It seems these days that a lot of the “latest things” are just rediscovering old traditions: buying from local farms, using natural clothing, eating organic, even hanging your clothes to dry!

Well the same can be said of the resurgence of Venetian plaster. The old world grace and style of Venetian plaster are always in fashion.  And with the added durability and “Green Living” benefits, it will be a welcome addition to your new home design.

What is Venetian Plaster?

Well one thing Venetian Plaster is NOT is a “faux finish.”  The word “faux” means “false” and Venetian plaster is definitely the real deal.

If you look up Venetian Plaster online you will find a lot of “how-to” videos that will tell you how to do a faux Venetian Plaster look using a trowel to apply heavy layers of paint.  This is what most people mean when they use the word.

Real Venetian plaster is a tinted limestone mixture which is applied to the wall with a trowel by a skilled artisan.  It is then polished to the desired finish.  The final result is classic, beautiful and long lasting.

A simple touch of the finger will reveal if it is a faux finish or the genuine article. A layer of paint simply doesn’t compare to a rock-hard, textured, hand-crafted work of art.

Why Use Venetian Plaster in your Home Design?

There are several reasons to go with genuine Venetian plaster when building or renovating.  But to me, the reason above all the others is the look!  When you are designing and building your dream home you want to have a look you can be proud of for years to come.  After all, you’ll have to see it every day, why not give it a top-notch look with depth and class? Venetian plaster finishes have layers and textures that just can’t be beat.

And let’s not forget to mention the colors!  The plaster itself is almost white so you can add any sort of pigment or coloration to it.  You can even add different textures.  You can customize it so it matches your design ideas perfectly, whether they are cutting-edge modern or old-world classic.

But there are Other Benefits Too!

I always talk about the looks of a product first because I love to deliver a product that looks great.  But Venetian plaster has other benefits that are almost as good.

• Durability – Limestone doesn’t look like rock.  It IS rock! Once the product is fully dried you essentially have a rock coating on your walls.  Unlike paint it will resist dents and scrapes.  It also has a little bit of flex in it so it resists cracking.  This is especially important in a newly built home as there is often a little bit of settling which can crack ordinary surfaces.
• Mould, mildew and bacteria resistant – Speaks for itself!  Who wants this stuff growing on their walls?  Get the look of plaster and cleaner air as a bonus!
• No toxins – The plaster is made with 98% organic materials with only 2% resins meaning that you aren’t filling your home with the constant off-gassing that comes from regular paints and finishes.

Classic Look, Modern Benefits

Venetian Plaster gives you a classic old world look with a lot of the benefits that people look for today in modern home products.   I guess it’s time to take a tip from the old masters and use a product that is build to last and looks great!

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

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