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How Long does Venetian Plaster Last
karam Antakli • 26 September 2022
HOW LONG DOES VENETIAN PLASTER LAST?
As old as 9000 years, lime plaster has been found in use in Mesopotamia and old Egypt. The first descriptions of the characteristics and methods of Venetian plaster were made by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. Vitruvius is also the first to draw what is called Vitruvian Man today is an author, architect, and engineer who lived during the 1st century BC. His multi-version book entitled ‘Da Architectura’ was regarded as one of the earliest sources describing lime plaster (stucco) and its use in fresco painting techniques.
Around 900 years ago, along with the advances in technology, pigments, and dyes, the first boom of this material took place in the region of Vento, Italy (where Venetian plaster took its name from). Due to the need for light materials, lime plaster can still be seen to this date on buildings of the floating city of Venice.
Venetian plaster is durable, versatile, and looks just like real stone. These attributes aligned perfectly with the architecture principles Vitruvius detailed: Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas (strength, utility, and beauty).
So how long does it really last?
Ancient buildings of Venice stand beautifully till this day, Venetian plaster should last for decades if adequately taken care of. So, what could help this tried-and-true chemical structure?
Despite its great characteristics, the longevity of the plaster might suffer for one or more reasons mentioned below:
- Solid sub-structure: Venetian ‘polished’ plaster is applied through thin layers (between 0.1 to 0.5 mm). It serves the goal of cladding surfaces. Therefore, good surface preparation is vital. Walls have to be flat and smooth.
- Genuine materials: Marble powder from an Italian quarry should be used in the mix in proper ratios. Using a reputable brand is always a safer bet than unknown ones.
- Effective application methods: work persistently during the procedure. Putting up Venetian plaster and dealing with it can be quite a dilemma, and it certainly shouldn't be adopted as a DIY process. Because of the reasons mentioned above, the basic techniques used, involve painstakingly applying the plaster by the correct trowel to create a seamless finish. It is labor-intensive and requires a lot of care because once the plaster dries, it is set in stone.
- Maintenance : In order to be kept in pristine condition, walls have to be cleaned regularly. Venetian plaster is washable! That’s the reason why commercial places tend to use it on their walls.
Please find below a video showing how to clean your Venetian plastered wall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3y1dkmN4jk&t=2s
Does Venetian plaster crack?
Yes, it does!
Venetian plaster can crack in the following scenarios:
- Poor preparation: The plaster can crack or even fall if walls have not been treated in advance with the right primer and given enough drying time.
- Wrong application: Another common mistake is to apply the plaster through thick layers. On contrary to normal plastering, venetian plaster is very delicate and should be applied thinly, hence the multiple coats technique is used.
- Dodgy sub-structure: As mentioned earlier, Venetian plaster is used to clad surfaces. If the sub-structure has not been built correctly, it cracks! Consequently, it will crack the thin layers of venetian plaster. Poor treatment of joints between plaster-board panels is a common bad practice usually done by an immature.
Make sure to hire an experienced professional, they are usually more expensive, but for good a reason!!
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WHY VENETIAN PLASTER? Also known as ‘Polished plaster’ or ‘Marble plaster’, Venetian Plaster is well know for its marble-like finish, luxurious feel, and natural look and is made of lime putty and marble dust. It gives different look using different grain sizes, it can be classical highly polished or contemporary matt textured, it is applied directly to walls and ceilings via a professional wall artist. Moreover, latest experiments, mixing lime with cement, has resulted in a new product serve the minimalistic industrial design trends that can imitate naked concrete. When asthetics meet functionality Best of both worlds, Venetian plaster wall art is not only beautiful but also highly functional, here are some reasons why it is number one choice for wall and ceilings covering: - Prevents Mold and Mildew As Venetian Plaster is lime-based and alkaline, it acts as a natural fungicide and has antibacterial properties that prevent mold and mildew growth. It is breathable and humidifying, unlike tiles. Also, it is jointless, it does not have any corners which would lead to mold growth. - Requires Less Maintenance The best part about Venetian Plaster is that it is one of the easiest surfaces to clean, which means you only need to wipe down the surface, and it will be as good as new. As it already has a durable finish, unlike paint, it does not to be re done every couple of years. - Free From Toxins Unlike other materials that are made from various chemicals, Venetian Plaster is free from toxins and does not release harmful volatile organic compounds. If you’re worried about your health, then with Venetian plaster, you will be able to breathe freely without worry. - High Durability It is commonly known that Venetian Plaster has high durability, which is why it is also called a “lifetime finish.” Venetian plaster not only hardens over time but is also less exposed to cracks and shrinking compared to a cement finish. Also, this plaster might be a little costly compared to normal paint, but it will surely last you for a long time, so it is worth the investment. - Odorless Venetian Plaster is completely odorless. Made from natural ingredients like lime and marble dust, it doesn’t leave behind any bad smell, and you won’t have to keep your doors and windows open to remove the smell as well. - Envirnmently Friendly Venetian plaster is environmentally friendly, the lime powder inside the plaster mix absorbs carbon dioxide helping to reduce the carbon footprint. - Seamless Walls would like one big piece of marble slab, or one huge artwork applied on walls floor to ceiling. Venetian plaster is seamless, applied directly on site, makes that wall the main featuret of every space. - Exceptionally Versatile The sky is the limit! Venetian plaster offers a great variety of beautiful finishes and designs which can be uniquely bespoke to your taste. No matter what kind of place you are renovating, or the style you are after, venetian plaster can serve your goals and make your vision come true. If you want an attractive shiny marble walls or wish to create a minimalistic space with naked concrete surroundings, wall art created by venetian plaster when done properly is a priceless choice.
Venetian plaster, alternatively known as Polished Plaster, Lime Plaster, or Marble Plaster, refers to the decorative material used to provide a smooth finish to walls and ceilings. As the name suggests Venetian Plaster (translated from Italian: Stucco Veneziano) is the substance artisans used in Venice, Italy. However, the use of lime stone plaster dates back thousands of years. The History of Venetian Plaster Ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians used lime plaster on important buildings such as temples and palaces. The Romans, in particular, used Venetian plaster due to its aesthetically pleasing look and durable nature. The shiny finish gave buildings a rich look as it resembled solid marble. The Renaissance marked not just a resurgence but also the peak of the popularity of the material, which explains why it is referred to as Venetian plaster. It provided artists with the perfect canvas to depict extraordinary frescos and was appreciated for its visual appearance as well as practicality. The association with Venice is also due to the sheer scale on which the material is in use in the city. Venice is a city built on water. Stilts, instead of having traditional foundations dug underground, support buildings in the city. This makes Venetian plaster the perfect material to use as a finish since it is exceptionally lightweight and gives an impression of solid stonework. It is breathable and mitigates humidity as well.