Italian or Venetian plaster refers to a plaster material that consists of slaked limestone. It may also comprise marble dust or other natural materials. It is applied with perfection by Italian plasterers in very thin layers with the help of a trowel which gives the walls a beautiful visual texture with a smooth finish. There are different textures patterns available like the stucco finishes, the Venetian and the polished plaster to top the aesthetic value of any home. The charm that Italian plasterers give to your wall achieved by the application of Italian plaster is something very authentic. It does not have a faux (fake) finish and cannot be achieved by mere paint or glaze.
Italian Plasterers Apply Italian plaster |
Some of The Steps Followed by Italian Plasterers During the Application of Italian Plaster Are:
#1. Choose a plaster – there are two varieties of Venetian plaster, synthetic and lime based. Lime-based plasters are the one which will take the form of stones over the years. Available in a wide range of colors lime-based plasters are environment-friendly and naturally resistant to melds and mildews.
Synthetic Venetian plaster, on the other hand, is less expensive and easy in its application. But it cannot match the durability of lime-based plaster. Choose a plasterer who provides you with all the required versatility and silky smooth finish as far as the texture of your home is concerned. Only a smooth finish will provide the required protection and resistance.
Synthetic Venetian plaster, on the other hand, is less expensive and easy in its application. But it cannot match the durability of lime-based plaster. Choose a plasterer who provides you with all the required versatility and silky smooth finish as far as the texture of your home is concerned. Only a smooth finish will provide the required protection and resistance.
#2. Gather your tools and lay down tarps – Italian plasterers collect all the required tools and equipment and lay down tarps in order to protect your floor from any damage.
#3. Prepare your walls – Italian plasterers fill all the holes and cracks present in the wall before plastering it. Otherwise, they have the possibility of showing up even after giving the walls a good finish.
#4. Apply primer – use of a primer is a must before the plaster.
#5. Let it dry – ensure that the primer has completely dried before the application of any plaster.
#6. Prepare towels – take a flexible steel towel and wrap it around 100 grit sandpaper. This will considerably reduce edge marks on the wall during the process of application.
It Is Time for The Final Act For This The Following Steps Are To Be Followed:
#1. Apply the first coat - it is advisable to start from the top in the corner. By wearing a latex glove use your finger to apply on the corners or to wipe out any excess plaster.
#2. Apply the second coat – most Italian plasters need a second coating. The timing of the second coat depends upon the type of plaster that is being used. In the case of synthetic plaster, you may start with the second coat after around 4-5 hours from the application of the first one.
#3. Let it dry – it is compulsory to let all plaster dry before proceeding to the next step for better results. This varies as per seasonal changes and a summer season is the ideal one for the plaster to dry up.
#4. Burnish the surface – burnishing is a way to make the plaster shiny. If you wish to keep it rustic, you may skip too much of burnishing.
#5. Apply a topcoat – Italian plasterers apply a top coat to preserve the durability and polish of the plaster. You may also choose beeswax or linseed oil for this purpose.
Italian or Venetian plaster has never gone out of trend even after hundreds of years of its origin. It is rather easy to apply and lends a strong, long-lasting finish to your home. Hence, Italian/Venetian plaster is a way to enhance the appeal of your home into a contemporary or traditional one. And it is best done by Italian plasterers.