You’ve done most of the major construction, or you’re just starting, and you’re probably thinking, ‘what should I use as a finish to cover my walls?’ the answer is quite simple, Venetian plaster. If you know what Venetian plaster is, then you probably know what we’re talking about.
However, if you don’t yet know, you shouldn’t worry. It’s quite simple. Venetian plaster is a centuries-old building technique known for its durability and aesthetic beauty. There is a reason why it has stayed in the construction business for all this time.
What is Venetian plaster?
Venetian plaster is a highly polished form of plaster used in various periods throughout history, such as the renaissance period in Venice, the classical age in Greece, and even as early as ancient Egypt as an aesthetic finish for architectural designs. Venetian plaster was very popular at that time because of its aesthetic beauty.
It could be molded into desirable designs, unlike other finishing methods that were available then, also made Venetian plaster a desire amongst rich and wealthy members of society. For this reason, Venetian plaster was often used to decorate palatial walls, courts, and houses that belonged to the rich.
Today, Venetian plaster is still popular, amongst other house finishing methods, and has managed to pass the test of time. It is often mixed with marble powder to produce a smooth, glass final effect on wall surfaces. Its popularity can be attributed to the unique marble-like aesthetic beauty that it adds to house finishing.
Although we have different house finishing methods like painting, for instance, Venetian plaster is still considered one of the greatest house finishing methods. The invention of modern construction tools and the accumulation of new creative ideas have also played a major role in promoting applying Venetian plaster in house finishings.
New tools and inventions have made it easier to manufacture and produce different variations that have provided different variations for homeowners to choose from. These variations have contributed to Venetian plaster’s even bigger growth in popularity.
There are two types of Venetian plaster; synthetic and traditional. But first, how is Venetian plaster made?
How is Venetian plaster made?
Making Venetian plaster is a centuries-old process that involved heating limestone and mixing it with water to get calcium hydroxide that could be applied to walls to give a white smooth textured finish.
However, the procedure was rudimentary and could only produce limited quantities of the compound in the past. Modern methods have made this process cheaper and smoother, producing better results. How has this procedure changes in the current times?
Venetian plaster’s chemical composition is, basically, calcium carbonate, a compound that is freely found in nature as limestone. It’s mainly found in two forms, calcite and aragonite. It is mainly made up of skeletal fragments of marine animals such as corals and mollusks put under intense pressure over a long time.
Basically, Venetian plaster is a calcium carbonate that has been mixed with water through a process known as slaking. The calcium carbonate is heated in a kiln in temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius, which helps break down the calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon IV oxide gas.
Calcium oxide is a white powder, “flour,” which is the most primary form of Venetian plaster. To turn calcium oxide into Venetian plaster, the compound must undergo a slaking process where it is exposed to water.
The next step is when the compound, calcium oxide, is then placed in a silo where it’s mixed with water and stored for up to a year under a pressure of
1 atmosphere. Adding water to calcium oxide changes the compound to calcium hydroxide, also known as slaked lime or Venetian plaster.
What are the benefits of Venetian plaster compared with paint?
Durability
If you need a durable wall finish, Venetian plaster is more durable compared to paint. If the application procedure is done right, the plaster creates a more durable paint that is strong and long-lasting when the water in the mixture evaporates.
The plaster is more resistant to knocks and dents than most other house finishes, and it’s less likely to form cracks. Plus, it also has the aesthetic qualities that paint provide. So, technically speaking, using Venetian plaster lets you kill two birds with one stone.
Absorbs CO2
Venetian plaster is a mixture of water and calcium oxide, which forms calcium hydroxide. When this mixture is exposed to the air, it absorbs CO2 and reverts to its natural state, limestone.
Using Venetian plaster becomes a win-win situation where the plaster reduces CO2 concentration in your room and, at the same time, becomes harder and more durable, effectively reducing the chances of the material breaking over time.
Regulating the humidity
Although Venetian plaster is hard, it’s actually quite breathable. The plaster has breathable pores that trap and release moisture depending on the current room’s temperatures, which helps keep your room cool when the temperatures are high and vice versa.
When your room is hot, moisture evaporates from the tiny pockets and spaces found in the limestone’s structure, which helps cool down the temperatures. Venetian plasters also help regulate humidity by absorbing the excess moisture in your room, making it less humid.
Paint finishes don’t have this quality. If you haven’t installed an air conditioner, then the chances are that you’re likely to experience very different ranges of temperature from extreme heat to extreme cold depending on room temperature, leave alone the changes in humidity.
