Venetian plaster

For centuries, people have admired Venetian plaster, a luxurious wall finish that is renowned for its rich history and timeless elegance. This technique dates back to ancient Rome and developed through the expert craftsmanship of Italian artists, especially in Venice during the Renaissance. The distinctive composition and application technique of Venetian plaster, which involves applying thin layers of plaster combined with other materials or marble dust, are what distinguish it from other plasters.

The ability to achieve a variety of textures and finishes, from polished and smooth to rustic and textured, is one of the unique qualities of Venetian plaster. Because of their versatility, bespoke surfaces can be created by designers and homeowners to improve the visual appeal of any type of space, modern or traditional. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Venetian plaster is prized for its robustness and capacity to acquire a patina naturally over time, giving the walls character and depth.

Venetian plaster application calls for a careful application and preparation procedure. Expert artists use a trowel to apply the plaster in thin layers after carefully blending pigments into the plaster to achieve the desired colors. To create a flawless surface, each layer is polished as it dries. In addition to improving the plaster’s aesthetic appeal, this time-consuming process increases its durability by fortifying it against wear and moisture.

Venetian plaster is still prized today for its practical advantages and attractive appearance in both residential and commercial architecture. It continues to be a representation of skill and heritage, fusing traditional artistic sensibilities with contemporary design principles. Venetian plaster is a testament to the timeless appeal of artisanal techniques in architecture and interior design, whether they are used to evoke the grandeur of Italian palazzos or to add a touch of elegance to contemporary interiors.

Distinctive features of Venetian plasters

The plaster is available for purchase as a ready-to-use mixture that is dense and translucent. It is colored in various tones, and when mixtures of two or three shades are applied, the result is a coating that has the appearance of marble. The deeper the color and the more opulent the finish appear, the larger the layers. Glossy gives the plaster a unique expressive quality that reflects light and causes the coating to play in a variety of shades. The surface is polished and coated with a unique wax to increase gloss.

Plaster for decorative facades

Venetian plaster used for decoration

The composition of the plaster

A fine filler, binder, organic and inorganic additives, and stone crumbs make up the plaster mixture. The most common uses for GIPS, lime, marble, quartz, and granite flour are as fillers and as binders for latex and acrylic emulsions, console lime. The size of the particles affects the final finish as well as composition; the smaller the particles, the finer the grinding.

Properties and characteristics

Venetian plaster comes in two primary varieties: smooth and embossed. The first kind incorporates tiny, up to 2 mm-sized granules to give the coating a specific texture. The second kind creates a transparent surface that is flawlessly smooth and enables you to create an incomprehensible light game. Smooth plaster is further separated into three types: matte, glossy, and half-materials. Each type of smooth plaster has a unique appeal.

Glossy Venetian plaster that is smooth

Venetian plaster is known for the following qualities:

• high strength – in the process of drying on the coating, a very solid carbon film is formed, which provides protection against scratches, scuffs and other mechanical damage;
• The plaster withstands temperature changes within -50 ° C to +80 ° C;
• The coating is waterproof, so it perfectly tolerates wet cleaning and even washing with soap solutions;
• There are no substances dangerous for the health of substances in such plaster, so it can be used in bedrooms and children"s bedrooms;
• Properly applied coating serves 15-20 years without loss of external qualities.

The "Venetian" isn’t meant for external surfaces, even with its strength and moisture resistance. Long-term freezing, the impact of precipitation, and wind will cause the finishing layer to rapidly degrade and crack. Furthermore, considering how much material is needed for the facade, the cost of such a finish is extremely high. It’s true that some producers have already started producing unique compositions that can be used indoors or outdoors.

The mixture needs to be applied in layers, anywhere from three to ten, in order to get the marble effect. The base must meet strict specifications: it must be evenly distributed, dry, and clean. Because of the coating’s extreme thinness and multi-layer structure, even the smallest imperfections will be easily noticeable. Furthermore, gloss and transparency will draw even more attention to these flaws. Regarding the base’s material, options include concrete, brick, or wood.

