Friday 28 August 2015

What You Need to Know about Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster is a finish that is becoming increasingly popular among Bay Area homeowners. If you fancy this finish for your home, some myths about it in the air should be dispelled first, to ensure that you make your decision for the right reasons.


Myth 1:  It is a faux finish

It is not a faux finish. It is quite the opposite. Venetian plaster is among the most authentic wall veneers available. It is also very strong. Natural lime based Venetian plaster will, in time, return to its original state of marble and lime. In other words, it sets like and has the strength of stone.

Myth 2 – It cannot be applied on surfaces that get wet

Venetian plaster is called so, because it derives from Venice and there are very few places in the world that have more surfaces exposed to water than this ancient Italian city.  Venetian plaster remains unaffected by the rising damp caused by the canals and lagoons of the city. In such conditions, acrylic and cement plaster will usually fail, but  Venetian plaster does not. The reason for the strength of the latter is its lime base. Plasters like this allow water that is absorbed to evaporate rapidly and leave the surface. Lime based plasters have been used in wet conditions for centuries. Traditional Moroccan lime plaster is used in the traditional steam baths,  which have one of the most humid conditions imaginable.

Myth 3 – It is very shiny

This is partly true. Venetian plaster can be finished to a high sheen. This is done by compressing the plaster as it dries. The greater the compression, the more the shine. However, it can also have a satin or matte finish. It depends on the mixture of the materials used to make the plaster and the application process. The look you get is up to you.

Myth 4 – It is very expensive

Again, this is only partly true. The advantage of Venetian plaster is that it lasts far longer than other finishes, which fade, crack and peel over time, requiring fresh coats to be applied every few years. Venetian plaster is self-healing, which makes it crack resistant. It has a natural mold resistant quality which gives it  a fresh and new look for many years. Besides the advantage of cost, there is another positive factor to be considered – the environmental advantage. Venetian plaster is a green product and is an integral part of modern green constructions.

The best way to ensure that your home looks the way you want it to is to consult a company that specializes in interior and exterior finishes. They will be able to guide you on the pros and cons of the various options. They will provide you with the advice you need to make decisions that will give you the home of your dreams. Look for a company that has the right track record and testimonials to back its claims of excellence and a reputation for building strong client relationships. You can always depend on such a company.