How to Apply Venetian Plaster to the Walls in Your Home
With a single color you can create a subtle look that will resemble the cool feel and smooth polish of genuine marble. To get more depth and polish you simply have to add more layers. Venetian plaster will bring texture and color into your home that is not possible with plain white or off white plaster walls that one usually sees in many homes. On opening a can of plaster for the first time you will be surprised to see that it is nothing like the Plaster of Paris that we are familiar with.
In fact it is a very thick mixture of gypsum or colored lime, sand and water. Because it is so thick you will need a steel trowel to remove it from the can. But the great thing about Venetian plaster is that with only a single color you can accomplish an interesting and pleasing look that is not possible in case of painted walls and a single color of paint. Before starting to apply you will need the plaster of your choice of color, a four inch steel trowel, a paint tray, 100 and 400 grit sandpaper, drop cloths, a painter’s tape and gloves.
Before getting started you must realize that as Venetian plastering is a multi layer job completing it may take a few days depending on the total surface area to be covered. So you should be prepared to spare a few hours each day and allow each layer to dry up. As with any painting job you must make sure the surface is clean. The surface sheen should be low and if there is a lot of sheen on the surface then you have to apply a primer before you apply the plaster. Also use a 100 grit sand paper on the surface to make it ready for the plaster. Now for the step-by-step process after you have chosen the color.
Applying the first coat.
Step 1. If your trowel has sharp corners then you must first sand them down with 100-grit sandpaper so that it will not leave any edge marks or scrape off plaster already applied. To start with open the plaster container and with a stir stick mix the Venetian plaster thoroughly. Before starting to apply on the wall it is better to try and apply the plaster on a practice board (available with the supplier) so that you get familiar with the application technique.
Step 2. Scoop out a little bit of the plaster from the can with the steel trowel. Starting at one corner of the room, holding the trowel at a 15-30 degrees angle, firmly but gently apply the Venetian plaster on the wall in one direction. Use both short and long strokes so that the original wall is slightly visible between each wipe.
Step 3. After every 15 to 20 wipes stop applying and go back to the beginning and start smoothing the plaster from one wipe to the next till the last wipe. This is done to ensure a little bit of the original color to be visible through the plaster so that the plaster doesn’t appear to be a single coat of paint. Make sure that you wipe the steel trowel frequently to remove any dried plaster that will hinder proper application. The plaster dries up pretty quickly.
Step 4. Continue like this until the whole surface is covered. Your first run through should look spotty rather than homogeneous. This will give the finished plaster a textured look. After you are done with the first coat let it dry for about 4 hours before applying the second coat.
Applying the second coat.
Step 1. Again start by scooping a little bit of the plaster with the steel trowel. Starting in the corner of the room begin by applying a thin coat of the Venetian plaster while holding the steel trowel at an angle of 60-90 degrees.
Step 2. Again after 15-20 wipes return to the beginning and again smooth the plaster from one wipe to the next and repeat this process until the whole surface to be plaster is done. Use both long and short strokes at random.
Step 3. Make sure to fill any voids and recesses and cover the original wall surface completely this time. With the help of the trowel smooth away any high spots or edge marks on the plaster. After the second coat is complete leave the plaster to dry for 24 hours.
Applying the Topcoat.
To protect and increase the durability of the plaster you can seal it by applying a topcoat over it. This topcoat is known as Venetian plaster topcoat. You also have the option of mixing in a pearlescent or metallic color in the topcoat to give your Venetian plaster a contemporary and more modern look.
Step 1. For this step use a flexible trowel that is 4 inches or larger. Scoop out some topcoat at a time and spread the topcoat across the plaster surface thinly by holding the trowel at a 60-90 degree angle and using short and long overlapping strokes.
Step 2. Make sure that it is spread evenly because the thick puddles of the overcoat created in recessed areas will give it a milky appearance when it dries up. This is unwanted. Allow the overcoat to dry for 24 hours before burnishing.
Burnishing the Venetian plaster.
Step 1. Burnishing should be done after the plaster has been allowed to dry for at least 24 hours but not later than 7 days of the application. For this step with a 400 or 600 grit sandpaper and using a circular motion, sand down the surface so that any roughness on the plaster is removed and the desired look and feel are achieved. You can use a power sander if necessary for large areas. This sanding should be done very lightly making sure that you don’t sand down the plaster.
Step 2. Take a water dampened cloth and wipe away any dust that has settled on the surface due to the sanding.
Step 3. If you want a still more polished look then rub the burnished plaster surface with the flat side of a clean steel trowel. The friction and heat thus generated will produce a defined marble like glossy appearance.
If you have followed all the above steps diligently you will feel very proud as you have not only learned how to apply Venetian plaster, you have also done a great job that everyone will admire for many years.