Characteristics of selecting and using ornamental plaster

Renowned for its ageless grace and adaptability, Venetian plaster goes beyond simple wall covering to become an artistic statement in architectural design. This method, which dates back to ancient Rome, combines slaked lime with marble dust to produce a glossy, textured finish that resembles the depth and character of real stone. Beyond just being aesthetically pleasing, Venetian plaster has functional advantages as well. It improves acoustics and durability and can be customized with different application methods and tint choices. Its ability to evoke warmth and sophistication makes it a top choice for both traditional and modern homes, lending a touch of luxury and artistry to any facade. It is perfect for both interior and exterior surfaces.

Popular types of plaster

The assortment is constantly growing due to the high demand for Venetian plaster. Every manufacturer makes an effort to entice buyers with something novel and distinctive. Thus, there were compositions that were velvety on the outside and shimmered from the inside with gold pigments, metallic coatings, and bronze veining. Products under names like "San Marco," "Clavel," "Candis," "Croston," "Alpina," and "Optimist Elite" are notably high-quality and varied.

The types of classical plaster are classified based on composition, as this factor dictates the external properties of the finishing layer. Think about the most well-liked types.

Prices for popular types of plaster

Plaster

Wall decoration technology in Venetian plaster

Tools and materials

Thorough preparation is required before wall decoration, so start by gathering the required supplies:

• kelma with rounded edges;
• metal spatulas;
• construction mixer;
• foam roller;
• sandpaper;
• Main brush.

Narrow spatula for Venetian plaster and light (soft) kelm for Venetian plaster of the Gli Ori di Venezia series For a polyester sponge rubber (polyurethane base) Venetian plaster sponge grater, Kelma transparent plastic is used. Kelm rubber corner

You might need putty, primer, cement mortar, and stucco mixture, depending on the state of the walls. For all stages of the project, the primer can be used alone. Deep-penetration acrylic soil works best. Experts in the field advise using a specific soil, like SUPRIM100, as the foundation for a finishing layer. Because of this composition, the base color is blocked, preventing light from shining through the plaster layers and allowing the coating to take on a richer hue.

Suprime Universal Primer 100

Accurately determining the mixture volume for Venetian plaster is crucial. Since a variety of hues are typically used, the quantity of each is determined independently. That is, they multiply the plaster consumption by a square meter after determining the total surface area. The next step is to multiply the resultant volume by the number of layers of the same color that are required. They take into account the volume in a similar manner for compositions with different colors.

For instance, black and white plaster will be used for decoration. We’ll apply white in one layer and black in two, intermediate layers. Plaster consumption on average is 0.350 g/m2, with a total wall area of 10 m2. Divide the area by the amount consumed.

For one layer, 3.5 kg (10 x 0.350) will be required. That is, 3.5 kg of white plaster and 7 kg of black plaster, twice as much, need to be purchased. You also need to budget an additional 5–10% for reserves.

Regarding coloring: plaster mixtures are typically offered in three variations: colored, light- and dark-toned base bases. The color palette of completed compositions is very limited, whereas basic mixtures can be given any color and shade, making them much preferable. You have the option of ordering tints from professionals or making your own at home when selecting a base. The three rules are all that are necessary to follow, and this is not at all difficult:

• plaster and tinting pasta should be from one manufacturer;
• mix the plaster and pigment immediately before application;
• So that certain sections of the same plane do not differ in tone, the proportions of the components should be the same for each both.

Deep penetration prices

A primer of deep penetration

Surface preparation

It doesn’t really matter how the Venetian base is set up; arches, columns, semicircular niches, and arcuate walls can all be beautifully decorated with this type of plaster. However, surface quality is important because it plays a major role in the final coating’s appearance. The base ought to be sturdy, free of holes and flaws, and as level and smooth as feasible.

