Venetian stucco has been used for centuries and has never gone out of fashion, probably thanks to its patinated marble effect that contributes to creating unique and elegant environments. Applying Venetian plaster is a great way to add a refined touch to dull, outdated-looking walls, such as those found in many homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. The next steps illustrate the technique for giving your walls a look in the classic European style.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparation
Step 1. Choose the grout
Venetian plaster can be of two types: synthetic and lime. The choice depends on your budget and your level of experience.
- The lime ones are the real Venetian stuccos - over the years they solidify returning to their natural state, becoming stone in all respects. Unlike the "fake" finish of synthetic fillers, those based on lime are resistant and remain unchanged over time. On the other hand, however, true Venetian plaster is difficult to find, it is more expensive and more complicated to apply.
- Lime fillers are natural and are considered more environmentally friendly than synthetic ones. They are also more resistant to moisture and mold growth.
- Lime putties are available in a wide range of shades and you can also change the color to your liking using a lime dye.
- Synthetic Venetian plaster is a compound based on acrylic polymers available in any home improvement store. Its appearance is similar to that of traditional lime putty, but it is less expensive. However, it does not have the same duration as the traditional one, it is damaged more easily and is more difficult to touch up.
- Synthetic stucco is available in various colors and brighter tones are thought to perform better than Venetian lime stucco.
Step 2. Get the tools and sheets to cover the floor
To protect the work area, it is preferable to spread some sheets, just as you would do if you were painting the walls.
Don't use duct tape to protect areas you don't plan on treating. Putty is not like paint, as it may stick to duct tape and crack or crumble when removed, especially if you are using lime putty
Step 3. Prepare the walls
Fill in any holes and correct any imperfections, which would otherwise be visible when finished.
- If the wall has a particularly uneven surface, you should sand it with a scraping tool.
- If you use synthetic filler, you may be able to correct wall imperfections with the filler itself during application.
Step 4. Apply primer
Using a roller, spread the primer all over the wall evenly. Depending on the texture of the walls, it may be necessary to let it dry and then apply a second coat to obtain a smooth and homogeneous surface.
For lime fillers you will have to apply them directly on the plaster, or use a special primer called a primer. Natural Venetian plaster would not adhere well to standard primer
Step 5. Let it dry
Make sure the primer is completely dry before applying the filler.
Complete drying may take up to 24 hours
Step 6. Prepare the spatula
Using fine-grained sandpaper, smooth the corners of a flexible steel putty knife to avoid tool edge marks during the process.
Part 2 of 2: Grouting
Step 1. Pass the first coat
Using the spatula, apply a layer of putty. Spacing the spatula strokes spread the putty paying attention to create a very thin layer. You could apply it randomly or create a pattern, but it's important to alternate the direction.
- Hold the spatula to form a 15-30 ° angle and wipe it frequently with a clean, dry cloth to prevent specks of grout from affecting the final result.
- It is best to start from a corner at the top of the wall.
- To spread the grout in the most difficult places, such as corners or along the frame, apply it with your finger, using latex gloves. Immediately after, dab the excess grout.
- If you use traditional Venetian plaster, hang some cloths on the surface so that it dries slowly and evenly. Otherwise, cracks may form.
Step 2. Apply the second coat
If you use synthetic filler, apply the second coat four hours after the first. If you use lime, some experts recommend waiting up to ten days.
- Start from the same spot you started from for the first hand. Position the spatula so that it forms an angle between 30 and 60 ° and apply the filler with overlapping spatulas to obtain an irregular effect.
- If you are not satisfied with the final result after applying the second coat, you may want to apply a third.
- If you are using lime putty, you will need to add a colored lime powder finish, linseed oil, soap, and a coloring agent at this stage.
Step 3. Let it dry
The putty should be completely dry before proceeding.
As mentioned above, if you are using lime putty, hang some sheets so that it dries evenly and gradually
Step 4. Proceed with finishing
Finish the surface with a clean trowel inclined at 30 °, making circular movements. This will help make the wall more glossy. The more passes you do, the more the shiny effect will be evident.
- When it comes to synthetic putty, you can also sand with a fine-grained sandpaper to get a matte finish.
- Synthetic fillers can be finished at any time, starting from four hours up to seven days after applying the last coat.
Step 5. Apply a final coat
To preserve the shine and increase the resistance of the walls treated with Venetian plaster, it is an excellent idea to finish with a final coat.
- In the case of synthetic filler, there are specific products on the market for this purpose. Some are available in different colors, in case you decide you want to change the color of the wall after applying the grout.
- You could also apply a final coat of beeswax or linseed oil to protect the walls. But these products may slightly change the color.
- For lime putty, an olive oil soap compound is sometimes preferred for the final coat, which reacts with the wax to create a sealing product.
Advice
- Lime putty has a longer life than traditional colors. It can be used for exterior cladding and also for shower walls.
- Although anyone can apply Venetian plaster (especially synthetic), the experience of experienced plasterers is required to achieve the enchanting look of an Italian-style home. If you have decided to stay in the same house for a long time and have the necessary budget, relying on a professional is the best hypothesis.
