Learn all about Venetian plaster.
What is venetian plaster?
Venetian Plaster is the general name for a trowel applied finish that contains marble dust and slaked lime. The marble dust provides a hard wearing finish that can be polished to look like marble.
History of Venetian Plaster:
In what is now modern day Italy, the tradition amongst the wealthy was to have slabs of marble or granite on certain walls of your villa. As trends go, many of the noblemen tried to outdo one another and soon whole interior walls were being covered with slabs and slabs of heavy polished stone. When this trend arrived in Venice the artisans noticed that the tremendous weight of all the stone was too much for the wet, soggy foundations. These grand villas began sinking down into the canals! The solution was discovered by a famous artisan-sculptor named Basilio. Since he was a sculptor, Basilio had access to marble dust. He began experimenting by mixing marble dust with paints in the Fresco style of painting. He eventually came up with a lightweight marble rich plaster that could be polished to look like marble. Basilio’s creation became popular throughout the world and came to be known as Venetian Plaster. Sydney Harbor continues this tradition with it’s Fresco Plaster paint products.
Is Venetian plaster waterproof?
Typically, Venetian Plaster is only waterproof if it is cement based or solvent (oil) based. The Syndey Harbour Fresco Plaster is only meant as a decorative interior finish. We use a water based acrylic resin.
How to apply venetian plaster:
- Base Coat Primer: Roll or spray
- Trowel on first coat
- Sand with 600 grit
- Trowel on second (skim) coat
- Sand with 600 grit then 800 grit
More details on how to apply Sydney Harbors Fresco Plaster Venetian Plaster product.
How to clean venetian plaster?
Polished venetian plaster can resist mild scuffs and burnishing. Waxed venetian plaster is easily wipeable with a damp rag.
Can you paint over venetian plaster?
Waxed venetian plaster must be stripped of the wax finish before priming and painting. Unsealed venetian plaster can be primed and painted similar to new drywall.
How to paint over venetian plaster?
Strip wax sealer off of plaster, use a high quality sealer-primer (Limeproof Undercoat Sealer,) then two coats of paint.
Is venetian plaster expensive?
The material cost of our Fresco Plaster is very affordable. The labor and application cost is going to be more expensive than general painting.
Where to buy venetian plaster?
In the US, buy Fresco Plaster online at Sydney Harbour Paint Company.
In Australia buy from Porter’s Original Paints.
How to paint over venetian plaster?
Strip wax sealer off of plaster, use a high quality sealer-primer (Limeproof Undercoat Sealer,) then two coats of paint.