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Normally, the terms Venetian plaster is used as general term which means a special type of putty. This is actually a mixture of fired limestone and water which creates a lime plaster. This means that lime plaster and venetian polished plaster are both literally the same thing. When you apply lime plaster to the walls it will turn back into limestone. This happens due to the reaction of lime plaster with the carbon dioxide present in the air.

Venetian plaster was used extensively in ancient times especially in Greece and Egypt. It functions so useful that it has stood to the test of time, both visually and physically.

Most people fall for venetian polished plaster rather than any other standard form of plasters because of the simple reason that there are no specific aggregates mixed in it. This means that you will not find aggregates such as glass, marble, and granite in lime plaster as you will get in Marmorino and Tadelakt.

These specific plasters are very much similar in appearance as Venetian plaster but due to the aggregates present in it, they usually add a subtle and underlying texture and thickness to the surface of the walls. The thin and translucent layers of Venetian plaster, on the other hand, will give the walls a soft and earthy look with a lustrous finish. This will give more movement and depth to the overall appearance.

Using Venetian plaster 

To use venetian polished plaster, you will need to follow the same process as you would do with any other regular plaster. This means that you have to apply it on a primer and a basecoat but the only difference is the number of coats needed.

• This number has changed over time. For example, in the ancient days, the Romans used as many as ten coats of lime plaster but now, thanks to the technological development, you can get the same type of finish, if not better, with only one to four coats of lime plaster applied thinly on the walls with a trowel.

• It is the glossy effect of this plaster that matters most because it adds to the beauty, elegance and glamour of the place where it is used. The crystalline beauty makes the place look absolutely stunning if you burnish the surface using a special trowel made of steel while applying the final coat of Venetian plaster. This will give the surface a glass like sheen, which will add to the texture and depth of the walls.

It is for this reason venetian polished plaster is often considered to be the pseudo version of marble.

Ways to Do It

To apply venetian polished plaster, you have to prepare the room and make sure that the surface is flat and smooth. Clear the room and spread drop cloths on the floor. If there are holes and cracks, you will first have to fix them, fill them, and sand them.

• Wash off the grease, dust, and dirt before you prime the surface or cover it with flat paint. You may also need to do some additional preparation. For example, a glossy surface will first need to be sanded lightly to remove the sheen.
• As for the tools, avoid using drywall knives or trowels that have sharp corners. If you use them, cover them with 100-grit sandpaper to make the corners round and avoid leaving scratch marks and lines on the walls.

Take proper precautions like wearing gloves and eyeglasses while applying the first two coats. Burnish the finish using fine sandpaper in a circular motion, clean it with a damp cloth and apply the topcoat of Venetian Polished Plaster to add sesame shine and sheen on your walls.