Venetian Plaster

The Different Finishes

Grassello-lucidato

Highly polished plaster for a luxurious glossy finish. For internal use

Fine Marmorino

Smooth polished plaster, with subtle variations of tones. For both internal and external use.

Coarse Marmorino

Lightly polished plaster with a more grainy appearance to achieve burred and marbleised effects.

Pitted

Rugged appearance to create the appearance and feel of lightly polished limestone.

Dragged

Rugged and grainy semi-polished plaster with striations of texture running through the surface to give the allure of natural stone.

Travertine

Subtle stone-like effect which has a light open texture and a directional quality similar to that of natural travertine stone.

Custom finishes

Original and unique in order to create your desired finish

The art of Venitian plastering

The art of Venitian plastering dates back to the mid-1500’s. The origins of the term can be traced back to America, where it was used to explain the wide diversity of techniques and materials used in its creation.

Today, the skills used in the creation of Venetian plaster are much sought after and they are a dying art form in many areas of the painting and decorating industry.

A beautiful finish with depth & texture

It is a finishing technique that is created by combining thin layers of plaster applied to a surface with a spatula or trowel and then burnished. This in turn creates a smooth surface that emits the illusion of depth and texture.

It creates a beautiful finish that ranges from a glossy marble styling to a warm and worn look.

Not only breathable, but anti-mould

The primary ingredient used in the creation of the surfaces is surprisingly not plaster, but gypsum, sand and Slaked Lime, produced from calcium carbonate that is mined and heated. Lime is alkaline in nature and is not only breathable but anti-mould.

After priming the wall, the plasterer has to mix the plaster thoroughly.

The plaster is thinly spread across the surface

Once the technique and colour combination have been resolved, the plaster is thinly spread across the surface using long and short random strokes. The plaster is left to dry for four hours before applying a second coat.

Once the second coat has been stroked on all voids and recessed areas are filled, another 24 hours are needed before top coating or burnishing can begin.

1Washable Satin Sheen

The Venetian topcoat gives a satin sheen and is washable. The plasterer needs to hold the trowel at an angle of 60-90% and use long and short overlapping stroked, giving a milky appearance when dry – again, another 24 hours is needed once this has been applied.

2Burnished & Polished

The surface should be burnished within seven days. By using a 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, the surface has to be rubbed in a circular motion until the desired look is obtained. Finally, the surface has to be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any plaster dust. To get a more polished look, the plasterer may use the flat side of a clean steel trowel.

3Unique Luxury

When applied correctly, Venetian Plastering can add a touch of unique luxury to any home or workplace, and will stand out as an eye-catching ornamental feature in any room. Please view our gallery for examples of Venetian Plastering.