A sample of Venetian plaster from a style book of Firenze Enterprizes, Inc.
Venetian plaster is a decorative coating first used on walls in Italy during the Renaissance. Today we use the technique to give a rich, antique look to any number of objects and surfaces. Though faux finish paint is available, the only way to actually have the finish the Italians call marmorino is to use plaster. If you're brave enough to do it yourself, but aren't sure use Venetian plaster, full directions are available on several websites.
Instructions
1. Apply Venetian plaster over a standard mud coat--an uncolored base coat applied in easy upward strokes finished flat. Apply a coat of colored Venetian plaster, working on a bit of the wall at a time. Trowel the plaster on, working up and down and then across in a thin coat, allowing uneven coloring and splotches. Level the coat before going on to the next wall. Work toward corners on each wall. Apply the finish coat the same way, going around corners rather than working up to them. Work the plaster as it dries, leveling the work and developing a sheen. When the work is completely dry, apply a coat of special wax or other protective coating made for Venetian plaster.
2. Use Venetian plaster on interior walls of formal living rooms, dining rooms and halls. Walls should be large enough to show an interesting pattern and should be lit dramatically for good effect. Be careful when you choose colors for interior walls--dark walls will absorb light--but decorate fearlessly if you can afford to light it properly. Venetian plaster, because of its surface, reflects more light than flat or even semi-gloss paints.
3. Use Venetian plaster on exterior walls that serve as living spaces. Venetian plaster can be used to dramatic effect in sheltered exterior areas used for entertaining but should not be used in an area where winters are severe. The finish coat should be durable. Your decorating supplies dealer might be able to make a suggestion for a polyurethane rather than the traditional finish.
4. Use Venetian plaster for detail and contrast. Below or above a chair rail or plate rail, Venetian plaster detail can complement wainscoting or wallpaper. Use it on a wall flanking a fireplace to contrast with stone or whitewash. Use a marmorino finish on selected walls in in large spaces to define specific areas for dining, reading or conversation.
5. Use Venetian plaster to reflect light or to absorb light. The sheen of the wax finish layer of a marmorino wall reflects light and will lighten a dark room. Large rooms, like sun rooms and galleries, that flood with light will also be more interesting because of the gradations of the finish. Contrasting flat window trim stands out in relief and draws the eye to the windows.
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