Venetian plaster – a modern classic in decoration

Venetian plaster, which combines elegance and timeless appeal, is becoming a popular option in modern interior design. It is a favorite among people wishing to add a bit of luxury to their spaces because of its rich texture and capacity to replicate the appearance of polished marble.

With origins in ancient Italy, this decorative finish has developed over time to enable more imaginative and modern uses. Venetian plaster gives any room depth and sophistication, whether it is used in a traditional or modern setting.

Although applying Venetian plaster calls for expertise and close attention to detail, the results are well worth the work. It produces a distinctive, eye-catching surface that can improve the look of your house as a whole. Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling, this finish will give your walls a timeless yet contemporary look.

Feature	Description
What is Venetian Plaster?	A decorative finish that mimics the look of polished marble, adding elegance to any room.
Where to Use It?	Ideal for living rooms, hallways, and other areas where a luxurious feel is desired.
Application Process	Requires multiple layers and careful polishing to achieve the desired effect.
Maintenance	Easy to clean and maintain with a simple damp cloth.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to the labor-intensive application, but the result is worth it.

What is it

The history of Venetian decorative plaster dates back to ancient Rome. However, because of its remarkable appearance, it peaked in popularity in medieval Venice. It was given the current name as a consequence.

The Venetian woman of today is a very diverse compound. It can be translucent, colored, or pure white. It might include naturally occurring mineral components, like marble dust, which strengthens the coating and adds to the polished stone’s sheen.

Venetian plaster in two or three colors applied gradually over the surface to be decorated (using the right technique) will result in a coating that also has a marble appearance. The finish will have more depth and expressiveness with more layers.

It is used on various surfaces:

Advantages and disadvantages:

• Spectacular appearance. Perhaps this is the most striking solution for interior decoration.
• Variety of design options and color solutions. Venetian coating will fit into many interiors.
• Moisture protection, can be used in bathrooms and wet cleaning of walls.
• Durability. With proper care, the finish will retain its decorative properties for decades.
• Venetian is rarely used for facade decoration of a building, because.. this is not always possible due to the operational characteristics of the material. It is cheaper and easier to plaster the facade with a mineral mixture under the "bark beetle" or "rubbed fur coat". But if you really want to have external walls or columns under polished marble, then you can paint them with a similar effect.
• High price compared to other types of decor (but it would be wrong to attribute the price to the disadvantage of the material itself). The cost of performing the work is of great importance in pricing, and this decorative plaster is multi-layered. In addition, performing complex color transitions requires experience from the master. But if you do the plastering yourself, you will save significantly on apartment renovation. We hope that the materials on our site will help you with this.

The top Russian and international brands of this decorative coating are Decorazza stucco veneziano, San Marco, Optimist Elite, and VGT.

Bayramix DALI Tikkurila Parade ice venezia Classis Jobi Venezianishputz Artigiano Derufa rondo Kaparol Rossetti Acrylic stuc palace Bolars Oikos

Present value:

Types of Venetian

There are various varieties of Venetian depending on composition and application technique:

• under the stone, imitating marble, onyx, travertine, turquoise, malachite (a multi-layer application method is used to create it)
• "wet silk" or velour (the composition of the mixture is distinguished by the presence of reflective particles, which adds a pearlescent shimmer to it);
• with cracks and veins (craquelure).

Venetian plastered surfaces are typically smooth and glossy, but they can also appear matte and textured.

Venetian plaster can, however, also be used to produce other, more unusual effects upon the designer’s request.

Photos in the interior

You can see more about the aesthetic qualities of Venetian plaster and how it appears inside a home or apartment by looking at the pictures that are provided below.

Venetian plaster typically leaves a pattern that resembles stone, but this doesn’t stop producers from making coatings that resemble silk or any other substance.

When decorating an interior, Venetian plaster is frequently combined with other materials like stone, tiles, and wallpaper.

Visit our photo gallery to view additional interior photos.

Tools and materials

The following supplies are required to apply Venetian plaster:

• primer;
• ready-made Venetian plaster of the required color in a bucket (can be replaced with white acrylic-based plaster);
• colorants that will color the solution in the desired color or shade (necessary if the base is white);
• artificial or natural wax, or varnish (such a coating adds gloss and protects from moisture and dust).

Additionally, you’ll need a few painting tools:

• tray and fur roller (for applying the primer layer);
• fine-grained sandpaper;
• Venetian trowel (for covering the wall with plaster);
• metal spatula (large and small);
• soft spatula or sponge (for applying a varnish or wax layer);
• soft and dry cloth or a grater with a polishing attachment.

