Named after Venice, the Italian city where it originated, Venetian plaster is resurging in popularity. With renewed interest in the technique, it is becoming more and more popular for finishing walls. It has, in fact, become a signature look for high-end homes and commercial spaces such as luxury hotels, resorts, and spas.
What is Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster is plaster mixed with marble or limestone dust. This mix of materials creates textures, patterns and a depth of color that cannot be achieved with conventional flat paint. This plaster can be used to create walls that replicate the look of natural stone, travertine and mother-of-pearl among other effects. It is applied in thin, translucent layers that give a final look of iridescence, and creates the illusion of light emanating from it which warms up a space.
Advantages of Venetian Plaster
There are many advantages of Venetian plaster beyond its pleasing aesthetic:
- Eco-friendly with zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Venetian plaster is breathable, allowing for moisture to escape, preventing mold and mildew development.
- Available in a vast variety so it can be used to create many different effects. These range from shiny, matte, ultra smooth to an earthy, rock-like finish. It can also be tinted.
- Primarily used on walls, Venetian plaster can be used on other flat surfaces like ceilings.
- When it dries on a wall, Venetian plaster becomes rock-hard. A wall covered in Venetian plaster is significantly stronger than one where flat paint is used, enhancing the strength of the wall or other surface it is applied to.
- Venetian plaster is easy to maintain.
How to Maintain Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster is applied in several, thin layers using a trowel or spatula. It is then burnished to achieve the final effect of a smooth surface. To maintain it, it only needs to be dusted with a dry cloth or duster.
Typically walls covered in Venetian plaster are finished with a seal made of wax that makes the wall waterproof. This can be very helpful since it repels dirt, making it much easier to clean. A sealed wall is easy to dry dust.
In circumstances where wax wasn’t applied, it is advisable to clean a small part of a wall before cleaning the whole of it. It is best to use a dry cloth to dust. If water is to be used, it should be used in the form of a damp cloth rather than dripping wet. Immediately, another cloth should be used to dry it and restore the plaster’s shine and color. Even with a wax-sealed wall, it is important to use only water, or water with mild detergent. Strong detergents can damage the look of Venetian plaster. If there are wall stains, a damp cloth should be used to remove them.
Venetian Plaster With DecorFin
If you’re interested in your Venetian plaster for the walls of your home or commercial space, it is a job best left to the experts. For over 30 years, DecorFin has earned the reputation of being the premier choice for Venetian plaster in its base town, NYC, as well as around the country.
You can choose to create a custom wall, or present a swatch of textured wallpaper to be matched. Whatever design route you choose, there are no limits in regard to color, texture or pattern. Pretty much anything you dream up for your wall design can come true.
Elevate your space, contact DecorFin today!
