Venetian Plaster Course Uk? The 7 Latest Answer

For years, choosing wall paneling for a bathroom has been a choice between quality and looks versus price. On the one hand you have wall tiles that look great and protect against water, on the other hand you have regular painted plasterboard that is much cheaper. What if you could take advantage of both?

Despite being a centuries-old material, Venetian or polished plaster has recently become increasingly popular with Sydney homeowners. Venetian plaster gives your walls a spectacular finish, is water resistant and much cheaper than tiles. Venetian plaster is a high-quality lime-based wall plaster. While it can be polished to a flat, glossy finish, it can also add visual texture and depth to walls and ceilings.

The interplay of natural and artificial light contrasting with this elegant finish can almost instantly make a major design statement in any dull space, including a dated bathroom – one of the reasons Venetian plaster is becoming popular again in Sydney. So what should you know before you decide to have Venetian plaster in your bathroom?

practice plastering

Practicing Plastering – Back Coating

Applying the back coating is easy to practice and the materials can be used over and over again.

Instead of using sand and cement – replacing lime with cement ensures that the mix never hardens. It hardens when left to dry completely. So if scraped off the wall the same day and stored so it doesn’t dry out (bucket with lid or polythene to cover) it will last for many uses. (When you come to reuse, just add as much water as needed to get the right consistency back). If you actually want to plaster properly, just add some cement to the mix to ensure it can be used permanently.

You will not notice any obvious differences from sand/lime and sand/cement. All procedures can be practiced in exactly the same way as in the manual, except for hovering. The swimming phase can take place when the plaster has hardened a little. Since the sand-lime mixture does not set, it only solidifies when it dries. This may take some time on a low suction wall.

Practicing plastering – skimming

The spatula cannot be reused but a sachet is only around £5.00 and will cover 10 square metres. £í0.00 or so could provide you with at least 3 practice sessions.

A few points to keep in mind!

When you feel safe

Then give it a try, the following tips should help you:

before you start

Don’t tackle anything too big – choose the smallest wall first

Have a clear idea of ​​the 6 stages and what you are going to do

The mixture

Mix to the right consistency – keep thin

application

Thin layers of only 2 mm

Keep it flat – don’t leave bulges

Remember

The angle of your trowel in combination with firm pressure is crucial. Think of 10 – 15mm mm at the leading edge (leading edge) as neutral. Any more than that and plaster will be scraped off (which is good if you have thicker areas or bulges) and collect on your trowel until you smooth your trowel again when the plaster is deposited back onto the wall.

If you do spin it in circles it’s probably too wet and needs some firming – give it time.

When things go wrong

If you’ve followed the above advice the plaster will only be 2-3mm thick which hopefully won’t be a problem by applying another layer of PVA and giving it another try.

If you don’t feel so safe

As the plaster hardens, it is not advisable to practice applying it to a permanent wall. A makeshift wall can be easily prepared by temporarily attaching a sheet of plasterboard to a wall (so that it can be easily removed after the exercise is complete). If all you do in your practice session is keep the cast flat, at least you can reuse this practice wall. Once a session is complete, simply brush a weak PVA solution over the wall to ensure it’s ready to use again. If the PVA is too strong you may lose the suction of the wall, so it may be better to apply a very weak solution of 10 parts water to 1 part PVA, then do the suction test and another coat of PVA can be applied whenever it is turns out to be too dry.

Next page

Plastering practice help area.

All rights reserved. No part of this online plastering guide may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author. Copyright © Paul Harper DIY Plastering 2015

The author assumes no liability for the use of materials or methods recommended in this guide or for any consequences arising from their use. The author cannot guarantee the suitability of any recommendations in this manual and assumes no legal liability whatsoever in relation to or arising out of the contents of this manual.

Venetian plaster is a surface finish that enhances the design of your space. A wonderfully versatile finish that can create a high quality polished marble effect or a more subtle washed stone design. This old technology is once again leaving its mark on our walls, ceilings and floors.

