Venetian Plaster In Your Home

First, a disclaimer. I have not tried my hand at real venetian plaster. I have done a fair amount of internet research on the subject, and I have learned some important facts about it. But I certainly can't hold myself out as an Italian plaster expert.

Nevertheless, I have chosen here to rush in where angels fear to tread! My interest lies in seeing what I can do to help the homeowner gain some knowledge as he or she considers their own approach to having this kind of plaster in their home.

First of all, there is a lot of information - websites and forums - devoted to the whole subject of Italian decorative plasters. It is fun, and confusing, to look at all the stuff available.

There are outfits offering classes for the beginner in venetian plaster technique. Some have instructors who themselves have trained with Italian masters. So for someone really serious about learning how to apply this kind of finish to their walls or ceilings, professional resources can be found.

But my guess would be that most homeowners will not have the time or inclination to go so far as to be professionally trained. For the avid do-it-yourself person, some tips on how to "fake" it could be very useful.

Real venetian plaster contains marble dust, among other things. It was originally developed in Italy as a less expensive alternative to real marble. So this type of decorative Italian plaster was itself developed to "fake it". That being the case, I have no qualms about going them one better and showing you a faux Italian plaster.

Understand, please, that I have no desire to diss venetian plaster. The real stuff is simply awesome. And I have the greatest respect for experts in the field who can do such gorgeous work. But my focus, as I say, is different.

So here's what I have done. I was able to find some clear photos of venetian plaster on the internet, and after some experimentation I believe I have been able to duplicate some of the textures pretty closely. As a matter of fact, I have already done some of these professionally for clients.

Of course, this is not real venetian plaster. The texture is one thing, the lustrous color another. For that, I find that a good faux finish painter can do a pretty fair job of approximating the Italian color look.

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SIDEBAR

By the way, whether you are trying to do faux finish or just interested in painting your repaired and refurbished plaster, there is a lot to know about color. Here's a great illustrated discussion all about home color schemes.

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The materials I use are standard drywall texture compound (the kind in sacks) and various sizes of sharp quartz sand. My tools are a plasterer's hawk and trowel. The texture compound is mixed with water and left to soak overnight.Then the sand is added, and the mixture laid over the surface and worked with the trowel to get the look I want. Usually I play with it first on scrap sheetrock to find out how it handles. When I see what I like, then it goes on the wall.

I am going to continue experimenting for a while. Maybe even the use of artist colors mixed into the mud to provide an already colored understory could present some interesting possibilities. When I get something to show off, I will post it on this page for all to see. People can judge it as they wish. So stay tuned!

Update As of May '06, I have an example to show. I did this one in the dining room addition for a friend. I did the texture pattern, and she sponge painted the walls. It came out looking pretty good, I thought, but my digital camera, unfortunately, did not do a good job with the color. But at least you can get an approximate idea of the texture. This was done with a sand mix and plasterer's trowel.

The style is similar to "Umbria".

Venetian plaster (faux or not) presents an exciting opportunity.

If you are just quivering with excitement and can't wait to give this a go yourself right away, do a Google search on the net and you will find tons of fascinating information. Many paint manufacturers make faux venetian plaster mixes right in gallon cans, color and all. Some people in the forums claim to have had good success. Good Luck!