Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster refers to a type of polished plaster that bears a lifelike imitation to marble. Some customers ask for quick finishes that reflect a modern look, others want the look of old world craftsmanship. Venetian plaster lends itself equally well to either contemporary or classic looks.
by Ester Brody
and residential customers seek unusual and unique paint finishes, it’s not surprising that some of the most successful painters in the industry stock their expertise tool chest with a variety of aesthetically appealing specialties. Armed with a repertoire of skills that include everything from updated spraying techniques to the application of faux finishes, these cutting-edge contractors have transitioned into an altogether new breed: professional painting contractors who are also decorative artists.
Today’s most successful professional painting contractors all have at least one thing in common: they understand that business success hinges on continuous evaluation and improvement of products and services. Those contractors who are not only talented technicians but also resourceful craftsmen realize that constant improvement in technique and broad-based knowledge of new materials is what pushes them to the front of the pack. And, they recognize that as customers’ design tastes and requests become more sophisticated, painting contractors who want to keep pace will have to build their skill sets to meet such demands.
While some customers ask for fast-forward finishes that reflect the new millennium, others want the look of old world craftsmanship. One particular finish that’s gaining attention – Venetian plaster — lends itself equally well to either contemporary or classic looks, depending upon the final touches applied by the painter. For the record, Venetian plaster refers to a type of polished plaster that bears a lifelike imitation to marble.
According to art historians, the plastering method is hardly new; its origin has been traced back to the ancient Egyptians who used a type of polished plaster on interior surfaces. The technique was refined by the Romans and improved upon by the Venetians, who perfected the method of applying multiple, ultra-thin layers of plaster and burnishing them to achieve the most convincing appearance of marble possible. In Italy, this plastering method was called Scagliola and was used extensively to produce the look of inlaid and engraved marble-like tables, columns, balustrades and wall panels.
“This use of polished plaster was most likely the outgrowth of faux finishes,” says Nurit Regev, president of The TexSton Company, manufacturers of decorative plaster finishes. “But this technique produces a depth and feel you simply cannot achieve with paint.” In fact, the actual feel of Venetian plaster is very much like the feel of real marble: cool and smooth with translucent qualities. In addition to a marble-type finish, Venetian plaster can also take on the look of fabric, rough stone or even animal skin textures depending upon how it is applied and the degree of burnishing that’s rendered.
Originally the “recipes” for plaster mixtures were closely held family secrets. But most likely, the plaster was a combination of heated gypsum flakes, animal-based glue, marble dust, pigment and water. Mixing was followed by an extremely labor-intensive application of 10 to 15 layers, followed by time-consuming polishing with hot irons or stones.
Today, manufacturers have greatly simplified the process with premixed plaster products made of natural materials like sea sand and crushed marble combined with lime or acrylic polymers. The product can be tinted to match any color the designer or customer chooses. In addition, product improvements have cut actual application work in half. According to Regev, the once time-consuming layering process has been pared dramatically to just two to six layers. Product improvement has also made the process more attainable to professionals. “These plasters are actually very versatile,” says Steve Bin, president of the Briste Group International, makers of a variety of plaster finishing systems. “The product provides excellent coverage with several layers,” explains Bin, adding, “since the product is pliable and has a uniform thickness, it creates depth and dimension with less labor than ever before.”
The ideal locations for this plastering technique are as varied as the finish itself, but experts agree that it is an interior application popular in both high-end residential and commercial settings such as resorts, restaurants and galleries. The average cost per square foot of Venetian plaster is $8 to $10 dollars. “Although the finish is more expensive and more labor-intensive than paint application, many customers are willing to pay for the soft, natural look and feel that can only be achieved with this material or the real thing,” says Lori Ritins, vice president of Ritins Studios, a company that provides product, training and contract services. According to Ritins, Venetian plaster looks best applied to an entire room or to architectural elements such as columns. The look of marble paneling can also be achieved by taping off wall sections before application.
Low odor and non-toxic properties also make Venetian plaster a good choice for residential and high-traffic commercial settings. And even though the product is installed in layers, each layer dries quickly, leaving a durable, washable finish that’s resistant to fungus and mildew. Better still, since Venetian plasters are water-based, tools can be easily cleaned with water, saving time and labor.
Special training is required when working with these plaster products since they are very different in consistency from paint and are usually applied with a different set of tools. Venetian plaster has the consistency of toothpaste and is applied with stainless steel trowels, spatulas and putty knives. To ensure the highest quality results, manufacturers typically provide detailed workshops on application techniques. “This is truly an artistic program, since we are dealing with a material that can be applied with many nuances,” notes Regev.
As with any paint job, surface preparation is very important to the final outcome. Dry wall, stone, wood, plaster and concrete are all good candidates for the plaster, but the surface must be clean, dry and free of any dust or any loose particles. Surfaces should also be smooth with all imperfections filled and sanded. A primer coat (latex or oil) — preferably one that can be tinted — is the final preparation step before the actual application of the plaster. Room temperature and humidity should also be taken in to consideration. Ideally, the room should be comfortable (approximately 68 to 74 degrees), with low humidity.
Because Venetian plaster products can vary, it is always wise to check with the manufacturer on suggested application. In general, the application process begins with the first coat, sometimes called the base layer. Depending on the type of look to be achieved, this coat can be applied in different ways; some may prefer to use a stainless steel trowel using circular movements while others may use a putty knife to spread the plaster. Texture can be added with a sponge, cheesecloth, or other materials. The goal at this stage to cover the entire area as evenly as possible.
After the first coat is completely dry (usually 4 to 6 hours) a second coat in the same or different color is applied using a stainless steel spatula. Most manufacturers recommend working from left to right and reverse to maintain uniformity. The ultimate design of the features will be determined by the width of the spatula or other texture tools used.
The next stage is to burnish the surface once it is dry using fine grit sandpaper. Again, manufactures differ as to the grade of sandpaper; recommendations range from 400 to 1,000-grit. Venetian plaster can be burnished to a soft sheen or to a very high gloss depending on the job. “If the same color Venetian plaster was used in both steps, burnishing will give the surface a two-toned effect,” says Ritins. “The highs in the texture coat will deepen with burnishing and the lows will remain the same color.”
As a final touch, liquid or paste furniture wax can be applied after the second plaster coat is completely dry. Another technique, which adds durability, is to apply a clear topcoat specially formulated for Venetian plaster. Like the plaster, this topcoat is applied with a trowel.
The look and feel of Venetian plaster is limited only by the imagination of the painter or the customer. Finished surfaces can replicate the look of old-world polished marble or a variety of other natural stone surfaces, but ultra-contemporary looks using metallic tones are also possible. The key to design flexibility with this product is application technique. “At our school, we teach a variety of application methods using fabrics and other tools like stencils,” says Ritins. “It’s really a matter of taste and experimenting that opens all kinds of options for this product.”
Other manufactures add that Venetian plaster is growing in popularity across the country due to widespread use in many high-visibility tourist attractions like casinos and luxury hotels. “I’ve had customers mention finishes they’ve seen in Las Vegas or other vacation spots,” says Regev. “It’s great to create these beautiful surfaces in residential settings.”
For painters looking for a competitive edge, the skill of applying Venetian plaster is sure to add to the bottom line. “Many of our classes are full of professional painters who are trying to expand their range of expertise in the decorative arts field. No doubt, this is the perfect time and technique to learn,” says Ritins.
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