(MORE: House Design Ideas)

What is Venetian plaster made of?

With roots stretching back to ancient Greece and Egypt, Venetian plaster is traditionally made from burnt limestone and water, combined to form a fine lime putty. No additives are added that distinguish the Venetian plaster from other plasters such as tadelakt, which although based on lime, is mixed with marble granules, similar to the marmorino plaster.

Tadelakt is a Moroccan plaster. This lime-based plaster is water and mold resistant, making it great for bathrooms (Image credit: The Watermark Collection)

How is Venetian plaster applied?

Using a special Venetian plaster spatula or trowel, it is applied fairly loosely in a few (usually three) thin coats, not in straight lines like a multi-coat plaster. This application technique adds depth as the swirls created create a fluid effect rather than a flat, rigid surface texture. Once you’ve applied the layers, finish it off with a layer of wax and then buff it giving it a nice finish.

What are the advantages of Venetian plaster?

For home builders and renovators looking to use natural materials in the design, the purity of authentic Venetian plaster with no additives makes it an eco-friendly option. And there’s no shortage of color options and effects, so there’s plenty to choose from.

There is also a growing focus on biophilic design (bringing the outside in) and with Venetian plaster you can achieve this in two ways: 1. using it on surfaces inside and out to create a seamless bond, and 2. opting to have the wall/ceiling finish looks and feels earthy, with pitted, slightly rougher detailing for a more natural look. There are no joints with plaster, so you get a smooth surface.

Another advantage of Venetian plaster is its durability and ease of care. It’s almost as flexible as paint in terms of care and application. Years ago it was much more difficult to fix and you often had to replaster the entire wall, but now you can fix a small stain or blemish by spot fixing or wiping the problem.

Architect Paul Testa chose Venetian plaster for his bathroom walls: “We used Venetian plaster to create a smooth, homogeneous surface, free of joints that could discolour over time. It’s also soothing and feels less busy than a tiled surface.” (Example in the image below.)

(Image credit: Paul Testa)

How much does Venetian plaster cost?

The only downside to Venetian plaster is its cost. This is a lot more money compared to traditional multi-layer plastering and then painting or spraying. Depending on the color of plaster used, type and quantity it can range from £5 to £20 per metre. Application per meter can cost up to £150/m. This is mainly due to the fact that it is lime-based plaster.

There is also a special primer that you need to use and then a wax to finish. You also need to use a smaller trowel than the one you would use to apply traditional multi finish plaster so it takes a lot longer!

Does a specialist need a Venetian plaster?

There are many reputable companies that specialize in installing Venetian plaster in homes, so it’s worth doing your research. Expertise naturally comes with a corresponding price tag. So, if you are a proficient DIYer, want to save on expenses, and are keen to learn, like any craft, you can take a class to learn. If you are looking for a course online there is plenty to choose from e.g. B. Décor Effects Ltd (opens in new tab), based in Bury, which is designed for the novice user.

Well, I personally think that all professions need experience, not just a condensed course, so I think that ideally, as a handyman, you also need to learn on a job or a construction site. The real world is so different from the perfect, flat, dry classroom. So, by all means, try it yourself, but remember that this is not a cheap material. So if you get something wrong it will cost a bit to replace all the materials.

(MORE: Wall Covering Ideas)

Our team is often asked how much plastering costs or how much plastering costs per m2 before any work takes place. We believe that our customers should have transparent offers and advice at all times. For this reason we have put together a rough price framework that shows the average costs of our plastering, plastering and dry plastering work.

Please note that these are average estimates only and should not be treated as a final offer. Each job has its own set of requirements and specifications that alter the total number on offer. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your project, please feel free to schedule a phone appointment or call us directly.

Is polished plaster waterproof?

Polished or Venetian plaster in its natural form is not waterproof, you can apply wax or some sealers to waterproof it, but it will never be fully waterproof.

What is marmorino?

Click here to go to our page that explains Marmorino.

Can Venetian plaster be used in a bathroom/shower?

