When you’re renovating a home, there are many small decisions you need to make. From the wall color to the wood grain, every element you use contributes or detracts from the overall look. If you have a formal aesthetic, you might also look at the plaster your contractors use.

Venetian plastering is a standard in Greco-Roman inspired architecture. It contains marble dust, and builders use it as décor or to create layered finishes. If you are watching your budget, consider faux Venetian plaster. It is more durable than paint and looks exactly like the real thing. Faux Venetian is a great way to achieve the same look for less; here are a few questions to ask when differentiating the two.

What are the components of the plaster?

Faux Venetian consists of acrylic and pigment, and it is supposed to replicate Scagliola, an Italian plaster technique that produces a marble-like texture. Meanwhile, real Venetian plaster has limestone, ground marble dust, and pigments.

Where can you get this kind of plaster?

An authentic Venetian plaster recipe is not commercially available, and these recipes pass from one generation of artisans to another. As such, the supply for authentic Venetian plaster is limited; most people will have access to faux Venetian blends.

How much is this kind of plaster?

An authentic Venetian plaster recipe will have at least 40 percent marble dust. Its pigments are also more expensive than the typical ones used in other types of plaster. If you manage to locate a supplier for authentic plaster, they will inevitably have to ship the material from outside the country, which means more expenses. The material for faux Venetian plastering, in contrast, is reproducible in any capable facility.

How do you use this type of material?

Venetian plaster is traditionally applied layer after layer with a trowel. Before this, the artisan must dry the plaster thoroughly between layers and ensure the wall is completely smooth before the application. Once the craftsman has achieved his desired layering, he will polish it to enhance texture and depth.

Meanwhile, builders use a spatula to apply faux Venetian plaster. You can sand down both the authentic and derivative types of plaster to achieve a marble-like finish, and you can also make it look like stone.

How long does it take to install this material?

A project using traditional plaster needs long periods of drying between layers, so it takes quite some time to finish. In contrast, faux plaster is easy to put up and requires a fraction of the time it takes to build authentic plaster moldings.

How durable is this kind of plaster?

Faux Venetian plastering uses about three layers of tinted plaster. It is best for inside wall treatments, where it won’t have exposure to the elements. Authentic Venetian has more layers, so it is thicker and suitable for both external and internal walls.

Conclusion

Using faux Venetian plaster will give your home an old-world charm. It is not as difficult to source as authentic plaster, is more affordable, and looks just like the real thing. If you’re looking for a way to lend a touch of elegance to your home, this is the best way to achieve it.

For your Venetian plastering needs, get in touch with One Stop Plastering today. We are experts in residential and commercial plastering, and we serve the Bay Area, Marin County, San Rafael, CA, and more! Call or email us today for more information.