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.
