Hal Major © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
Venetian plaster gives you old world charm and warmth that you can�t get with any other product. The soft sheen and delicate patterns make a room feel inviting and comfortable. The original Venetian plaster was painstakingly prepared by Roman artisans using several steps to reach the correct mixture. The original plaster was made from aged and slaked lime; ground marble dust and coloring pigments. Today�s product comes in a gallon can and is ready to apply. The product can be purchased in ready to use colors or custom tinted in the same way that paint is mixed for your special color.
Where to use Venetian plaster
The plaster is an interior wall and ceiling product. If you want a similar effect for exterior surfaces you will want to get a synthetic stucco product. The interior plaster can be used on any interior surface that is not exposed to water. It is okay to use on kitchen and bathroom walls as long as it is not applied in showers or on countertops. Bedrooms, dining rooms and living/family rooms are the most popular areas for Venetian plaster.
Tools and Equipment you need:
Venetian plaster
Wall primer (optional)
Steel trowel 4� x 6�
Paint roller, and tray (optional)
Painters� tape
Drop cloth
Sandpaper (400 and 600 grit)
Electric Orbital Sander (optional)
Rubber gloves
Dust masks
Topcoat or paste wax (optional)
How to apply Venetian Plaster:
Step 1: Clear the room or area as much as possible. Spread the drop cloths over any remaining furniture and items. Using your masking or painters� tape to mask off woodwork, electrical outlets and switches, and other items that cannot be removed from the surfaces to be plastered.
Step 2: Use spackling compound to fill any cracks or holes and allow to completely dry. Sand off any rough edges of the spackle. If the wall is covered with a gloss or semi-gloss paint, you need to either cover it with a good wall primer or sand the surface to remove the shiny surface. If you choose to sand it you will need to wipe the surface thoroughly to remove any sanding dust.
Step 3: Make sure the plaster is thoroughly mixed. You can apply it with either a thick nap paint roller or the steel trowel. If you use a paint roller, do a small section and then take the trowel and smooth the surface using strokes in a �X� pattern. Venetian plaster is applied in thin coats. Two to three coats are needed to attain the desired thickness and pattern. Allow each coat to completely dry before applying the next one.
Step 4: Once the final coat has thoroughly dried you can polish the surface using the steel trowel or 400 to 600 grit sandpaper. If you use an electric sander, be careful not to apply too much pressure. Apply a topcoat or paste wax in high moisture areas.
Applying Venetian plaster correctly takes practice. You may want to consult an experienced and reputable contractor to help you.
