Creating a Venetian plaster effect doesn’t require plaster at all. It can be done with the use of just some basic painting tools and colors. But, how? Read on…
If plaster is not used to create Venetian plaster, then what is Venetian plaster? It is a term which is used by designers and architects to refer to a finishing technique that is used to create a polished stucco finish. The term ‘Venetian plaster’ means Italian plaster. However, no plaster is used when creating Venetian plaster effect on the walls. To create plaster, sand, lime, and gypsum are used. Traditionally, only a mix of lime and sand was used. However, to create beautiful Venetian plaster on the walls you don’t need all these materials.
Classic Colors
There is an array of colors to be chosen from when it comes to Venetian plaster paint. However, certain colors look more natural while some add a bold look to a room. For a natural effect, go with shades of yellow, orange, brown, gray, grayish-blue, and brownish-reds. Choose a dark shade when creating the faux finish. These colors are selected more often as they give the classic marble effect.
Yellows and grayish-blues give a beautiful natural effect. Many people tend to change the intensity of these natural-looking colors by adding an extra tint of color. You can choose a natural-looking Venetian plaster color to create a cozy, yet classy home decor. Colors like light yellow give a neutral look, while bluish-gray tones give a cool effect to the walls. But, if you have a warm color scheme for your home decor, then consider going with brownish-red shades of the color.
New Color Trends
If you want a bold, fresh look then consider purple, green, turquoise, and red. These colors don’t give a natural surface look, but they are the newest trend. People love to color their bedroom walls with lavender or turquoise. Green is a favorite for the living room. Make sure you balance the rest of the home decor by using neutral shades when choosing a bright color for the walls. Go through color charts of different manufactures to choose the one you like most.
Unique Paint Ideas
You can also try out some unique ideas by applying stencils on the Venetian plaster. Look out for various stencil designs online. You can even buy stencils from the same manufacturer you got the paint colors and supplies from. You can also mix 2 – 3 shades to create special effects on the walls. If you have the skill, you can even consider painting corners of the wall with some intricate and elegant Venetian designs.
How to Faux Finish Venetian Plaster?
The things you will need are:
- Primer
- Steel Spatulas (large and small)
- Sandpaper (600 grit)
- Venetian plaster color (of your choice)
- Finish (satin or semi-gloss)
- Rag
- Newspaper
- Painter’s Tape
Step #1
Before you start applying the plaster, you need to prepare the wall. So, first get rid of all the cracking and peeling paint. Then wash the walls to get rid of any mold or mildew. Let the walls completely dry. Now, clean the workspace and cover the area you don’t want paint on with newspapers and painter’s tape. Then seal any gaps, holes, or cracks with a sealer and let it dry for some time. If there are any uneven surfaces, then sand them down to make them smooth.
Step #2
Then apply a layer of primer. If you want you can use a tinted shade of primer which goes with the plaster color. Let the primer dry overnight. If you live in an area that has high humidity then you will have to let it dry for longer.
Step #3
After the primer layer is done, it is time to apply Venetian plaster. There are many colors available, however, certain colors look more natural while some add a bold look to the room. For the natural effect, go with shades like yellow, orange, brown, gray, grayish-blue, and brownish-red. But, if you want a bold, fresh look then consider purple, green, or red. Venetian plaster paint tends to dry quickly. It also has a tendency to change color as it dries. So, when using it, keep it covered with a lid to prevent drying. Also, buy the best quality paint that you can afford. To apply the paint use a flat steel spatula.
Step #4
Spatulas are available in different sizes. Go for a large flat rectangular one that you feel comfortable holding. A large-sized spatula will make the job of applying the paint faster. Sand down the edges of the spatula to make the corners softer and prevent any sharp edges on the wall. Also, keep a small spatula handy to work on the difficult-to-reach corners of the wall.
Step #5
Dip the large spatula in paint and start working on the wall. Apply the paint in uneven strokes to avoid making a specific pattern. Use different angles and strokes. This will result in a natural-looking surface. Cover up the wall completely. Don’t worry about some primer showing from the gaps. Now, let this layer dry for 1 – 3 hours. Once you notice the paint is evenly lighter in color and the coat is dry, you can start with the second coat.
Step #6
For the second coat follow the above step. But, make sure you even out the areas nicely for a smooth surface. You can apply a little more pressure when evening the paint out. Cover the whole wall and allow this coat to dry. If you want more texture and a subtle look, then consider following a third or even a fourth coat.
Step #7
Allow the last paint coat to dry for one hour, till it looks like a matte finish. Now, to burnish use a clean, large flat spatula. Place it flat on the wall and start burnishing by moving the spatula in circular motion. Apply a little pressure when doing this. Alternatively, you can also use very fine steel wool on the paint coat. This will create a nice sheen on the surface.
Step #8
The last step is to apply a paint finish. Satin finish is a good choice overall. This finish gives a smooth, velvety look, that makes it ideal for rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. However, for bathrooms or spaces which are high traffic zones use a semi gloss finish. This will protect the high-traffic rooms better. That is because semi-gloss paint can be scrubbed and cleaned.
With the above steps you can create beautiful-looking Venetian plaster surfaces. To make your walls look even more interesting consider using these techniques. There are many beautiful stencil designs, that make the walls looks even more Venetian. Use plaster colors which stand out on the walls. To use stencils just place the stencil on the wall, apply the paint using the spatula, and slowly take off the stencil. Allow it to dry, step back, and admire your work. Good luck!
