Italian Plaster [also known as Venetian Plaster or decorative plaster]  is the name given to a range of products and techniques, which resemble Stucco Veneziano, a type of lime putty.  The original materials and processes, developed in Italy, have been in use since the Roman Empire as a decorative wall surface material designed to simulate marble and granite.  It works admirably when the material is correctly applied due to its illustrious feel and legendary shine.  Venerable Italian architect Carlo Scarpa used Venetian Plaster routinely in his stunning design scenarios.

Of the many 'Venetian Plasters' available Buon Fresco prefers the synthetics for their ease of use, mirror like qualities when burnished, non toxic constitution and shelf life. Top quality synthetics, such as Buon Fresco uses for most of the work in their gallery, are generally light viscosity plasters which tint beautifully and offers up depths of color unsurpassed by a painted surface. When highly polished the plaster may give the appearance of natural materials such as glass, marble, or rock.  Heavier 'Stucco' applications are also possible. Examples of a number of finish styles may be seen on the Venetian Plaster Effects Page.

One of the wonderful traits of Venetian plaster is the feel of the finished surface. The silky smooth walls must be felt to be believed.  Do not be surprised when your houseguests can’t keep their hands off the walls! Not to worry though -- polished Venetian Plaster is finger print and stain resistant, durable and easily cleaned. The properly wax sealed surface is also water resistant.

Though more than how it feels, more than how long it lasts or how durable it is, the best thing that can be attributed to this most popular Italian import since Sophia Loren is its STAR quality!  After all, how many people have you ever seen HUG a painted wall?

Award Winning Studio Buon Fresco has perfected techniques utilizing damask patterns and 'painted' plaster color effects that further enhance the glorious surface of Venetian Plaster walls. Click to see applications of Venetian Plaster coupled with custom-designed Stencils. Other technical innovations include  Faux Damask Fabric, Silk, Marble, and Porcelain Venetian Plaster. All of our design innovations can be found on our Venetian Plaster Homepage.

The final good news is, we teach what we do!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VENETIAN PLASTER:

• If I decide to have a Venetian Plaster application in my home, can I  changed my mind in the future and have it painted over?

Answer: Our applications of Italian Plaster contain as many as 9 coats of plaster.  Even with this amount, the finished coat is no more than 5 mils thick. [The thickness of a heavy plastic bag or professional  painters tape.] 

Also, Buon Fresco seldom waxes the  finished walls, so the final plaster surface is no different than unfinished plaster in a new home.  To cover over it requires only a primer coat and then two coats of latex or oil paint. 

However, if the plaster application has had a wax treatment, the waxed surface  needs only to be  sanded, then the same procedure of primer and painting may follow. 

Finally, our finished plaster is as smooth as a mirror making it a far finer substrate for paint than say, a wall of rolled latex paint!

Final Note: Please understand that we can speak only for those materials and processes used by our studio.  Other studio's results may differ.

•  Is there anything to the argument that certain 'natural Venetian plasters' are superior to the synthetic Venetian plasters?

Answer:  Not in our opinion.  Our preference has and continues to be the number of fine quality 'synthetics' available.  Due to the absence of toxic ingredients, ease of use, and magnificent results achieved with the 7+ coats that our studio generally uses, we use and recommend a number of high quality synthetics.   Finally, all Venetian Plasters are 'recipes' , regardless of the presence  or absence of Lime or country of origin.

• How can you tell the difference between the genuine article and artificial plaster?

Answer: By its application technique, for example, the genuine product should be 'trowel' applied, not rolled with a roller like paint.  Then by its final appearance.  Artificially named 'Venetian Plaster' may have a shine, though it will be similar to a high gloss latex paint.  It will have none of the depth and nuance of genuine Italian Plasters, synthetic or otherwise.  The real article is able to burnish to a mirror like polish, where items in the room will be visible in their reflection on the polished wall.  That is one of several visible differences.

• Isn't the genuine product too high cost for the general public?

Answer: The application of genuine Italian Plaster is laborious and time consuming, and carries a higher initial price tag than a painted glaze.  However the service is valued, once a client has seen Venetian Plaster in a well done board AND understands the durability of the finish.   Unlike paint, the plaster does not stain, mark easily and does not take finger prints at all.  The plaster surface is also simple to spot repair with a seamless result.  For this reason it is the choice of architects nationwide and smart homeowners who want long term beauty.  As far as the cost also, Buon Fresco has had great success introducing FOCAL WALLS to clients as a way to enjoy the beauty of the Plaster while limiting the cost. 

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