Q: I've seen Venetian plaster done at several homes. I love the look and would like to do it in my foyer. But all the steps involved intimidate me. I think if you show me how to do it, then I could do it too.A: (Decorating expert Bea Pila) Before you get started, you should know that creating this look will take time -- a few days even, depending on the size of the room. Venetian plaster is a multistep process, and although you won't be working on it all day, it will need some time for drying.
You create this look using tinted plaster. As with any painting project, you must first make sure the area you're painting is clean. You also must apply it over a low-sheen surface, such as a wall painted with a flat or an eggshell finish. If the wall has more sheen than that, you'll need to prime the surface before applying the plaster. You should also go over the dry surface with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth it and prepare it for the plaster -- this reduces the chances of leaving straight lines and edge marks.Safety note: For a project of this nature, always use protective gear such as a ventilator or respirator and safety glasses, and always work in a well-ventilated area. Materials:
Plaster (the manufacturer of the materials we're using offers 24 color combinations, but the plaster can also be color-matched)
4" steel trowel
100- and 400-grit sandpaper
Paint tray
Gloves
Drop cloths
Painter's tape Steps: - The first step is to apply the base coat of plaster. The most important thing you need to learn in order to do this at home is technique -- and that means holding the trowel at the correct angle. Here's how:
- First, load the trowel.
Tip: If the colors you choose are white or pastel, spread the plaster with a plastic wall scraper instead of a steel trowel. The steel can cause gray streaks in the finish, and if there's any rust on the trowel, it could appear in the finish as well. - Hold the trowel at a 15- to 30-degree angle and spread the plaster over the surface, using random strokes and creating a thin layer. It's okay if the original wall surface peeks through -- we'll cover that in step two.
- Wipe the trowel often. Dried plaster could mix in with the wet plaster and make the surface bumpy.
- Let the plaster dry for about four hours.
- The next step is to apply a second coat of plaster. The technique this time is slightly different from applying the first coat:
- Hold the trowel at a 60- to 90-degree angle so it's almost flat against the wall.
- Make long and short strokes, overlapping them
- Fill in voids and recessed areas; making sure the original wall surface is covered completely.
- Smooth away any edge marks.
- Allow the plaster to dry for 24 hours before finishing.
- The third step, applying a topcoat, is optional. But if the area you've done gets a lot of traffic or a lot of moisture (such as an entryway, family room, bathroom or kitchen), you'll want to consider it. The topcoat makes the surface washable -- it also makes the surface shinier. If you decide you don't want or need a topcoat, skip ahead to step four.
- You'll use your steel trowel (make sure there's no dried plaster on it). Hold it at a 15- to 30-degree angle, then pull and spread the topcoat across the surface. It may darken the color of the plaster finish.
- Another option with the topcoat: you can mix in a metallic or pearlescent color. That will give your Venetian plaster a more modern and contemporary look.
- You need to let the topcoat dry for 24 hours before moving on to step four: the finishing touch, burnishing. Burnishing gives the Venetian plaster a marblelike polished appearance. And this is the step that takes so much time.
- Simply rub the surface in a circular motion, using 400-grit sandpaper.
- For an even more polished look, rub the surface with the flat side of a clean steel trowel. It makes the surface more defined and marblelike.
- And once you're finished burnishing, wipe the entire wall with a slightly damp rag to remove any plaster dust.
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