Preventing mold and mildew
Venetian plaster, unlike paint, can regulate moisture and stay unaffected. It becomes alkaline, especially when it absorbs water, killing any mold mildew or bacteria that may want to grow.
On the other hand, paint finishes are harder to manage since they cannot regulate their moisture, which can lead to a lot of disastrous and costly consequences. If there happens to be a break on the paint job, for instance, then the chances are that the wall will most likely absorb moisture.
If the wall absorbs more moisture through the faulty area and there isn’t any space for the moisture to escape to, then this will form the right conditions for mold and mildew to grow, which may lead to rot, and ultimately the destruction of the wall itself, and the paint job.
Odorless and non-toxic
Ever walked into a newly painted room? What’s the first thing you smelled? Definitely the fumes. Paints are often manufactured through chemical processes, and although some of them come in various fragrances, the smell of chemical fumes can sometimes be quite overwhelming.
Unlike paints, Venetian plaster is made from naturally sourced materials that do not contain any chemicals. The only components in the plaster are lime and marble dust, which are odorless, harmless substances.
If you are concerned about your health, or you have complications that could prove fatal if exposed to chemical fumes, then you’re better off choosing Venetian plaster as opposed to painting. While the plaster is toxic-free, paint contains volatile organic compounds that may harm you and make you sick.
Low maintenance
Venetian plaster is one of the most low-maintenance walls finishes you could ever have. Simply wiper any dirt from the wall with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go. If the surface, for some reason, has scuffs, you could rub it down using mineral wool, and you’re good to go. You could even add wax to the surface, and you’ll have even less cleaning to do!
They are durable and long-lasting.
While the cost of Venetian plaster may put you off at first because it may seem higher than normal; however, what you have to know is that Venetian plaster is long-lasting, and it requires less maintenance when compared to paint. It is less prone to a lot of faults that could normally affect regular finishes, making the plaster a finish you can rely on.
Is Venetian plaster expensive?
Many of you have heard that Venetian plaster is a bit costly; however, I’m sure most of you don’t really know the plaster’s actual cost. The Venetian plaster’s cost depends on several factors, such as the size and type of surface, the selected color, and the chosen application.
Venetian plaster can cost from about $30 to $80 per gallon. On top of this, you’ll have to ensure that the walls are primed, sanded, and the area around it covered. After that, the plaster will be applied by hand using a trowel, wait for is to dry, and add another layer. Finally, the plaster will have to be polished to the desired sheen.
Doing this requires a lot of time and patience. However, if you want the best results, you’ll have to put in the effort. And yeah, the time, patience, and skills required to produce high-quality professional results may make Venetian plaster quite expensive. However, the benefits of using Venetian plaster to paint your walls surpass those of paint or any other finishes.
How long does Venetian plaster last?
Venetian plaster’s first mention was in 1473 AD among nuns in the Santa Chiara Murano in Italy. There is other evidence to show that buildings that were constructed during that time are still there up to now, which shows how long Venetian plaster can last.
Where you’ll use the Venetian plaster matters a lot on how long the plaster will last. If you use it on interior wall decorations, for instance, then the plaster may last for decades, even a hundred years. However, if you use the Venetian plaster on buildings’ exterior surfaces, then the plaster is less likely to last for a long time.
Not because the plaster is weak but because of too much pollution. Pollution leads to the formation of acid rain that corrodes the plaster. Since the plaster is made of calcium carbonate, acid rain can break it down chemically when exposed for a long time.
If you decide to use your plaster on the exterior of your house, then you should be ready to do some repairs, which isn’t hard or expensive, considering that there will be long periods in between before you need to repair your walls.
Can I put Venetian plaster in wet areas?
The short answer is yes. The whole procedure can be a little challenging. However, it’s not entirely impossible. Applying Venetian plaster in your bathroom, for instance, will make it look unique. The plaster is soft to the touch and water-absorbent.
However, that being said, it is not advisable to put the plaster in wet areas, especially if the job is done by underqualified people, because it’s bound to be affected over time. If you are willing to put it up there either way, then you should seek the services of a qualified and skilled contractor who’ll use sealants that will help keep the moisture out.
Can I get Venetian plaster in any color?
Acrylic Venetian plaster can be found in many different colors. However, it would be advisable not to try this type of synthetic acrylic since it doesn’t always produce the best results unless you get the top-most quality brand you can find, though they are not often sold to DIYers.
What you could do here is avoid the waxing part when applying the Venetian plaster. You could then paint over the plaster after it has been dried and polished. After painting it, you could wait for it to dry completely and then apply some wax, and you’re good to go.
Can I get Venetian plaster in different sheens like paint?