Venetian plaster can be used in a bathroom but is not waterproof so be careful where you apply it. However, it has good resistance to mold and condensation because the lime in this natural product allows the walls to “breathe”, is naturally antibacterial and a natural mold killer.

How to apply Venetian plaster?

Apply the Venetian plaster with a trowel. It has the consistency of thick yogurt and is applied thinly to prepared and primed walls in three coats for Spatula Stuhhi, two coats for Spirito Libero and two coats for Istinto. Please watch the videos to see how it is applied.

How to remove stains from Venetian plaster?

Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and place a dab of mild liquid dish soap in the center. Buff the soapy cloth very lightly over smudges or minor stains to remove them. If necessary, remove soap residue with another damp cloth. However, unsealed walls absorb oil and water, clean water dries without effect, but oil or grease remains. If you have successfully removed oil stains, please let me know.

How to maintain Venetian stucco walls?

Click here to go to our page explaining how to care for your Venetian plaster walls.

What are the advantages of Venetian plaster?

Click here to go to our page explaining the benefits of Venetian plaster.

How to remove Venetian plaster?

Once the walls are dry, you can only remove the Venetian plaster by scraping or sanding. If you want to paint over, sand it to create a key, then apply your new finish.

How do you clean polished plaster?

Polished plaster is a strong material, but it is also delicate, so cleaning should always be done gently and with sensitivity to the surface. We recommend using a mild soapy detergent with a damp cotton cloth to wipe down your walls or a microfiber cloth to dust them. You can regrow or reseal your walls to restore their appearance.

How do I find an experienced applicator?

Click here to go to our experienced applicators page.

Can I use packet forwarding?

But you can please check if you accept the weight and size of the goods. We cannot be held responsible for goods refused, damaged or lost as a result of your external arrangements.

Stucco styles available for your next polished plaster project

There are many types of stucco suitable for polished plaster projects. Some predate Roman times, while others arose in the last century. No matter how old they are, they all have a place in a project.

We can also find unique stuccos or derivations of the oldest marble plaster in the world. Clay plaster is a good example as an alternative to lime.

At Chrysalis we mainly work with marmorino plaster and acrylic, but we can also work with others. In this article, we’ll cover the types of stucco available for your next polished plaster project.

marmorino

Natural stucco

Marmorino is one of the oldest plasters in the world. Dating from before Roman times, it is lime based with a very smooth texture. Marble flour is added as a core aggregate. By polishing Marmorino you give it the appearance of solid marble.

Venetian

Natural stucco

Often confused with marmorino plaster, Venetian plaster is also based on lime but adds sand to the list of aggregates. The effect is a more even and slightly opaque appearance. Like Marmorino, Venetian is an Italian stucco.

Intona Plaster

Natural stucco

Intona plaster is a traditional Italian stucco with a grainier appearance than marmorino. It has the same texture as limestone when polished and doesn’t shine as much, making it a good choice for more subtle applications.

acrylic plaster

Synthetic stucco

Acrylic or resin based plaster is a new product that can be polished with the same effect as marmorino. It consists of a resin base, an elastomeric resin, particles (such as marble or stone dust) and water. It is very durable.

application of stucco

One or three layers

Traditional stucco is applied in three coats – a scratch, then a primer, and then a top coat. This is labor intensive but produces the best possible finish. This is how stucco has been used around the world for thousands of years.

Newer stucco systems can be applied with a primer and a thin top coat. These are called single layer stucco, although they are actually two. One coat stucco is quickest to apply and gives good results. Most people will not be able to tell the difference between a three-layer stucco and a one-layer stucco unless they are plasterers.

The best plaster coating system for your project depends on the application. Walls that are in poor condition will likely benefit from a three coat coat of paint. Walls in good condition can get away with a coat of paint. Feel free to send us some photos of your walls for advice and we will recommend the right system for you.

stencil and texture

Stucco can also be stenciled and textured for logos, slogans and quotes to give it a different look under certain lighting conditions. There are two ways to achieve texture with a stucco: by mechanical stirring or by incorporating aggregate into the plaster mix. Both are justified depending on the application.

