INTRODUCTION TO VENETIAN PLASTER :

Other names for Venetian plaster include marble plaster, Italian plaster, lime-based plaster, and polished plaster. Whatever name it goes by, this specific wall and ceiling finish is quite beautiful to look at. When you can have Venetian plaster, which is not only gorgeous to look at but also has many advantages, why stare at plain, monotonous walls? Let us go into the entirety of knowledge regarding Venetian plaster.



HISTORY & ORIGINS

To be more precise, Venetian plaster has been around practically since the dawn of time. Historians have actually traced it back to Mesopotamia in the first century A.D. The foundation for lime putty, the primary element in Venetian plaster, is limestone, which is as old as the earth itself, albeit it was likely quite different from what it is today after going through numerous changes. Lime-based plasters were used in the construction of structures in both ancient Greece and Egypt. However, they gained significant popularity during the Roman Empire, when they were mostly utilised in palazzos, villas, and cathedrals to replicate the natural stone surfaces. It had another boom in popularity for both interior and exterior home decorating later on during the Italian Renaissance.

Fun fact: A technique called fresco, which is similar to Venetian plaster, was used to build a number of well-known works of art, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Murals painted on freshly laid, wet lime plaster are known as frescos.

The name "Venetian plaster" comes from Venice, Italy, where it was primarily employed to give buildings the appearance of marble while maintaining some degree of waterproofness. In the Veneto region, particularly in Venice, marmorino, a kind of Venetian plaster, was widely utilised. Even though the word wasn't invented until recently, Venetian plaster has a long history. Although it was originally mostly used for construction, it is now widely employed for its aesthetic value, primarily as ornamental wall finishes.


TEXTURE & FINISH

Venetian plaster may be polished to a high sheen because it contains up to 40% marble dust. In actuality, the material is sturdy and long-lasting. Using a number of techniques, Venetian plaster is put in numerous thin layers and burnished to produce a polished, smooth surface. The outcome is a polished plaster finish that resembles marble and gives the appearance of depth and texture. It also exudes a gentle, earthy atmosphere that is unmatched by other surface treatments. In addition to having a finish that is appropriate for its ingredient—a rock-hard, marble-like texture—venetian plaster can also be tinted or coloured using both natural and synthetic colourants to produce the desired colour. And viola! Now that you have a pretty wall.


BENEFITS

Venetian plaster offers many advantages than just a gorgeous face. Since it is a lime-based plaster, each layer that is applied causes it to absorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding air and return to its natural state as limestone. That's what we refer to as a win-win scenario with stronger walls and less CO2! Its high pH levels and alkaline nature make it a natural fungicide, so you won't have to worry about mildew or mould growing. And don't worry about maintaining the polished plaster! In fact, it requires very little upkeep—a moist towel will enough to wipe it down. You can also apply a wax layer on top of for further protection.


TYPES OF VENETIAN PLASTER

plaster on the market. Three varieties of plaster are available at Renoves India: Veneziano, Marmorino, and Stucco.



Veneziano

Veneziano is a multipurpose historic plaster that works well in shower stalls and interior spaces. Veneziano produces highly polished surfaces, gentle, subtle tones, and smooth finishes when applied thinly. Of all the Venetian plaster varieties that Renoves India carries, Veneziano has the best and smoothest finish. It is made from slaked lime and finely ground marble dust. Veneziano has a minimal to light texture and a medium to high gloss. Additionally, you have the option of choosing from more than 60 hues for a striking colour diversity.

Marmorino

Marmorino is slightly different from Veneziano in that it also contains finely ground marble dust and slaked lime, but it also contains fine marble sand. Because of this, Marmorino has greater texture than Veneziano, which permits greater depth. Marmorino can be smooth and glossy or mottled and patterned with a somewhat coarser finish, depending on your taste. You can mix and match colours, waxes, and application techniques, just as with Veneziano. Ideal for shower stalls, semi-exteriors, and interior spaces, particularly when paired with protective coatings.

Stucco

Slaked lime and finely crushed marble dust are the main ingredients of the Stucco Venetian plaster, which has the most texture out of the three. However, this time, fine and coarse marble dust are also included. You might choose to have it applied smooth with minimal shine, even though it is rougher than Veneziano and Marmorino, or you could let its rough texture exposed. Stucco has a low shine as a rough finish, yet it might appeal greatly to people who like texture and depth. Stucco works well for shower stalls, semi-exteriors, and interior spaces.