Introduction
Venetian plasters and Marmorino have been used since the middle ages to create stunning plaster finishes. There are many differing names in use today – often generically referred to as ‘polished plasters’ or ‘marble plasters’ because of the typical finishes that can be achieved. They can be smooth, shiny and marble like or textured (Marmorino) to look like stone.
Stucco Fine by Kreidezeit is a very easy-to-use polished plaster for very fine stucco works on smooth surfaces in the interior. Mimicking Venetian plaster, two wafer-thin layers produce a polished, deep transparency.
It is applied in very thin coats with special trowels or spatulas. The overall thickness will usually be between 0.5 and 1 mm. The number of coats depends on the desired effect with the layering of colours possible with this type of polished plaster. It also has a natural fungicidal effect and can therefore also be used in damp rooms without any problems.
Polished plasters work best over porous surfaces which provide some suction to aid adhesion. If the suction is excessive, we supply a natural Casein Primer which can be applied first. We supply special primers such as Baumit DG27 for use on impervious materials, which primes and gives a sandpaper-like finish for extra key.
These natural plasters are breathable. We supply a wide range of natural soaps and waxes to give a highly polished finish and to improve dirt and water repellency. We also supply special metallic and pearlescent pigments for special effects.
For showers, wet rooms and floors, we recommend Tadelakt, a Moroccan style polished plaster.
How to Apply Stucco Fine Venetian-Style Plaster
Health & Safety – Venetian plasters are highly alkaline, use suitable gloves and eye protection.
Priming: If the surface has excessive suction, prime with Kreidezeit Casein Primer. For impervious materials, use Baumit DG27.
Backing Coat: If no priming is required, apply a base coat of Kreidezeit Lime Wall Finish (smooth) at 1 mm thick with a Pavan 846/I stainless steel laying on trowel or similar. This coat can be coloured for different veining and marbling effects. Trowel flat, leaving the texture you want to show through the subsequent coats of Venetian plaster. Leave to dry and harden for at least 3-4 hours.
Stucco Fine Plaster: Apply a thin coat of Stucco Fine, using either a Pavan 816/PIT or similar.
Work on a small area at a time, about 0.5 m x 0.5 m maximum. Use the edge of the trowel or spatula at a slightly greater angle to the wall, apply in short cross-cross strokes, keeping the edge wet. The plaster surface should be kept as flat as possible. Continue across the wall until you have completed the first coat. To achieve different effects in the final finish, this coat can be partially applied.
It is possible to finish with a single coat of Stucco Fine, but for decorative and marble finishes it is often necessary to apply at least one additional coat.
Apply an additional coat within 1-2 hours. Work in the same way as for the first coat, but hold the trowel or spatula at a slightly greater angle to the wall, so that the edge can be used to fill in any defects or hollows in the first coat.
One or two coats of Stucco Fine will give sufficient thickness to achieve the three dimensional marbled effect. When you start the final coat, its advisable to start the burnishing process within 30 – 60 minutes of application. Test a small area to see if its ready (i.e. the plaster doesn’t lift on the trowel due to it not yet being dry).
Burnishing & Soaping: As the plaster dries, add Polishing Soap and burnish the plaster with the edge or flat of the trowel or spatula using short, circular strokes. The smaller the tool, the more pressure can be applied to the surface. The more even your plaster, the more consistent the shine you can achieve.
You can also use special pigments to create special effects by mixing a little in with the polishing soap. Pigments include gold, silver,bronze, copper and pearlescent lilac.
Waxing: Allow a day after burnishing for the plaster to cure and harden before applying a natural wax for extra protection:
- Kreidezeit Punic Wax – this is a beeswax paste that may be applied by trowel. It can be buffed with a lamb’s wool bonnet to an intense shine.
- Kreidezeit Carnuba Wax – A hard, cost effective liquid wax for extra shine which should be applied in thin coats and buffed with a lamb’s wool bonnet immediately.
Venetian Plaster Pack
The Venetian Plaster Professional Pack combines all the tools and sample materials required to begin this plastering technique.
