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Surface Smarts: Venetian Plaster
Centuries-old Venetian plaster has made a roaring comeback in modern interiors. Could this old-world wall favorite work in your home?
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Perhaps no surface evokes the romance of old-world Europe in the way that Venetian plaster does. This centuries-old technique involves the application of several thin coats of plaster to create a nuanced depth of color and a burnished shine. Its popularity resurged in the 1990s with the Tuscan decorating trend, and it's held steady since then as a way to lend richness and patina to ordinary walls. Here's what you need to know about this time-honored technique.
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The basics: Venetian plaster is a surfacing method that dates back to the Roman Empire. It originated as a technique to replicate the look of expensive stones such as marble and granite.
Traditionally, the process involves a plaster made with slaked lime, ground marble and pigments, troweled onto walls and polished with wax to a rich sheen. Although today's Venetian plaster products often use synthetic substances, their depth and luster remains the heart of their appeal.
Industry purists contend that in order to be called Venetian plaster, the surface must adhere to the classic composition and methods of application, which require professional expertise. However, many experts are satisfied with modern materials and newer techniques that lend themselves to the DIY ethos.
Traditionally, the process involves a plaster made with slaked lime, ground marble and pigments, troweled onto walls and polished with wax to a rich sheen. Although today's Venetian plaster products often use synthetic substances, their depth and luster remains the heart of their appeal.
Industry purists contend that in order to be called Venetian plaster, the surface must adhere to the classic composition and methods of application, which require professional expertise. However, many experts are satisfied with modern materials and newer techniques that lend themselves to the DIY ethos.
| Where to apply it: Generally, Venetian plaster can go over drywall, paint, tile, wood or brick. It's often used in kitchens and bathrooms because of its moisture-resistant tendencies. Surfaces need to be pristine before application — no flaking paint, chips or cracks. Although the plaster can be applied to certain textured surfaces, others need to be skim-coated in advance. |
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| Good to know: Venetian plaster is durable and long-wearing, so it can stand up to heavy use. The colors don't fade over time, so you won't have to repaint; you'll simply need to apply a fresh coat of wax every couple of years to keep it glossy. Dust and dirt won't permeate it, and you can clean it easily by wiping with a dry cloth. Because of its all-natural composition, true Venetian plaster is ecofriendly and doesn't emit harmful VOCs or other compounds. Plus, lime has natural antibacterial properties, so it repels mold and mildew. One downside: Venetian plaster can crack occasionally (though not as much as traditional plaster), especially in humid climates. The good news is that the cracks aren't usually difficult to repair. |
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What you'll pay: Done by a professional, a decorative finish on a prepared substrate generally costs between $5 and $10 per square foot. Application of the plaster itself ranges from $8 to $30 and up per square foot. More complicated structures, such as columns, cost more.
Most major paint brands offer a Venetian plaster compound designed to re-create this look. Expect to pay about $30 to $40 per gallon. Home centers also offer paintable Venetian plaster–look wallpapers for an even more affordable, if less authentic, option.
More:
Embrace Unexpected Finishes
13 Ceiling Treatments to Look Up To
Unexpected Style for Your Wall
Most major paint brands offer a Venetian plaster compound designed to re-create this look. Expect to pay about $30 to $40 per gallon. Home centers also offer paintable Venetian plaster–look wallpapers for an even more affordable, if less authentic, option.
More:
Embrace Unexpected Finishes
13 Ceiling Treatments to Look Up To
Unexpected Style for Your Wall
Ideabook published on April 7, 2012.
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As a faux finisher, I find that Venetian plaster is still in demand as it can fit in as a contemporary style, ora more traditional style with the application of ornate motifs embedded in the plaster. A great look overall!