Updated 31/08/2023
Wall finishes are popular in homes, and they aren’t new. Wall finishes have been in use for hundreds of years. There are many types of wall treatments available, such as drywall and vinyl. However, one of the most popular wall finishes today is Venetian polished plaster.
Venetian polished plaster is made of marble dust and slaked lime, which offers a luxurious, stylish wall finish. The plaster was very popular in the 16th century throughout Venice and other areas across Italy. The plaster got its name from this amazing, historic city. Venetian plaster has become popular not only for its appearance but also for the many benefits it offers your home.
In this article, we’ve included some of the benefits Venetian polished plaster can offer your home.
Easy Maintenance
When considering any wall finish, one of the most important factors is how easy or difficult it is to maintain. Thankfully, Venetian polished plaster is extremely easy to maintain. All it takes to keep the plaster clean is some mild soap and water. The wall finish is made with various pre-mixed pigments, and they will not fade over time, even with cleaning.
Paint is a popular wall treatment; however, it doesn’t last and requires plenty of maintenance over time. But with Venetian polished plaster, you won’t have to repaint frequently, and maintaining the wall treatment is easy.
What’s more, the plaster is applied in layers. That means Venetian polished plaster is easier to repair and return to its original appearance without having to replaster the entire wall or room.
Versatile Wall Finish
Another benefit of Venetian polished plaster is that the material is quite versatile. What do we mean? Polished plaster can be applied to the ceiling, the walls, over tiles, cement board, on brick surfaces, wooden surfaces, exterior wood, drywall, and more.
In addition, the plaster can be used on archways and other architectural features. This is the perfect choice if you need a wall treatment that can be used safely on multiple surfaces.
Durable Finish
Some wall treatments can initially be pretty expensive; some are also expensive to maintain. When you invest in wall treatments, the goal is to find the most durable wall treatment possible. When it comes to durability, nothing is more durable and long-lasting than Venetian plaster.
In addition, the plaster is less prone to shrinking and cracking like cement-based wall & surface treatments. And the plaster is easy to preserve; all you need is a wax coating that can repel dust and dirt. Venetian polished plaster also has no grout, so there’s little maintenance required to keep it looking beautiful.
Venetian plaster has been used for centuries and has been found in almost pristine condition in buildings dating from mediaeval times and more. This makes polished plaster one of the most durable and long-lived wall treatments around.
The plaster prevents cracks in walls and creates a marble-like finish that looks amazing for years and decades to come. One of the best things about this plaster is that it’s easy and cheap to repair. Venetian polished plaster can easily withstand minor impacts. So, you can rest assured that this wall treatment is one of the most durable available today.
Green & Sustainable
Climate change and pollution have become major issues in our modern world. Governments, businesses, and individuals are all looking for ways to cut down on pollution and carbon emissions. When it comes to wall treatments, they’re also searching for those that are green and sustainable.
The good news is that Venetian polished plaster is both sustainable and green. The plaster is made of various natural materials that are plentiful in nature—it’s made with 100% natural materials. The plaster is completely non-toxic, making it safe for the environment. This wall treatment is also safe for anyone who has allergies or lung problems, such as asthma.
What’s more, polished plaster absorbs carbon dioxide, making the air cleaner. It also absorbs moisture, which inhibits the growth of mould and bacteria.
Odourless Wall Treatment
What happens when you paint the walls in your home? You may have your favourite colours throughout the house, but there’s also a very strong, harsh odour that can last for days. The odour is caused by the chemicals used to make the paint. These chemicals put off VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
After painting, VOCs are emitted into the air. Some of these can be harmful, though most paints are considered to be safe. Still, the odour of paint can cause health issues in those who are sensitive to strong odours. The chemicals can cause asthma, coughing, runny/itchy nose and eyes, and more.
On the other hand, Venetian plaster contains no harmful VOCs. Remember, polished plaster is made with only natural ingredients, and they have no strong odour. When you redo your walls with plaster, there won’t be any strong, harsh, irritating odours. Even people who have sensitivities to strong odours will be OK with Venetian polished plaster.
Timeless Look
Venetian polished plaster also offers a timeless finish to any surface. This makes the plaster extremely versatile and popular as a wall treatment. You can finish the wall, and with proper maintenance, it will last for decades.
The ultra-smooth finish also creates a distinctive, unique finish on surfaces. You can use the plaster for renovations and create a stylish, luxurious look that will last for years to come.
Create a Bespoke Wall Treatment
Another benefit of Venetian polished plaster is that it can be used to create a bespoke look. The plaster is easy to customise for any room in your home. There are many different pigments to choose from, and the plaster can be stencilled, a design embedded in the plaster, and so much more.
You can recreate that polished plaster look you found in the magazine or develop something entirely new and unique! It’s all possible with Venetian polished plaster.
Summing It Up
After reading all the benefits Venetian polished plaster can provide to your home, you may be ready to have it installed! While it’s possible to do the plastering as a DIY project, we highly recommend hiring a professional plasterer who has extensive experience with Venetian polished plaster.
The plaster must be applied in the right way, which takes quite a bit of work. And if you want a certain distinctive look, it’s best to hire a professional. Then you’ll have stunning Venetian polished plaster surfaces for years to come!
FAQs
Can Venetian plaster be used in humid environments like bathrooms?
Yes, Venetian plaster is suitable for humid environments. Its breathable nature allows it to regulate moisture effectively, making it a viable choice for bathrooms and other spaces with varying humidity levels.
Is Venetian plaster easy to maintain?
Absolutely. Venetian plaster requires minimal maintenance. Regular dusting and occasional cleaning with a damp cloth are usually sufficient to keep its beauty intact.
Can I apply Venetian plaster myself?
While DIY kits are available, achieving professional-quality results with Venetian plaster requires experience and skill. It’s advisable to hire a trained artisan to ensure a flawless finish.
Can Venetian plaster cover imperfections on walls?
Yes, one of the remarkable qualities of Venetian plaster is its ability to conceal minor imperfections on walls, creating a smooth and even surface.
Is Venetian plaster environmentally friendly?
Yes, Venetian plaster is environmentally friendly due to its composition of natural materials. It’s a sustainable choice that aligns with eco-conscious living.
Can Venetian plaster be customised to specific colours?
Absolutely. Venetian plaster can be customised to match your desired colour palette, allowing you to achieve a seamless integration with your interior design.