It is recommended to use spatulas that have not been used for plastering with mineral fillers (sand, granules) and a trowel for Venetian plaster. Scratches on the tool’s surface will cause it to "blacken," or leave dark patches on the finish.

It is preferable to polish the trowel if you are unsure of its exact state. This kind of preparation will help to prevent harm to the plaster’s final appearance.

Preparation of walls

The following elements are part of the general plan for applying Venetian plaster:

1. Surface preparation;
2. Application of plaster;
3. Coating with a wax or varnish protective layer.

Regardless of the plaster application technique chosen, the base needs to be leveled.

There are two phases to this work:

1. Application of basic compositions (gypsum or cement-sand mortars) to the wall;
2. Giving the surface perfect smoothness using finishing putty.

The next step is to wait two days and then use a grater with fine-grained sandpaper or mesh to rub the surface. Eliminate all of the dust that accumulated during the task.

See our article about gypsum plaster for more information on leveling interior walls.

Subsequently, a deep penetration primer is applied to the wall. Two layers of soil are recommended. This will improve the plaster’s adhesion.

There are some additional rules to consider when applying Venetian to certain surfaces:

• if you are working with drywall, then the seams between the sheets are covered with putty, and a reinforcing mesh is placed on top, carefully pressing it into the solution with a spatula;
• fiberglass is removed from its original relief by filling it with acrylic compounds;
• plywood is carefully fixed, scrolling in several places at once (the more often, the better, this will avoid the base from moving and subsequent cracking of the Venetian plaster);
• When working with aerated concrete, all cracks and irregularities will have to be eliminated with a reinforcing mesh (it is laid after priming).

Tinting

White acrylic compounds are frequently used for finishing instead of pre-made Venetian plasters. Apply a colorant to them to give them the desired color. If you choose to tint the mixture yourself, keep the following in mind:

• when drying, the mixture will become slightly lighter;
• it is desirable that the plaster and coloring paste are produced by the same manufacturer;
• the plaster mixture must be tinted immediately before application.

Up to 10% of the total volume of Venetian plaster is consumed by color.

You must experiment with color selection in a tiny jar. Smear the resultant mixture onto a piece of white paper. Next, the shade and the color chart are contrasted. To tint the Venetian in the same way going forward, the color number in the table is retained in memory.

The color and plaster are mixed using a drill fitted with a special attachment called a mixer to guarantee total homogeneity of the finished composition.

As the substance tends to stay unpainted in the vicinity of the bucket walls, it is advised to stop mixing multiple times and run a short wooden block along the interior of the container. By doing this, the uncolored layer will be removed and combined with the mixture’s main component.

Application technology

Before using, the finished Venetian must be thoroughly mixed to ensure complete homogeneity, even if tinting is not necessary. The final mixture may occasionally be slightly diluted with water by the manufacturer.

The process of applying two-color Venetian has three steps:

1. Formation of the base color;
2. Laying 2-3 decorative layers to complement the finish;
3. Sanding and applying a protective coating of wax or varnish.

Doing the following is the first step to take:

• Using a metal spatula, apply the base shade of plaster to the edge of the trowel;
• Press the tool to the surface to be treated (the front edge is raised by the thickness of a finger);
• Apply in an even layer. The direction of movement can be any, since.. multidirectional strokes create a unique pattern.

Plastering is done in tiny squares (approximately 1 m2) that should be 0.5–1 cm overlapped. The other shades of Venetian finish can be applied right away; there’s no need to wait for the first layer of plaster to dry. Smooth color transitions will result from such an application "on wet."

The second and later layers:

• Apply plaster of a different shade to the trowel;
• Distribute the mixture over the wall, alternating short and long strokes (there is no need to strive for uniformity, at this stage the texture of the coating is created, also, the base layer should not be completely covered, it should be translucent);
• Smooth out the unevenness with a trowel;
• Let the layer dry (it will take 2-3 hours).

You must transfer the trowel from a dry to a wet area in order to prevent tool streaks.

The amount of Venetian plaster needed to finish one square meter of walls:

• Base layer: 500-600 g / m2
• 1st decorative: 220-250 g / m2
• 2nd decorative: 80-100 g / m2

You can estimate the amount of material needed based on these numbers, but the amount of Venetian will vary based on the complexity of the finish—that is, the number of layers applied.

Should veining be required, the second step involves simultaneously applying the colored and white composition to the trowel (in varying amounts and without blending), after which the wall is plastered with roughly parallel (long and continuous) strokes.

