How to Apply Venetian Plaster?

Applying Venetian Plaster is a five step process. 

1. Base Coat Primer: Roll or spray
2. Trowel on first coat
3. Sand with 600 grit sandpaper
4. Trowel on second (skim) coat
5. Sand with 600 grit sandpaper then finish with 800 grit sandpaper

How to trowel Venetian Plaster:

For the first coat, trowel on a smooth base covering the entire wall area.  When the base is dry, trowel on a “patchy” coat that covers roughly 75% of the wall area. If necessary apply a third coat covering any areas where the base is showing through.

Sanding Venetian Plaster:

Sanding will depend on the level of trowel finish.  If the troweling has fewer lines and is pretty smooth then there is less sanding to be done in between coats.  

Polishing Venetian Plaster:

The best way to bring out highlights in the plaster is to polish it. In this step you are not really sanding down the plaster, but wiping down the plaster with a very smooth sandpaper.  You can start with 600 grit, or 800 and then move on to 1000 or 1200 if desired. Polishing will help with scuff resistance.  Kitchens and Bathroom walls should still be sealed.

Waxes and Sealers for Venetian Plaster:

Venetian Plaster is a very porous surface; oils will stain and water can leave a residue.  To help with stain resistance an acrylic or wax sealer is recommended to be used over the plaster.