Marmorino and Venetian plasters have been popular since the middle ages due to their stunning looks and finishes. They are sometimes generically referred to as marble or polished plasters, which depend on the finishes that can be achieved. They can be glossy, smooth, or marble textured to look like stone.
So if you’re excited about applying Venetian plaster to a particular area in your home, we’ll guide you through the process to achieve a successful finish.
8 Steps for a Successful Venetian Plaster Application
The antique surface finish of Venetian plaster gives an elegant look of natural stone and polished marble. Traditionally, Venetian plaster is applied by skilled craftsmen to achieve the proper effect and finish. Some first-timers would even enroll in an Evoke Polished Plastering Venetian plaster course to ensure they professionally get the job done.
However, new products today can help DIYers achieve similar results in simple ways without the expert skills required. So below are eight steps to apply Venetian plaster finish on your home.
1. Choose the type of Venetian plaster you want
The type of Venetian plaster you choose will depend on your expertise and budget. Venetian plasters come in three material variants, each with distinctive features, looks, and price ranges. You can choose from acrylic, natural lime-based, or gypsum-based plasters. Browsing the web is a great place to start to check 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 bumpy surfaces are sanded, so they don’t show in the finished work.
3. Lay down tarps and prepare the tools
Laying down tarps is necessary to protect the work area’s floorings, as people 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 Marmorino tools for your DIY project or business, you may browse websites like https://www.evokepolishedplastering.co.uk/training/marmorino-tools/ to have yours.
4. Prime the wall
After sanding and smoothing the wall, apply primer. This will help bind the plaster you’ll use later, acting like an adhesive or glue. Ensure it’s completely dry before you proceed 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 using 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 smoothen 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 entire wall and slide it across the plaster. Hold the trowel at a 30-degree angle and use moderate pressure to give it a polished look. Burnishing it more can make your plaster look shinier. Wait for 48 hours before proceeding to the next step.
8. Wax the plaster
Applying a topcoat of protective wax to the plaster can brighten your wall, soften it, and protect 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.