Find out today

Polished plaster is useful for a variety of applications including columns and archways, in addition to walls and ceilings. It is durable, easy to care for and healthy because it is breathable. This prevents mold and mildew from forming making it suitable for use in wet areas such as washrooms and kitchens.

To learn more about the different types of stucco available for your polished plaster project, speak to our team today. We are experts in decorative surfaces and special plastering techniques. Call us on 0113 269 0592 or 0772 548 8669 or send us a message on this page and we will get back to you.

Some of these benefits include

1. Versatility

2. Easy maintenance

3. Durability

4. Unique

5. Eco-friendly

Do you have plans to renovate your house in the future? If you are like most other homeowners, you want your interior to look stylish, elegant and unique. Venetian plastering is extremely durable and absolutely unique. The Venetian plaster transforms your simple, plain walls into structures that appear stylish and self-contained. This Italian polishing plaster is widely used in the construction of corporate buildings and fashionable homes. At PaintCity Vancouver we specialize in decorative wall coverings such as Venetian plasterwork and can create custom wall coverings using the highest quality materials. The benefits of this type of finish are provided for both commercial and residential interiors. Regardless of the type of interior you are renovating, Venetian plaster can be easily applied to almost any surface. Existing walls can be easily transformed into structures that look sophisticated and modern. This material can also be used to patch old stone, wood, brick, drywall, etc. Venetian polished plaster requires little maintenance. Because this decorative finish is mixed with different pigments, it will last for many years without fading, meaning fewer coats of paint are needed on walls. The quick and easy moistening and drying of the plaster makes cleaning and care much easier. This Italian polishing plaster is very durable. In fact, this material can last for several years. The plaster layer of this material, after drying, turns into a stone-like substance. It withstands bumps and small movements over the years and lasts longer than other finishes. This decoratively polished plaster would be a practical option for any home or business. The Venetian plaster consists of different elements and a mineral composition that make it incomparable. These fabrics have high breathability, which prevents any growth of fungus and mold on the wall. This decorative plaster prevents the accumulation of moisture under the polished surface and keeps mold, bacteria and moisture at bay. An effective way to be eco-friendly is to install Venetian plaster in your home or business. The materials in this plaster are all natural, making it a remarkably beneficial and quality wall. This type of plastering ensures improved and optimal air quality. The growth of mold and other fungi is prevented by the antibacterial base of the lime. By adding plaster to a wall, you are essentially adding layers of protection and insulation that will help keep the wall in good, pristine condition for many years to come. Before applying a unique Venetian plaster, you should remove the previous texture. Turn to professionals who will get the job done on time and on the best budget.

Fun with Venetian Plaster: March 2, 2013

Venetian Plaster Fun, starring Sandra Duran Wilson!

demo in review

No, it’s not an Artisans operation, it’s just marble dust and plaster. What a great demo Sandra did at Artisan and she nailed the demo for us and here it is. Thank you Sandra!!

plaster types

There are three main types of plaster: lime plaster, gypsum plaster and cement plaster

Gypsum plaster is almost pH neutral, making it fairly safe to work with and less reactive with many additives and coatings; whereas lime has a high pH or high alkalinity. It is more dangerous to work with and only natural mineral shades are compatible. For this reason I decided to work with plaster. Gypsum is used in construction and gypsum can be poured into molds. We will only deal with gypsum plasters in this demo.

Differences within gypsum plaster: gypsum, Venetian plaster and plaster gauze or Modroc.

Gypsum can be poured into molds or poured over a fitting. It can also be applied like Venetian plaster, but thicker. It dries relatively quickly. When gypsum is mixed with water, a chemical reaction begins that cannot be stopped. There are 3 stages: wet, cured and cured. Gypsum is very dense and hard after hardening.

