Frequently Asked Questions
Q: [What is the "Venetian Plaster"?]
A: Venetian plaster is American made term to explain the verity of
different techniques and materials used to create the polished stucco.
The Term "Venetian Plaster" is common missconception. It is mainly used between
architects and designers in the US. None of the materials used to create
those finishes is plaster except the
Scagliola finish. Basic Plaster mix is gypsum, sand and lime or just
the gypsum and sand. In other words gypsum is the main material in the
plaster mix. Stucco is the mix of lime and sand (Traditional) and modern
stucco is the mix of lime, cement and sand. So main material in the
modern stucco mix is the cement and traditional mix is the lime or
hydraulic lime in polished stucco. There is no one term to explain these
techniques but "Venetian stucco" is more acceptable then "Venetian
Plaster". History behind those finishes is old as our civilization and
dating back 7500 years where oldest stucco and plaster layers where
found between Euphrates and Tigris rivers in Western Asia. Modern day
Iraq. Ancient China, India, Egypt and later Greek and Roman civilization
adopted and modified mixing materials. Romans improved mixing of
materials and they created so durable finishes that it could be seen
even today without any major deterioration. They are best known for
creating "Roman Concrete or cement" it is mix of lime, volcanic ash and
aggregate. It had all abilities of modern concrete. Modern Cement was
rediscovered in late 1800's.
Q: [Are these finishes faux finishes?]
A: NO!! Faux finishes are created with paint using rags, sponges,
brushes, feathers (Poor birds)etc. to simulate appearance of polished
stucco or plaster, Evan some wall paper has prints on it to simulate the
polished stucco or plaster finishes (Wall "paper" is usually vinyl.
Walls can not "breathe" and it is perfect oasis for the black mold.
Same thing is with acrylic or latex paint. It creates fine film over the
wall surface and does not allow air to circulate. Faux finishes are done
by painters (In some cases done by "tapers"-Drywall finishers) and their
trades are not familiar with plastering or stuccoing tools.
Q: [ How hard is to do it? Could it be done as a DIY project?]
A: Not hard at all and sure!!! If you are plasterer or stuccoist trained to do it with many years of experience doing polished plaster.
Q: [ What brand do you recommend for the polished plaster?]
A: We work with the best materials made by leading European manufacturers. They are all good to the some degree. Most outstanding brand is Armourcoat.
Most of the Armourcoat materials are natural ( I would say about 80% of their line is natural) and are very friendly for the applicators. It is very easy to control the material. Verity of their products allows you to create unlimited designs. Only down side of Armourcoat brand is that it can't be applied exterior.
Q: [ Can you create the custom finish to match the sample of stone or fabrics ?]
A: Yes. 90% of our work are custom finishes. We work closely with the architects, Designers and customers to create the finish that best describes their vision. Possibilities are unlimited so you can create any kind of look you desire except the see-through finish.
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