Thus, they start by thoroughly cleaning the walls and removing anything unnecessary. Checking the plaster is especially important because, although it may appear strong at first, it has already started to exfoliate. Use a hammer to lightly tap the walls; if there is no sound, the old plaster needs to be removed and the walls should be plastered over.

A rich sound attests to the plaster’s dependability and durability.

Make sure to fill in all of the gaps and crevices, and soak the deeper areas with a solution. Use dry building mixtures for better leveling; they are more even and don’t crack like cement-sand mortar does.

Flotry and anomalies

The base layer is dried, and then the surface is exhausted, sanded, and covered with a finish layer, which lets you get rid of even the tiniest imperfections. After the solution has been perfectly smoothed out with a metal or polyurethane grater, it is allowed to dry.

Preparation is also necessary for drywall walls.

Putty is poured into the spaces between the sheets, the reinforcing tape is positioned from above, and it is gently rubbed into the mixture with a spatula. Prior to applying the black layer of beginning putty, the surface must first be primed with drywall to improve the clutch of the solution. If at all feasible, the layer should be uniform, thin, free of influx, and free of scratches. Following drying, grinding, dust removal, and priming are done. You can apply finish putty if the wall irregularities are no longer visible; if not, an additional intermediate layer will be required.

Video – sealing sutures GKL

Once the leveling solutions are completely dry, you can begin decorating. After that, the walls are cleaned of dust once more and coated with a deep-penetration waterproof primer.

Application of Venetian plaster

If you have never worked with decorative plaster before, start by practicing on a 70 by 70 cm piece of drywall or plywood. To ensure that it stays in place during operation, the material needs to be fixed to a level surface. Alternatively, you could try the wall area, which is going to be covered with plastic or wood. This way, you can quickly determine the application method and the skin will be hidden by the trial results.

Step 1: Two layers of pigmented soil are applied to the walls to create the background. The composition needs to be evenly spread out in a single direction on the surface. It is applied 8–12 hours after the first layer. It takes a full day for the soil to completely dry.

Filling the tray with soil

Roll the soil onto the surface.

Evenly distribute the dirt.

Step 2: After the walls have dried, they should be smoothed with fine-grained sandpaper, and all dust should be removed. The base ought to have a uniform white hue and feel silky and smooth to the touch.

Step 3: Combine the kner with the plaster mixture and thoroughly mix with a mixer until completely combined. You can choose the ideal plaster shade by gradually adding cauline. Just be aware that the color will lighten slightly after drying.

Include the kner in the plaster mixture.

Combine the base and the chopper.

Plaster and kner are combined to create a plaster solution.

Step 4: They type a tablespoon-sized amount of mass onto the cell and then stroke the base of the cell.

Plaster set on a spatula

Starting from the upper corner, hold the tool at a roughly 30-degree angle to the surface. Smears are created by applying light pressure and rubbing the layer as thinly as possible in an unorganized manner. The base ought to be visible through the solution; do not attempt to close it.

We use the initial layer.

Using a spatula, smooth the first layer.

Process the site that lies behind the site by dialing the solution continuously in tiny increments. You break the coating’s structure since you are unable to go back to the locations you have already visited. Use a narrow spatula at the junctions and in the recesses rather than the cell, being careful not to hook the layer with sharp edges.

We coat the corners with the mixture.

Suggestions. The cell needs to be moved from the dry to the wet surface so as not to lose the strips from the tool. As a result, the composition levels more quickly and consistently. The opposite produces observable traces as the solution starts to extend behind the cell. Wipe the tool more frequently while working with a clean, damp cloth because the coating will show unsightly traces left by the dried solution crumbs and unintentionally trapped sand grains.

Step 5: After applying the first layer, give the tool a thorough cleaning and set it aside for six to twelve hours. The walls then need to be cleaned of dust and treated with a "nulevka" skin to remove any potential influxes or protrusions.

Step 6: You’ll need another shade of plaster for the second layer. Apply it in the same manner, but where it is visible, it is preferable that the new strokes differ from the old ones. When rubbing, try to maintain the same force and motions, as though you were sealing layers together. Once the procedure is finished, give the walls another eight hours to dry.

