating.
6. Destability to water – Venetian plaster can be used without fear in bathrooms or in baths.

Examples of wall decorations using different decoration technologies and compositions are shown in the picture.

The high cost of the material, the intricate decoration, and the strict requirements for the base coating—which must be flawlessly even and evenly spaced, free of defects—are some of the drawbacks of Venetian plaster. If the final component is missing, you can have a problem when the finish is applied and all of the wall’s flaws become apparent.

Methods of application

Even during the Renaissance, aristocratic Italians requested the thinnest layer of plaster to decorate the walls of their mansions instead of the wooden carved panels that were once popular during the knightly era. The mixtures consisted of thin-ground marble and gypsum combined with lime. According to recipes that were kept by old masters and, regrettably, were mostly lost, additional binders were added to them. However, these special materials and their application techniques are being revived today, and binding fillers made of contemporary mixtures are being utilized.

The techniques for applying this finishing material differ significantly from those for painting the walls using common aligning compositions. Since the decorative mixture is applied in the thinnest layer, it is completely inappropriate for correcting severe irregularities. Furthermore, aside from the first layer, each layer—aside from single-layer options—is typically in its own finish, meaning it can be final. There are also compounds that need to be coated with four to six layers to have the desired effect.

Smears, akin to the ones artists leave on canvases but somewhat larger and created with a smooth steel cell rather than a brush, are the primary method of wall covering. However, you should only use this technique when working with compositions for multi-layer finishes. The wall section is first covered in broken strokes, followed by fresh ones that overlap the earlier ones, and so on, until you determine that there are enough layers to move on to polishing and applying wax for a higher gloss.

Video: sequence of actions when applying Venetian plaster

Rollers can be used to apply single-layer decorative compositions with ease. Regular foams and textured or curly nozzles can both be used. Typically, "Venetians" and liquid wallpaper—both of which are considered finish materials—have a consistency akin to thick sour cream and are easily removed with a spatula (followed by a cell) or a roller. After applying the foundation layer first, the latter can be structurally supported by two layers of plaster.

Technique: the main stages

Preparation of walls

Correct surface preparation is required before beginning any work; the surface must be perfectly smooth and even, requiring the application of a mandatory layer of finish putty.

Sandpaper should be used to prepare the surface after that and to prepare the walls for staining.

The device of a drywall structure is permitted if the walls differ significantly and can’t be aligned using conventional methods; it should also be primed, plunged, and wiped.

A thorough foundation preparation is required to ensure that any surface imperfections do not become the focal point of the interior design once Venetian plaster, which has a translucent structure, is applied.

Following the completion of the preparatory work, a unique primer layer for Venetian plaster is applied. In certain circumstances, acrylic paint—a less expensive option—may be used in its place.

The ground base’s colorant can be white or match the primary tinted pattern of the coating’s future color.

You will learn the correct way to apply decorative Venetian plaster in this video tutorial.

Brief master class

You can immediately start applying plaster once the soil has dried completely, but you must follow certain guidelines and work stages:

1. First, the first thin, but continuous layer is applied along the surface to be processed, and after drying, it must be cleaned, eliminating irregularities;
2. The second and subsequent layers are applied exclusively by flexible spatulas using arched movements, which allow you to create a chaotic harmony of the pattern;
3. Before applying the subsequent layer, the previous one must completely dry and be protected;
4. The minimum number of layers of Venetian plaster, as a rule, is at least 4, and the maximum can reach 12-15;
5. Be sure to observe the rule according to which each subsequent layer should differ in color or tone from the previous. It is allowed to use contrasting colors or shades in one palette;
6. In many ways, the type of future wall decoration depends on the artistic abilities of the master, his ability to neatly and accurately apply short and long strokes, put accents in the form of bright spots, etc. D. This is exactly the case when “the artist should be a little a malarus, and not vice versa”;
7. After the last layer is cleaned, the wax comes into the case, which is applied to the surface as a finish protective waterproof coating, which determines the appearance of the plaster at the same time: glossy or matte. Experts do not recommend using varnishes, since sometimes, for various reasons, the coating can be clouded (of course, this rule is irrelevant if the Venetian plaster is applied by Krakelyur technique);
8. and, the final chord – a surface polishing for which soft materials are used, for example, suede.

You can’t touch the surface before 6 hours, even though each layer dries fairly quickly—between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the humidity and room temperature.

Additionally, the room won’t be operational until at least one week because the coating will completely dry out during this time.

A master class on applying Venetian plaster can be seen in the following video.

The primary challenge when working with Venetian plaster is that it is not always possible to decorate the entire wall at once; therefore, the work is done in segments, capturing about 1 m2.

However, it is also necessary to back off from the first (basic) layer’s edge when applying the second and subsequent layers; otherwise, the divisions between the parts won’t be visible.

The effect of a classic Venetian

The traditional Venetian effect is produced in a slightly different way. It will require the application of three to five layers of textured putty to the wall in order for it to form. Each layer in this instance has a distinct color or shade.

Take note! It is crucial to prepare the full volume of Venetian plaster required ahead of time and dilute different colors in different containers because even skilled decorators cannot duplicate the chosen color combination twice. The following is the work order:

The following is the work order:

1. The first layer is applied with arbitrary strokes using a wide spatula.
2. Ten minutes later, the necessary relief is formed by the cell.
3. Two hours later, convex scallops are cut off with the same tool and the first layer is aligned.
4. The second layer, like all subsequent ones, is applied using the same technology after the first layer has completely dried.
5. At the very end, the surface is polished using fur fabric. To give a shine, Venetian plaster is processed by wax.

