Unique Features Of Venetian Plastering
Venetian plastering is a style or technique of plastering which was discovered in the north of Italy particularly in Venice. Venetian plaster is made using lime and marble dust. Apart from lime-based Venetian plasters, synthetic Venetian plasters are also available in the market. The marble dust used in Venetian plaster imparts a marble-like effect to the surface of the wall and the ceiling.
Technique Used To Make Venetian Plaster
The tools required for Venetian plastering includes a steel trowel, 400-600 grit sandpaper and drywall knife of 4-6 inches. Paintbrush, roller, primer, paint tray, drop cloth and other materials may also be required.
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Venetian plastering should be started from the corner of the room. The first coat of plaster should be applied using a flexible steel trowel. A drywall knife of 4-6 inches can also be used to apply the first coat of Venetian plaster. The trowel should be at an angle of 15-30 degrees while applying the coat. The lengths and angles of strokes to apply the plaster should be different. The surface of the finish must be smooth. The trowel must also be cleaned frequently to prevent dried plaster sticking on it from damaging the finish. Some portions of the wall surface can also be allowed to be seen through the plaster. The first coat of Venetian plaster must be allowed to dry for about four hours.
The second coat of Venetian plaster should be applied thinly. The trowel should be at an angle of 60-90 degrees while applying the coat. The plaster needs to be applied using long and short strokes in an X motion. Gaps and spots must be covered thoroughly. The second coat must be allowed to dry for 24 hours.
The final step of Venetian plastering is smoothening the surface. For smoothening the surface, a sandpaper of 400-600 grit needs to be used in a circular fashion. Rubbing the surface of the plaster with the flat side of a putty knife or trowel imparts even more polished appearance to the surface. The topcoat can also be added if the room has high moisture and high traffic. The topcoat is applied using a trowel. The topcoat can only be applied after the plaster has dried. The surface can be polished again with a trowel or putty knife after the application of topcoat.
Paste wax can also be applied on the topcoat to add more sheen to the surface. The wax is applied using a trowel followed by burnishing the surface using the side of the trowel.
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Benefits of Venetian Plastering
- The main benefit of Venetian plastering is that it gives a marble-like finish to the walls and the ceiling. Thus, there is no need to use real marbles and yet get the same marble effect.
- Venetian plaster is very durable and does not age easily. It also withstands external forces well and does not shrink. It is also very easy to clean.
- Venetian plastering is suitable for all kinds of walls such as brick walls, wood walls, tiled walls, exterior wood walls and many more.
- Venetian plaster does not trap moisture by allowing water to evaporate easily. The plaster also does not fade for many years which eliminate the need to repaint. Thus, Venetian plaster finishes are also very easy to maintain.
- A range of Venetian plaster colors is available.
