Venetian plaster is back in demand, and for good reasons, two of which are durability and aesthetic. Venetian plaster is one of the strongest, yet most elegant wall finishes available for your home, maintaining its appeal through changes in the environment.
Questions You Might Have About Venetian Plaster
How Long does Venetian Plaster Really Last?
On average, Venetian plaster can last for more than 20 years. However, this ancient wall art could last a lifetime with proper care. Roman monuments as well as classical Venetian houses and buildings from renaissance times still maintain their lustrous finish.
Venetian plaster will not fade or flake like paint, nor will it strain or tear. It is even better than traditional plaster since its natural stone content gives the finish additional strength.
How is Venetian Plaster Made?
Venetian plaster is used to create a smooth, polished finish on walls and other surfaces. Made from a mixture of slaked lime, marble dust, and pigments, Venetian plaster is applied to a surface in multiple thin layers, creating a range of textures and finishes.
Italian plaster is typically hand-troweled onto the surface and then burnished to create a smooth and glossy finish. Often used in high-end residential and commercial projects, Venetian plaster creates a luxurious, elegant look in various colors and finishes.
The technique of creating a smooth, polished finish on walls and other surfaces using a mixture of lime, marble dust, and pigments can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. These civilizations used lime-based plasters to create decorative finishes on the walls of their buildings and monuments.
However, the technique of creating Venetian plaster as we know it today is believed to have originated in the Republic of Venice in Italy during the Renaissance period.
During this time, artisans in Venice developed a method of creating a glossy finish on the walls using a mixture of lime, pigments, and marble dust. This method was used to create decorative finishes on the walls of the city’s palaces, churches, and other public buildings, giving rise to the name “Venetian plaster.”
What Makes Venetian Plaster Durable?
Venetian plaster earns its reputation for durability because of characteristics like:
Natural Materials
Venetian plaster is made from natural lime, known for its permanence and resistance to weathering. Lime-based plasters are also resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, making them ideal for damp environments in your home, such as kitchens and baths.
Application Process
Applying Venetian plaster in multiple thin layers allows for a more consistent and even coverage. Then hand-troweled and burnished, a smooth and uniform finish is created.
Maintenance Ease
Proper maintenance of your Venetian plaster helps ensure longevity. Regular cleaning by simply wiping down with a soft damp cloth, using a mild detergent only when necessary, and refraining from abrasives is typically all your finished wall needs.
Scientific Strength
The chemical reactions occurring throughout the hardening process of the Venetian plaster make it more durable and resistant to wear and tear, strengthening your walls.
Conclusion
Venetian plaster is a stable and long-lasting wall finish used for centuries. Its unique composition of marble dust, lime, and pigments, gives it strength and resilience, making it resistant to cracking, fading, and discoloration with proper application.
Additionally, the time tested application process of Venetian plaster, which involves multiple layers and a trowel technique, creates a dense and compact surface that withstands the wear and tear of daily life. With proper maintenance, a Venetian plaster finish can last decades, thus it’s a wise choice for your residential or commercial space.
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