Paint sheen is the glossiness that is seen when the paint subtly reflects light. You can achieve this kind of sheen from Venetian plasters by polishing the surface with wax. However, the whole process is a little bit complicated, and it requires a trained professional’s skills.
You can use different tools to get this shiny glossy sheen, but it does require you to have a lot of patience. However, your house will look captivating and modern once you achieve this sheen.
Does Venetian plaster repair well if chipped?
There are many reasons that could cause your Venetian plaster to crack. Cracks in the Venetian plaster are somewhat common, especially if the plaster has been around for quite some time and under constant exposure to the elements.
Cracks in the Venetian plaster could be due to thermal expansion, corrosion because of bad weather, or moisture movement between the layers. The last one would come about, especially if the Venetian plaster’s applications were made in the wrong manner.
However, repairs can be done fairly easily and still come out looking quite good. In the earlier days, repairs on Venetian walls used to be quite expensive since one had to redo the entire wall. These days, however, different techniques can be used hen doing the repairs to bring about a clear, smooth finish.
You should employ the services of a trained professional who’ll drill and rime the surface and then inject the area with adhesive. They’ll then fill the crack with some Venetian plaster, sand the area and repaint it. The whole process is quite simple and only takes a total of about four and a half hours over a span of three days.
What are the options for sealing Venetian plaster?
There are three major options when looking to seal Venetian plaster and give it a good finish. You can use a water-based sealant, a semi-gloss or satin finish (if you want to go for a polished marble look), or a matte sealant for a limestone look.
To add sealant to the Venetian plaster, you should first allow the plaster to dry by giving it at least 48 hours, to be sure. You should then apply two coats of wax on the area with a trowel and allow it to dry after each coat properly.
After drying, you can then go for a high gloss by using a trowel (by rubbing across the surface in circles) or carefully using an electric polisher to bring about a nice paint-like sheen.
How does Venetian plaster compare to micro-cement?
Micro cement is made up of aggregate as well as quartz that has a smooth and soft finish. It can be applied to walls, floors, and furniture. Micro cement is made from polymers that are modified, quartz, and other additives, giving it great adhesive strength. It provides a seamless, trendy concrete appearance without all the hustle and expenses of using actual concrete.
Micro cement can be applied to both bathrooms as well as kitchens because it can be cleaned easily, it doesn’t stain, and it has enough traction. It is also strong and more durable since it does not have many porous spaces, meaning that its particles are strongly held together, which reduces any weak spots.
Venetian plaster and micro cement have several differences. However, the major difference is that micro cement is more durable than Venetian plaster. If you want to go for a decorative look, you should choose Venetian plaster over micro cement; however, if your major concern was cracks and dents, you could go for micro cement.
The choice between these two options is simply a matter of aesthetic beauty and durability. However, you could use the micro cement for the floors and Venetian plaster for your walls to give you that aesthetic quality.
Can I get a concrete look with Venetian plaster?
If you want a modernistic space with a feel of natural concrete, you should use Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster comes in a grey color that imitates the appearance of concrete. Blending this look with other colors in different spaces in your house could reduce the monotony and make your house look modernistic with a bit of classical touch.
The Venetian plaster can be polished to produce a marble concrete look or waxed to produce a matte finish. Either way, with a bit of modern furniture and some space, you could have your house looking modern in no time.
Will Venetian plaster crack if put on my fireplace?
Although Venetian plaster is designed to slow down fires, and although it’s not a good fire conductor, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be affected by the fire. The heat from the fire is strongest at about 90cm around the fireplace. Therefore, installing Venetian plaster around your fireplace should come with a few precautions.
If you want to apply plaster around your fireplace, it will help if you know a few facts: Venetian plaster, calcium carbonate, can withstand some heat. However, the plaster should not be exposed to a lot of heat and other elements, such as moisture, at the same time.
To avoid this, you should use heat resistant plaster and heat resistant filler that can repel the heat to prevent the Venetian plaster from cracking.
Can I paint over Venetian plaster?
Yes, you can paint over Venetian plaster. However, it requires some preparation, especially if the Venetian plaster has rough textures. To avoid damaging such kinds of walls, you should let the work be done by a professional.
However, if you want a DIY project, you could follow these 8 simple steps as a guide to painting over your Venetian plaster:
Step 1
You should soak about ¼ cup of the mineral spirits on a clean, lint cloth and rub it against the wall to remove the wax layers. You should then let the area dry and check if all the wax has been removed. Painting your wall before removing all the wax could lead to an uneven layer of paint that could leave your paint job looking bad.
