Marmorino and Venetian plasters have been popular since the middle ages due to their stunning appearances and finishes. They are sometimes generically known as marble or polished plasters, which depend on the finishes that can be attained. They can be shiny, smooth, or marble textured to look like stone.
So if you’re motivated about applying Venetian plaster to a specific area in your home, we’ll assist you through the process to get a successful finish.
8 Steps for a Successful Venetian Plaster Application
The antique surface finish of Venetian plaster provides a stylish appearance of natural stone and polished marble. Generally, Venetian plaster is applied by qualified craftsmen to attain the appropriate effect and finish. Some first-timers would even sign up for a Venetian plaster course to ensure they properly do the job. You may click here if you’re interested in the said course.
However, new materials today can help DIYers achieve comparable results in easy methods without the expert skills needed. So listed below are eight steps to apply Venetian plaster wall finish on your home.
1. Choose the type of Venetian plaster you want
The type of Venetian polished plaster you pick will depend on your proficiency and budget. Venetian plasters come in three material variations, each with distinctive features, looks, and price ranges. You can select from acrylic, natural lime-based, or gypsum-based plasters. To know what these look like, you may browse the internet to see what would fit your taste.
2. Prepare the walls
It’s best to do a plastering job with smooth walls. Ensure all the holes in the wall are filled and the rough surfaces are sanded, so they don’t show in the finished work.
3. Lay down tarps and prepare the tools
Setting tarps is necessary to protect the work area’s floorings, as individuals do when painting. Ensure your Venetian plaster trowels, blades, spatulas, cloths, and sponges are ready to ensure a smooth process and prevent intermittent productivity from finding the tools necessary for the project. Should you need tools for your Marmorino Venetian plaster project, you may search the web for reliable suppliers to have yours.
4. Prime the wall
After sanding and smoothing the wall, apply primer. This will help bind the plaster you’ll utilize later, acting like an adhesive or glue. Make sure it’s fully dry before you continue to the next step.
5. Apply the first coat
Use a trowel to apply the plaster’s base coat. Spread the plaster in the thinnest possible way while applying small or random strokes and patterns. Avoid spreading it in the same direction. Hold the trowel at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees and frequently wipe it with a dry cloth to keep the plaster dust from affecting your pattern.
6. Apply the second coat
The second coat is meant to level the ridges from the first coat and is usually lighter. Put plaster on the trowel and smooth out the previous strokes on the wall. Leave some areas uncovered, so the first coat shows through small patches. If you’re not satisfied with the result of the second coat, you can apply a third coat if you want.
7. Burnish the finish
Using a clean trowel before the second coat completely dries, burnish the wall and slide it across the plaster. Hold the trowel at a 30-degree angle and use moderate pressure to give it a shiny appearance. Burnishing it more can make your plaster look shinier. Wait for two days before proceeding to the next step.
8. Wax the plaster
Applying a topcoat of protective wax to the plaster can brighten your wall, smoothen it, and secure it from moisture. Apply the material to the wall using a sponge in circular motions. You can apply two to three thin coats to wrap up.