Venetian Plaster is an acrylic and plaster product that accepts acrylic paints very well. It must be built up in thin layers. If you use acrylic paints, dilute them with water so that they absorb better into the plaster. You can polish the plaster to a nice shine. It is softer than plaster and needs to be protected with a sealant.

Plaster Gauze or Modroc is plaster infused gauze that can be wrapped around a fitting or even used on cardboard and combined with Venetian plaster or plaster to create some wonderful finishes.

Substrates: plywood or screened wood panels. Flexible substrates only work when glued to a rigid surface.

Application Tools: Spatulas, trowels, paint shapers, bondo tools, and old credit cards are great painting tools.

Colors: Craft paint or diluted artists’ acrylic paints work well. I also use powdered pigments and even mix marble dust into the colors. NEVER use a thick layer of acrylic. It doesn’t bond to the patch and just peels off.

Layers: The first layer should be a thin layer, the second a structural layer struck down with a trowel or other tool, and the last layer a superficial layer. I like to put a new coat of plaster over a coat of plaster that has been painted and sealed and then go back and remove some of the plaster on top.

Sealer: If I have a layer that I’ve painted that I like, I seal it with a diluted acrylic polymer, let it dry, and continue layering plaster and paint.

Remove: I use green scrubbers and sandpaper to remove layers of plaster to reveal embedded objects.

Carving: When wet it is easy to make marks in the plaster and once dry you can still carve in it.

Embedding: You can embed thin flat objects between layers of plaster and expose parts of it after drying. This is a lot of fun and you get some unexpected visuals and textures.

Transfers: Many ways to make transfers in plaster. Today I’m going to demonstrate the use of inkjet prints.

Buffing: Very fine grit sandpaper like 400-600 works well for buffing. I even use a smooth stone or brown construction paper for the finishing touches.

Alternative Finishes: Once the plaster is dry and set you can seal it with a thinned acrylic finish or even wax.

IMPORTANT: Never throw plaster products down the drain, this includes cleaning your tools.

Are you looking for a new way to decorate your home? Venetian plaster is an ancient decorative technique that has been around for centuries. Multiple layers of plaster are applied to walls and ceilings, giving them a unique look.

You can use this style of decoration on any surface in your home or office, including furniture and floors. It goes well with many types of home decor, so there is no limit to how Venetian plaster can be used in your space. You can also mix lime plaster and marble dust to create this permanent bond.

But in order for you to be able to do all this, you need to know how to apply Venetian plaster. Wondering how to do that? This article will guide you through a comprehensive guide to applying Venetian plaster.

The materials needed

eye protection

Paint brush

role

color tray

working gloves

Steel trowel

400 to 600 grit sandpaper

drop cloth

Venetian plaster

roll cover

painting primer

top coat or paste wax

Universal dyes

dust mask

instructions

Sharpen your skills

Before you start rolling on the Venetian plaster it’s good to get an idea of ​​your skills. Get some practice pieces together for this project. Some sheets of drywall, plywood, or fiberboard work well. Spread some newspaper on the floor and cover any items you don’t want to paint.

Then practice your plastering techniques on these pieces of wood. Use a brush to apply your Venetian plaster to the piece, then smooth it out with a trowel or spatula.

Choose a patch to apply

Venetian plaster comes in two varieties, including synthetic paint and lime-based plaster. Which one you choose will depend on your budget and expertise. Lime-based plasters are considered true Venetians because over time they turn into stones.

Lime-based plasters are more durable and retain their beauty longer than homemade synthetic plasters. They are also natural and considered more eco-friendly than synthetic. Lime plaster is naturally resistant to mold and mildew.

On the other hand, synthetic Venetian plaster is inorganic and its color is limited to the few offered by the manufacturer. It is also not easy to tint because it requires a special machine. Make sure you choose authentic Venetian plaster for your project.

Gather your tools and lay down tarps

Be sure to protect the floor in your work area by laying down plastic sheeting to keep dust from your work from getting everywhere. You should also have a bucket, trowel, joint sponge and a paint roller with a long handle ready. Do not use painter’s tape to protect moldings or other walls that you are not plastering.

