Talking Walls
Volume 2, Issue 1 January 2003
A regular look at decorative wall finishes.
 

 
 
   So, What Are Veneer Plasters Anyway?
 
Over the last few years you have heard about and seen veneer plasters in use under many different names -- Italian plaster, Venetian plaster, Marmarino, Stucco Lucido, etc.  Venetian plaster is probably the most recognizable name.  These finishes are built up using thin layers of specially formulated plasters which have different degrees of translucency and texture. Colorants can be mixed into the material of each layer and application techniques varied to create many different beautiful and unique finishes, from very smooth and polished (a marble appearance) to very grainy (a stucco appearance). These techniques are old school, going back hundreds of years to Italy.
 
The upside to using these plasters?
They are very strong (usually made with marble dust among other things and some have acrylics added to prevent cracking.) Also, the material is much lighter than normal plaster.  With proper wall preparation, veneer plasters can be applied over most existing wall surfaces.  Finally, the end product is a finish with a high degree of authenticity.  Faux ('fool-the-eye") finishes are typically done with paint or glazes, and while many are beautiful, they are missing a dimension.  A veneer plaster not only looks unique, it feels unique. The downside to using these plasters?  Due to the added time in application, increased material costs and skill required to apply these finishes, typically a veneer plaster is more expensive than a faux finish.
 
Molto Bene specializes in veneer plaster applications. We love the look and feel of them and we love creating one of a kind finishes using these materials that are exactly what the client needs and wants.
 
 
 
Finish of the Month - Spiaggia Veneziano
 
This project (pictured above) was done at a beach house that was recently constructed in Stinson Beach.  We were privileged to be brought in by a great design team to execute the wall finish for the main living/dining/kitchen area.  The clients had seen venetian plaster in a magazine and liked the look, and additionally had traveled in Italy and wanted to bring a Tuscan flavor to the walls.  They wanted a smooth texture, but with dimension and movement. Our finish is a venetian plaster, finished with a final coat of wax to add some sheen. Our biggest challenge here was achieving the exact right color. The area was open, and had many large windows unobstructed by window treatments. The fog rolls in here in the morning, and burns off in the afternoon leaving the area brilliantly sunny, so the wall finish had to warm up the space for part of the day without being too overpowering. Because of the extreme changes in light, we worked at all different times of the day on the project so we could ensure the color worked. We also had to tie the finish in to a number of other surfaces, including marble tile with insets of Jerusalem gold, bamboo flooring, and numerous other stone surfaces and backdrops, none of which had been installed yet. It turned out very successfully in the view of all concerned, and you should see this project pictured in other media shortly.
 
Last call for sample books
 
We are close to finalizing our first version of sample books of our finishes for design professionals. We are making up books that include actual 3" x 3" samples of a select number of our wall finishes, not just pictures. In order to get on the list to receive our first edition of this book at no cost, call or email if you haven't already.  Our work is not limited to these samples, but they can give you ideas for wall finishes and act as a great starting point.  We also can come show you or your clients a portfolio of large 2' by 3' sample boards if you are considering using a veneer plaster for one of your projects.  Call us at 408-448-1683 or 866-631-7495 toll free for an appointment.

Next month:
How to Choose a Decorative Artisan
venetian plaster * marmarino * stucco veneziano * eco friendly wall finishes 
Molto Bene License No. 739710
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