venetian plaster
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This old world art form
known as Venetian plaster, which has actually been in use since the Roman
Empire, is currently experiencing a rebirth in the United States, sparking
great interest in the design and decorating communities.
If you are searching for a unique alternative to standard paints and wallpapers
to embellish your space, Venetian plaster may be the answer. Venetian plaster
is a distinctive interior finish technique, which brings walls to life, creating
depth with integrated color and texture. The paste mixture can be applied
thinly and smoothed with wax or polish, or can be thickly layered to achieve
a coarser effect.
A Venetian Plaster finish is a high-end alternative to ordinary paint, faux
finishes or wall coverings. Venetian Plaster is not to be mistaken for ordinary
plaster or joint compound. It is a lime putty and contains finely ground
limestone and marble dust which allows the plaster to be applied as thin
as paint and translucent enough to allow each layer to show through. It is
actually very thin layers of venetian plaster applied to your walls by hand
which creates the desired effect.
The technique was adopted by the ancient Venetians as an alternative to using
heavy stone and marble. A Venetian Plaster finish can range in sheen and
texture from a smooth, highly polished, marble-like finish to a distressed,
stone-like, Tuscan appearance with multiple color washes to get the desired
effect and color combination. Color combinations are endless and range from
Venetian reds, terracotta's, Provencal blues, sandy marble, rich ivories,
yellow ochres, pale greens to white and evoke a sense of the Mediterranean
yet remaining startling contemporary.
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Though several brands
and different recipes of Venetian plaster exist on today’s market,
most contain various mixtures of fine plasters, alabaster dust, ground
marble, or limestone. These ingredients can be processed to achieve varying
looks, but the real difference lies in application. Applied with a spackling
knife, the plaster is hand-troweled onto the wall in short strokes. These
brisk strokes create a cross-hatched effect with a random, broken pattern,
the defining quality of Venetian plaster’s individuality. Paint cannot
compare to the distinctive beauty of Venetian plaster when it is properly
applied.
Versatility is a distinct
asset of Venetian plaster. Any desired color is mixed directly into the
paste, the tint becoming integral and therefore not easily chipped or faded.
The finish becomes waterproof, ensuring that it will last for many years.
The plaster’s possibilities are endless, as it can be blended into
any décor to draw subtle attention to its fine detail. It lends itself
well to any decorating scheme—Mediterranean, Colonial, Southwestern.
Venetian plaster suits any type of theme because it can become so many different
things.
Plastering your walls Venetian-style is a labor-intensive and potentially
very costly feat. The walls require several coats of plaster, depending on
the desired finished color, with the final coat creating highlights with
a mirrored effect of light reflection once polished (a technique known as “blading”)
with a spackling knife or trowel.
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Application of Venetian
plaster is a unique, high-focus art form that should be entrusted to professionals
to achieve its maximum effects. In Venetian plaster applications, the skill
level of the applicator is paramount to acheiving a quality result.
Cost is another consideration to factor into your decision to apply Venetian
plaster. The process is fairly expensive compared to other custom finishes,
costing upwards of $8-$15 per square foot. To cut the cost of the project,
consider doing an accent wall in Venetian plaster rather than an entire room.
The gorgeous appearance of this look will create a lasting appeal that will
endure in your home for many years to come, but as with any home project,
be sure to put careful consideration into your decision. With Venetian plaster,
you can bring the old world home with a modern spin, giving your home and
walls a truly custom look.