Remember that plaster is not paint so it can bond to the tape and crack or peel when removed, especially if you are using lime based plaster.

Prepare your room

Clean up your room as much as possible and wipe down the entire surface with a clean rag soaked in soapy water. Take a few minutes to learn how to mop your floor before proceeding. Next, drape the tarp over the ledge and bottom of the wall.

Of course, you’ll apply Venetian plaster to most walls and ceilings, but the surface needs to be even and smooth. If there are holes and cracks, the plaster will seep through when you apply Venetian plaster. Therefore, fill them in with putty before applying the coating.

If you are applying Venetian plaster to an existing wall with paint, first remove all of the old paint and then repair any holes or cracks with putty and lightly sand the putty area with 100 grit sandpaper. Wash off dirt and grease and prime the surfaces before applying the Venetian plaster. Avoid using steel trowels and drywall knives as they can leave lines and scratches in your plaster.

If you want to plaster an uneven surface, sand the entire surface or scrape it with a spatula. If you use synthetic Venetian plaster, be sure to fill the holes and cracks with plaster.

Apply primer to discoloration

If your wall was painted flat paint, apply a primer that you can tint to the color of Venetian plaster. Spread the primer evenly and lightly on the wall with a paint roller. Depending on the walls you are plastering, you can let it dry before applying a second coat to get a smooth, even coat.

If you are using lime-based plasters, you can apply the plaster directly to the stucco or masonry. You can also use a special primer called fondo. Note that natural Venetian does not bond well to standard primers. Let it dry for 24 hours before applying the patch.

Apply the first layer

Wear gloves when mixing Venetian plaster to achieve an even color. Fill your trowel with the hawk’s hot dog mix, then apply a three-inch coat of grout to the surface. Use short, gently curved, x-shaped strokes at different angles.

Starting in the top left corner of your room, apply a thin coat of plaster using a flexible steel trowel while holding your trowel at a 15 to 30 degree angle to the wall. Gradually work your way to the other end, covering about 8 feet at a time until you’ve covered all four walls. Try not to put too much pressure on the trowel as this can create burrs in your wall.

Clean your steel trowel from time to time to remove hardened plaster that may have stuck to its surface. Leaving these on can cause damage to your wall later on, so always take the time to remove them before applying more plaster to the wall.

Apply the second layer

If using synthetic plaster, allow at least four hours for the undercoat to set before applying a second coat. However, with lime-based plaster, you can wait up to ten days between coats. Start the same way you applied the first layer. Hold your trowel or drywall knife at a 60-90 degree angle, then apply your plaster in long and short overlapping strokes to give the final finish an uneven appearance.

Check your progress as you work your way across to make sure any ridges and indentations have been filled. If you see some small areas of deep pits or ridges, use a thin trowel to smooth them out before the mixture gets too dry.

If you are not satisfied with the end result after applying a second layer, you can apply the third layer if you wish. If using lime-based plaster, add a tinted topcoat of lime dust, linseed oil, soap, and dye. Allow your patch to dry for 24 hours before proceeding with the finishing treatment.

Polish the surface

After the second layer has dried, you can polish it with a dry sponge. This gives your surface a nice, polished sheen that’s slightly matte. Use 400-600 grit paper to polish synthetic plaster if desired. Then clean the surface with a damp cloth.

You can also make the surface look more polished by rubbing your fingers over the surface. You can also rub the surface with a clean cloth or spatula for an even shinier shine. When you’re done, wipe down your wall with soap and water to remove dust particles.

Continue waxing

Dip your clean trowel in tinted paste wax and spread it over your plaster in light layers. Allow each coat to dry before applying another. It is best to apply several thin layers instead of one thick layer. A good rule of thumb is to let the wax dry for ten minutes after each coat, then buff it with a clean rag or soft cloth until you get a nice shine that resembles a freshly waxed car.

