Drywall Texture, Venetian Plaster

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References

When it comes to faux drywall textures, Venetian plaster is by far one of the most elegant and striking. A beautiful, three-dimensional marbled effect, it is an excellent design choice for kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms. Below, we’ll talk about how to create this gorgeous look in your own home.

Costs

Expect to pay $5 to $15 per square foot for Venetian plaster, depending on how many layers you apply, how large the space is, and the condition of the underlying wall. Ask a drywall contractor in your area for more specific cost estimates.

Pictures

Pros

Venetian plaster comes in at least 120 color choices and can be mixed to any color of your imagination.

It is extremely durable and will last for years.

Never needs to be painted.

Cons

Venetian plaster dries very firmly, so imperfections can be hard to correct.

It should be sealed for easier maintenance in the future.

While it can be tackled as a DIY project, it can be a tricky finish to apply.

Durability

Extremely durable, Venetian plaster is both dent- and scratch-resistant. In addition, it has some flexibility so it won’t crack easily. If applied correctly, Venetian plaster can last a lifetime.

Maintenance

While Venetian plaster can easily stand up to wear and tear, it should be routinely cleaned to maintain its original elegant appearance.

If the Venetian plaster is unsealed, it’s best to use a rag and warm water to clean. However, with hard-to-clean stains or oily spots, you can use fine-grit sandpaper, non-abrasive soap, or clear spirits (not oily spirits like turpentine). Be sure to test a small area before cleaning an entire wall.

If the Venetian plaster is sealed, then it’s possible to use the sealer to also clean the wall. If that doesn’t provide satisfactory results, follow the care of the unsealed Venetian plaster.

Common Questions and Answers

How should Venetian plaster be applied?

Begin with preparing your room for a painting project through masking and covering all vulnerable surfaces. As with all painting products, Venetian plaster will contain some chemicals and you should take the proper precautions to protect yourself. Work in a well-ventilated area, and wear adequate clothing.

Venetian plaster is applied with the use of a trowel. Apply two coats of plaster without fully covering the base color. Allow to dry, and then polish or burnish the wall. You can add additional coats to create a thicker appearance. After you have reached the desired thickness, seal with a glaze sealant. This will allow the wall to be washed, along with completing the marbled appearance.

Can Venetian plaster be applied in high traffic areas and exteriors?

Yes, as long as the finish is suitable for the area that it’s placed in. For example, some finishes will help if the plaster is placed in an area that routinely gets wet (i.e. kitchens and bathrooms).

History

Venetian plaster was first created in Venice, Italy in the 1550s. It has made a major comeback in recent years and is now extremely popular in interior design.