Lessons on demonstration application make it easier to understand how traditional Venetian plaster is used.

History of the emergence of Venetian plaster

Strangely enough, rather than in Venice, such a plaster was invented in ancient Rome. It wasn’t until many years later that it was brought back to life in Venice and given the name "Stucco Veneziano."

Such plaster has quite banal reasons for appearing. Marble was a common building material in Rome. Many waste materials emerged during processing, including dust, crumbs, and various spoiled blocks. So someone figured they could use all of this waste. Dust-derived "marble" had a similar appearance to natural stone, and it was far simpler to work with than blocks of broken stone.

When the local masters reopened it after his revival in Venice, he was given the name "Venetian," but plaster was used instead of marble. After all, a loin surface was utilized by numerous Middle Ages artists, including Michelangelo and Raphael, to continue painting with paints.

The composition of the Venetian plaster

In actuality, the ingredients in Venetian plaster have remained the same for many centuries. For this reason, understanding how to create Venetian plaster is highly beneficial nowadays. Although the base doesn’t change, the component ratios will, and artificial additives can be used. To begin with, dust is made of stone—quartz, marble, granite, and other types of stone. The dust particles should be as small as possible.

Three primary ingredients make up Venetian plaster: stone crumb, binder, and dyes.

A connecting substance was an additional component; back then, he was a bastard lime. Water and dyes were, of course, the remaining ingredients. which could be used to prepare plant juices, animal blood, and a variety of other substances.

When all the ingredients had been combined into a cream-colored consistency, the plaster was deemed ready. Essentially, you could create a Venetian plaster by hand. The recipe makes it clear that this is not a difficult recipe.

Moreover, acrylic and other comparable materials are now utilized in place of uniform, synthetic binders. Artificial dyes replace mineral dyes. However, experts claim that only genuine plaster made using a traditional recipe can capture the entire dynamic between light and brilliance. Thus, the answer to the question of how to make Venetian plaster lies in using natural ingredients. No, you don’t need to search for animal blood; artificial coloring works well, and working with marble and lime won’t be too tough.

The main properties of plaster

The primary choices for the Venetian plaster’s texture

If you believe you can create a finish similar to Venetian plaster by hand, you should be aware of its characteristics. This will enable you to make better use of all the features this material has to offer.

Any color scheme can be used for the coating, and it can also be made to resemble the surface of stone, especially marble. Prior to application, the coloring pigment needs to be added to the composition.

Because the plaster is transparent, you can create an incredible light show. As a result, the surface preparation that will be used to apply the Venetian plaster needs to be done extremely well. If not, every surface imperfection, including cracks, will be apparent. Plaster can be applied to brick, concrete, and trees. As mentioned previously, setting up the application location is crucial.

The end product is a superb coating that is solid, vapor permeable, and resistant to moisture. It can be used for roughly fifteen years. Following the application of Venetian plaster, it starts to take up carbon from the atmosphere. This process, known as carbonization, causes a solid carbon film to form, giving it special operational properties. On a synthetic or mineral basis, there are minor variations in the material’s properties, but these are not substantial and do not alter its characteristics.

You can choose the coating’s texture to match any type of furniture or interior. This is a totally customized solution, and you will be the one to draw whatever is required to achieve the overall goal.

The material’s high cost and the application process’s complexity can be viewed as drawbacks. However, if the decision is made to apply Venetian plaster by hand, the overall expenses can be greatly decreased. However, the outcome will be worth every effort made.

Video Title	Description
Introduction to Venetian Plaster	Learn the basics of applying Venetian plaster, including preparation and tools needed.
Advanced Techniques in Venetian Plaster	Explore advanced methods and finishes for achieving different textures and effects with Venetian plaster.

Learning the craft of Venetian plaster via video lessons is a special chance to update the facades of your house in a sophisticated and fashionable way. These tutorials explore the complex methods needed to accomplish the opulent look for which Venetian plaster is known. Homeowners can learn exactly how to prepare surfaces, apply plaster layers, and achieve the desired texture and sheen by watching these instructional videos step-by-step.

Every video lesson offers helpful examples that break down seemingly difficult procedures into smaller, more doable steps. Technique and precision are emphasized throughout these tutorials, from mixing the plaster to applying it with grace. They serve both novices seeking to experiment with a new do-it-yourself project and experienced artisans hoping to hone their craft.

Moreover, the advantages go beyond visual appeal. Venetian plaster is a sustainable option for improving both interior and external surfaces because of its high value and capacity for breathability. These lessons focus on selecting the appropriate supplies and equipment to guarantee that every project is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

In conclusion, watching these video tutorials can help people become more creative and skilled, enabling them to turn their homes into artistic creations. Whether the historical significance or the modern aesthetic appeal of Venetian plaster captivates you, these lessons offer a thorough guide to confidently accomplishing stunning results.

Video on the topic

Venetian plaster

Training video Venetian plaster! (2024)

VENETIAN PLASTER. Italika video lesson

Master class on applying Venetian stucco Stucpalais