We use the second layer.

Step 7: The third layer should have a color that is either the same as the first or a different shade; the important thing is that its color should be different from the second layer’s. The plaster is applied and thoroughly leveled in the manner previously mentioned. Waiting for it to dry is not necessary because this layer is the final one. It is advised by the manufacturers to begin polishing two to three hours after application, as unfinished plaster may separate from the base and cannot be polished once it is completely dry.

Using Venetian plaster

Plaster application using a spatula

Remember to pay attention to the corners.

Step 8. So, we begin to polish the coating. By this time, the surface should become slightly porous and matte, like an unprocessed stone. Take a clean and dry cell, put it in a flat one to the base and with pressure on the front of the tool, rubbed a plaster layer in a circular motion. It is very important to properly hold the specified rhythm and pressure, then the coating quickly acquires a glossy shine, becomes smooth, the pattern manifests itself. Make sure that the faces of the cell do not damage the coating. After polishing, it is necessary to give the plaster completely dry and gain maximum strength. This is usually required for about 7 days.

To give a pure cell its brilliance, walk along its final layer while holding it at a 30-degree angle and moving it in circular motions.

Step 9: The application of wax is the last step.

Before applying, combine the wax.

Dust must first be removed from the walls using a dry rag. Applying wax with a flexible spatula or sponge is the most convenient method due to its thick consistency. Small portions of the composition are typed and scattered across the surface using strokes. Try to rub it as evenly as you can because the decoration appears spotted and the thick layer of wax is darker than the thin layer after it dries.

In order to preserve the beauty of the plastered surface and increase its durability, the job should be finished with an appropriate coating.

Step 10: Using suede cloth and vigorous circular motions, polish the wax after it has dried sufficiently, which should take two hours.

There may be variations in the decorating process based on the plaster brand. This first pertains to the number of layers and the drying deadlines. Prior to beginning work, thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions found on the composition’s packaging. This will help you apply the composition correctly and guarantee a high-quality outcome, subject to all requirements.

With the technology mentioned, you can obtain the most basic traditional pattern. The coating shades will be richer and more expressive if you use three different colors of plaster. Apply strokes in a specific order and add more layers to produce a more elaborate pattern. The decorative artist’s experience, talent, and artistic flair all play a major role.

Get a composition for a coating that is multicolored, then.

Use of a single hue

The second hue is acquired.

Put the second hue on.

Getting close to the third hue

Plaster application with a continuous second layer

A classic method that gives home facades elegance and depth is Venetian plastering. This plastering technique, which dates back to ancient Rome, is applying thin layers of plaster that has been combined with other materials or marble dust to produce a polished, smooth surface. Its name comes from the surface’s resemblance to the opulent marble walls seen in Venetian architecture.

The versatility of Venetian plaster is one of its main draws. Homes can achieve a variety of decorative effects by tinting it to a wide range of colors, from subdued neutrals to vivid hues. Venetian plaster is a favorite among designers and renovators alike because it can be used to create a sleek, modern finish or a rustic, textured look. It also adapts to different interior styles and architectural designs.

In addition to its beauty, Venetian plaster is prized for its robustness and usefulness. It creates a sturdy, stain- and moisture-resistant surface when applied and maintained correctly, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Its popularity in both residential and commercial settings can be attributed to its smooth texture, which also makes it simple to clean with a simple wipe-down.

All things considered, Venetian plaster is notable for its beauty, lengthy tradition of artistry, and capacity to elevate plain walls into works of art. This age-old method never fails to enchant with its timeless charm and useful advantages, whether it’s employed to mimic the opulence of Italian palazzos or to accentuate the modern appeal of a modern home.

Video on the topic

✅ Venetian plaster with your own hands from A to Z | Long application | How to save wet silk

Venetian plaster – a method of applying "textured"

Application of Venetian plaster

Venetian plaster Black and White (2024)