Step 2
You should then attach 80 sandpaper grit to your palm sander and use it to gently go over the wall for a second time while wiping away the dust with a damp cloth. Doing this will help remove any wax that you may have overlooked in step one.
Step 3
You should then switch to 120 grit sandpaper and redo the process again in step two, gently wiping down the dust with a clean cloth. Ensure that all the dust and wax have been removed before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4
It will help if you put tape on any electrical outlets, switch plates, or any other surfaces that you wouldn’t want to paint to prepare for painting. It would be best if you also put drop cloths on the floor to avoid a messy painting session, which you’ll be forced to clean later on.
Step 5
You should then pour a few inches of quartz or alkyd primer into the tray paint and use the brush edging in order to function around your tape painters. You could then use a roller to paint the rest of the space. You’ll then apply the primer in a thin, even coat and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 6
You should then fill the paint tray with latex paint about halfway and, using a clean edging brush, work your way around the edges before switching to a roller to paint the rest of the wall. Let the paint dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Step 7
Remove the tape around the surfaces you didn’t want to paint before the paint dries completely to avoid damaging the paint job, especially when it dries. You could also use the edging brush to perform any minor corrections if necessary.
Step 8
You could apply a second coat if you deem it necessary and then allow the paint to dry overnight.
What’s the difference between synthetic and traditional Venetian plaster?
Synthetic Venetian plaster
Synthetic Venetian plaster is made in such a way as to imitate the properties of the original Venetian plaster. However, it has more in common with paint than with Venetian plaster. Synthetic Venetian plaster is more like a barrier-type coating than a breathable porous coating like lime plasters.
However, synthetic Venetian plaster is cheaper and more available than traditional Venetian plaster.
Natural lime-based Venetian plaster
Natural or traditional lime can last for thousands of years and is very durable. It can be mixed with several components such as marble, gypsum, and tinted to certain colors. They produce a rich, deep color when applied in multiple courts to produce a beautifully mottled finish.
The traditional lime is known by several names such as Venetian, Carrera, and Marmorino. It is ecofriendly and even helps filter CO2 from the air. It is also very versatile and can be modified to bring about different textures, colors, and moods, making it better for house finishes instead of its synthetic counterpart.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of the various house finishing options available on the market today, you’ll realize that you have a variety of options available. However, you should be aware that Venetian plaster has been around for quite some time and with good reason.
Suppose you need to build durable walls that’ll last for more than a hundred years but still have the best quality with minimal repairs. In that case, you should choose Venetian plaster for your construction materials. Take advantage of its versatility. It’s various other benefits, and get to enjoy the benefits of long-term, cost-effective building material.
What are the options for sealing Venetian plaster?
There are three major options when looking to seal Venetian plaster and give it a good finish. You can use a water-based sealant, a semi-gloss or satin finish (if you want to go for a polished marble look), or a matte sealant for a limestone look.
To add sealant to the Venetian plaster, you should first allow the plaster to dry by giving it at least 48 hours, to be sure. You should then apply two coats of wax on the area with a trowel and allow it to dry after each coat properly.
After drying, you can then go for a high gloss by using a trowel (by rubbing across the surface in circles) or carefully using an electric polisher to bring about a nice paint-like sheen.
How does Venetian plaster compare to micro-cement?
Micro cement is made up of aggregate as well as quartz that has a smooth and soft finish. It can be applied to walls, floors, and furniture. Micro cement is made from polymers that are modified, quartz, and other additives, giving it great adhesive strength. It provides a seamless, trendy concrete appearance without all the hustle and expenses of using actual concrete.
Micro cement can be applied to both bathrooms as well as kitchens because it can be cleaned easily, it doesn’t stain, and it has enough traction. It is also strong and more durable since it does not have many porous spaces, meaning that its particles are strongly held together, which reduces any weak spots.
Venetian plaster and micro cement have several differences. However, the major difference is that micro cement is more durable than Venetian plaster. If you want to go for a decorative look, you should choose Venetian plaster over micro cement; however, if your major concern was cracks and dents, you could go for micro cement.
The choice between these two options is simply a matter of aesthetic beauty and durability. However, you could use the micro cement for the floors and Venetian plaster for your walls to give you that aesthetic quality.
Can I get a concrete look with Venetian plaster?
If you want a modernistic space with a feel of natural concrete, you should use Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster comes in a grey color that imitates the appearance of concrete. Blending this look with other colors in different spaces in your house could reduce the monotony and make your house look modernistic with a bit of classical touch.
The Venetian plaster can be polished to produce a marble concrete look or waxed to produce a matte finish. Either way, with a bit of modern furniture and some space, you could have your house looking modern in no time.
