Venetian Plaster – Wall Finish which makes a difference

gabrielle — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:36:11 +0000

What is Venetian Plaster exactly?

I found out that there are some misconceptions about this beautiful wall finish. Let me explain what stands behind these two words:
Venetian Plaster is a Finishing technique using thin layers of plaster applied with a spatula or trowel and then burnished to create a smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture.
“Venetian plaster” is an American-made term to explain the variety of different techniques and materials used to create the polished stucco finish.
The Term “Venetian Plaster” is the common misconception.
The English word “plaster: comes from old French word “plaister” which literally means gypsum. The term “Venetian plaster” is mainly used between architects and designers in the US.
None of the materials used to create those finishes is plaster except the Scagliola finish. Basic Plaster mix is gypsum, sand and lime or just the gypsum and sand. In other words gypsum is the main material in the plaster mix.

But what is Stucco?

Stucco is the mix of lime and sand (Traditional) and modern stucco is the mix of lime, cement and sand. So, main material in the modern stucco mix is the cement and traditional mix is the lime or hydraulic lime used in polished stucco.
Techniques: Stucco Veneziano (Venetian stucco), Marmorino, Scagliola, Sgraffitto and others. These other techniques will be shown in the next posts. So keep posted!

Venetian Plaster and Designer Wall Finishes

Venetian Plaster – Wall Finish which makes a difference