Similar steps are used to create the third layer, except that a drop of black is added to the two primary colors and the tool is slowly and slightly swung over the surface.

Sanding won’t be necessary if the work is completed correctly. Fine sandpaper is used to remove small irregularities. To avoid uneven wax or varnish coating, the resulting dust must also be removed. The solution will fully dry and solidify in a full day.

Protective glossy layer

One of the following materials can be used to increase the gloss of Venetian plaster: glaze composition or wax (decorative varnish).

The surface becomes more resilient to wear and tear after processing. In addition, the coating keeps the plaster dry and dust-free, increases its longevity, and enables wet cleaning.

Wax

For Venetian plaster, various manufacturers have specific wax series; however, any wax intended for decorative plaster will suffice. There are two possible compositions: artificial and natural (bee).

One of the well-known compositions is your option:

• Decoraza (Decorazza Cera di Veneziano);
• Decorazza CERA DECOR – for textured finishing;
• Dali Decor wax — suitable for any decorative plasters;
• "Magnific Marmo" by Dessa-Decor;
• Vincent Decor;
• Travertino Vax — colored translucent coating, adds shade and emphasizes texture;

Venetian plaster can be waxed using one of the following methods:

1. Using a small steel spatula or trowel;
2. Soft spatula;
3. Mitt, foam sponge.

Whichever option is best for processing the coating with wax is indicated on the jar by the manufacturer.

In order to prevent visible joints, it is preferable to wax walls as soon as possible. Apply very thinly "on tearing" with a trowel, or rub the surface with a mitten.

0.05 to 0.1 l of decorative wax are used for every square meter.

Transparent varnish

Acrylic varnish is typically the basis for transparent compositions. They produce shade transitions in addition to giving Venetian plaster a glossy finish. At various viewing angles, a color play is visible. Additionally, the varnish might include glitter, which would give the finish a subtle sheen.

It’s really easy to make your own glazing varnish for Venetian. You’ll need acrylic varnish for this. It is combined in a 2:1 ratio with purified water. In order to prevent the coating from forming a noticeable crust, dilute the varnish.

An additional shade is added to the Venetian by adding a colorant to the composition. Its amount needs to be chosen separately. One tsp.spoon of silver glitter is added for shine to one liter.

Premade glaze finishes for plaster that are both decorative and protective:

• Decorazza Perla Vernici – pearlescent varnish, translucent, adds a Venetian touch;
• Dali Decor Fluid;
• PANEELI-ASSA EP Tikkurila – semi-matte;
• PARADE DECO MAGNIFICO — pearlescent varnish or with a metallic effect;
• Bayramix “Glassing composition” – translucent varnish-based coating.

Rub glaze onto the walls using a sponge, foam roller, or brush.

Consumption of material: 0.08 l/m2.

Polishing

Following the application of wax or varnish, Venetian plaster can be polished after 12 to 24 hours (as recommended by the manufacturer). can be machine- or hand-polished.

1. Hand polished walls using pieces of dry and soft cloth. The wax surface must be rubbed in a circular motion until it acquires a glossy shine.
2. Polishing machines equipped with soft fur or felt attachments. The speed should not exceed 2000 rpm.

Although it doesn’t need special maintenance, Venetian plaster cannot be cleaned within a month of the job being finished. It will then only need to be cleaned with a moist cloth or sponge. Use of liquid detergents free of tiny particles that could harm the decorative coating is permitted.

Counseling! Use a soft cloth or felt to gently polish the walls following each wet cleaning. This will contribute to the walls’ long-lasting gloss. You must replace the wax layer if polishing does not restore the glossy appearance.

Venetian plaster is a classic option for contemporary interior design because it blends style and functionality. Its distinctive finish can give any area a sense of luxury by simulating the look of polished marble or limestone.

Beyond just being beautiful, Venetian plaster is renowned for being flexible and long-lasting. Decorators love it because it looks good in a variety of settings, from modern interiors to traditional homes.

By selecting Venetian plaster, you can invest in a finish that has a long lifespan in addition to stunning appearance. It’s a timeless choice that keeps evolving, blending in perfectly with contemporary design themes without sacrificing its historic charm.

Venetian plaster, with its opulent, marble-like finish, is a classic yet modern way to enhance interior spaces. This centuries-old decorative method adds a touch of refinement and elegance to any space, and its adaptability lets you use different colors and textures to fit in with current design styles. Venetian plaster is a popular option for people seeking to add a sophisticated, artistic touch to their walls because it merges the old and the new seamlessly, whether it is used in classic or contemporary settings.

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