If you’re looking for a fun and stylish way to renovate your home? Do you want a décor idea that moves away from the traditional painting or wallpaper application? If so, it may be time to consider adding Venetian plaster to a few spaces to create unique statement walls throughout your space.
In addition to looking luxurious, Venetian plaster can also easily be applied by the painter Hawthorn locals rely on to transform their homes. If you’re unsure what Venetian plaster is or whether it’s the right option for your home, this post is for you. Continue reading as we explore the top benefits of incorporating this option into your home.
What is Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster has been around since the Roman era and is still associated with Italian sophistication and luxury. As a décor choice, it’s well known for its durability and popular aesthetic that blends in with all architectural styles.
Typically, Venetian plaster was originally made by mixing crushed marble and powdered lime, which was then applied in thin layers onto a prepared surface. Once the solution had cured, it was polished to achieve the popular glossy finish.
Modern applications still feature a lime-based plaster solution, which is enhanced by applying the mixture in various layers, which are mixed with a series of other products. This often includes the following steps:
- The wall or surface is prepared.
- Primer is applied.
- Powder-based lime is painted on in layers.
- Sealant or wax is applied and cured.
- The sealant is polished to achieve the famous marbling effect.
Fine aggregates such as quartz or kaolin are often combined with pigments of colour to create a unique style for your space. If you want additional shine, your painter will add extra wax or sealant to create a high-gloss finish.
It’s worth noting that Venetian plaster differs from regular plaster. Conventional plaster is usually gypsum-based and creates a matt finish when dry. Gypsum-based plaster is applied in a single colour and requires painting once it has dried.
Venetian plaster can be tinted to create the shade you want and also leaves you with a glossy, marble-effect once it has dried. Specialised sealant can be applied to keep the plaster safe from moisture damage if applied in bathrooms and kitchens.
Venetian Plaster Has Many Positives
Many Australian homes boast different variations of Venetian plaster, which allow homeowners to create unique wall and ceiling designs that enhance their home’s overall appearance. Our painters have compiled a list of the top benefits that make this option ideal for your residential or commercial space.
1. Versatility is Guaranteed
One of the biggest attractions of Venetian plaster is that it’s versatile enough to be used on any surface. Some common surfaces where this décor choice is often applied include the following:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Fireplaces
- Columns
- Office spaces
While the interior applications are endless, it’s essential to note that Venetian plaster isn’t suitable for exterior walls. Speak to your painting team for an exterior alternative if you want to create the same effect outdoors.
2. Highly Customisable
Venetian plaster is a popular choice with homeowners, designers, interior decorators, and even painters because it’s highly customisable. This feature allows your painting team to create anything from a standard finish to a design that’s as unique as you can imagine.
The natural finish usually lies between a range of soft to off-white hues. By adding paint tints or various alkaline-resistant oxides, to can achieve the desired colour shade to enhance your space. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to use this type of approach to create bold marble-looking statement walls that accentuate their homes.
3. Durable Enough to Last for Years
Venetian plaster is widely known for being durable and long-lasting. This can be attributed to the hydrated lime solution that creates a tough and robust surface that can easily withstand just about any amount of daily wear.
Longevity is the main reason why your painting team will recommend this option for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. Commercial spaces such as retail stores, hospitals, and hospitality venues also opt for Venetian plaster to keep their spaces durable.
4. Maintenance is So Simple
When you first hear that Venetian plaster has a marble finish, you may think that it’s going to take significant maintenance to keep it looking amazing. Fortunately, polished Venetian plaster requires little maintenance and care. Since the material is durable to natural elements such as dust, keeping it clean is as simple as using a mild soap and water solution to wipe it down.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why Venetian plaster is a popular décor choice. With benefits such as versatility, simple maintenance, and durability, it’s easy to see why this décor choice has stood the test of time.
Speak to your local painting team to help you create the best Venetian plaster style for your home. Whether you want to add Venetian plaster to your whole home or simply create a unique statement wall, you won’t be disappointed.