You can also deepen the color variations by brushing pre-tinted glaze over the lighter areas of your surface. Remember that real marble has a high contrast between light and dark tones. So choose the darker tone if you want to replicate the look of the marble. Check out the pros and cons of marble floors to learn more.

Apply a top coat

This last step is optional. You can apply a top coat to add durability, color and seal the finish. It is best to use 100% acrylic latex paint instead of wax for this step if you want your finished product to last longer. Applying a top coat is best recommended in rooms with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. Otherwise, it’s optional but recommended for a nice finishing touch.

You can also preserve the texture of your Venetian plaster by covering it with a coat of water-based clear sealer. And if you are looking for polished marble, opt for a seal with a semi-gloss or satin finish. You can also choose a matte finish if you want a limestone finish.

Frequently asked questions about applying Venetian plaster

Can you plaster drywall with Venetian plaster?

Yes you can, but keep in mind that you have to overhaul the whole thing. This means that after applying a scratch coat you will need to apply a ‘skim’ coat of drywall over it and sand it smooth.

Can Venetian plaster be applied over paint?

Yes, as long as the paint is well cured. If it doesn’t, the moisture in the air will create bubbles and it won’t look good.

Final thought on applying Venetian plaster

As you can see, applying Venetian plaster requires a bit of skill and extra work, but it’s worth it in terms of quality. Make sure you keep your sealed Venetian plaster clean by dusting the surface weekly with an electrostatic duster.

“Living with lime plastered walls is like living in a Rothko painting,” says interior designer Leigh Herzig – and anyone who’s worked with it knows she’s talking about Venetian plaster. Used since ancient times to decorate walls, the material made its first comeback with the ill-fated “Tuscan” decoration movement of the 90’s that we’re all still trying to forget. But don’t write it off! More recently, Venetian plaster has been increasingly used in stylish homes thanks to the popularity of plaster-loving designers such as Axel Vervoordt and Vincent Van Duysen. AD caught up with Herzig — who loves using Venetian plaster in her designs (almost all) so much that she’s taken classes to learn how to apply it herself — to learn more about the trend and find out whether it is right for you.

Iridescent Venetian plaster in a Herzig-designed home in L.A. Photo: Laure Joliet

Architectural Digest: Why the comeback?

Leigh Herzig: I think plaster in general is making a comeback, not just Venetian plaster. Recently, there have been technological advances in the composition of lime plaster, which have greatly simplified its use. So it’s becoming more common and more and more people are being exposed to it. It’s going viral! But I also think there is an ongoing and growing appreciation for natural materials in design. There is a growing focus on blurring the architectural line between indoors and outdoors. And lime plaster is literally the earth on your walls.

AD: Which colors are the most popular?

LH: I like earth tones: white, beige, grey, brown and black. But my favorite is white.

Venetian plaster is a painting treatment used to add interest and texture to ordinary walls. While it’s a decorative look that can hide imperfections, it’s certainly not an aesthetic that will appeal to everyone. If you have a wall with Venetian plaster or a similar textured art treatment, you may want to smooth it out to have normal color on your wall. This is no easy task and requires a lot of patience, but it is possible to achieve the smooth, even look you are hoping for.

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Portola’s Roman Clay is an environmentally friendly plaster ideal for smooth interior walls.

Applied with a trowel, Roman Clay offers a versatile finish that can be used to create a variety of stone, stucco and marble-like effects, making it a perfect fit for both traditional and contemporary settings.

This gypsum-based decorative plaster is made from natural ingredients, is virtually VOC-free and brings a rustic originality to interior surfaces. Roman Clay is smooth to the touch and has a sculpting, marble-like effect, comparable to Venetian plaster but with a more subtle, organic appeal.

Achieve a natural finish with an extremely low gloss by leaving the last coat unsanded or add a protective seal and a slight gloss with Portola’s Acrylic Top Coat. For a smooth, highly polished, marble-like shine, apply Portola’s Wall Wax.

Roman Clay is available in a wide range of stock and custom colors.

More information ↓