The History Of Venetian Plaster

For centuries, fine artisans have been creating beautiful walls through the use of limestone plasters colored with natural ingredients.  As you travel through the Mediterranean countries you are able to see these walls, softened with a rich patina by age or decorated with various artworks such as Tromp L’Oeil.  But you don’t need to travel to Europe any longer as these plaster techniques have been introduced to the United States.  They have caught the attention of Interior Designers and Architects in a major way.

Venetian Plaster is an Old World technique that starts with limestone rocks from rivers or quarries.  By the use of heat, water and time, the limestone is turned into an amazing “lime putty”.  Mixed with such colorants as ground marble dust, and applied via steel trowels with refined techniques, Venetian Plaster turns an ordinary wall or ceiling into a masterpiece. 

Although some Venetian Plasters are polished or “burnished” with a sheen, techniques have been developed to give a multitude of different effects from suede to marble to stone.  It is through the artisan’s imagination and the refinement of technique that truly wonderful effects are created.  These effects can be used in many styles such as Old World, Contemporary, Tuscan, Traditional, etc.

Unlocking Secrets of the Past:
Venetian Plaster