Venetian Plaster – benefits of using it for house renovation

Venetian Plaster – benefits of using it for house renovation

Venetian Plaster – benefits of using it for house renovation

When contemplating a housing renovation, many articles and professionals will suggest the use of Venetian plaster over other alternatives for its multitude of benefits.

What is Venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster first became a desired building material in the Roman era and still maintains an air of Italian sophistication that is unparalleled in aesthetics and durability. Traditionally, Venetian plaster is a mix of crushed marble and powdered lime applied in thin layers and then polished to achieve a glossy finish. Today, it is still a lime-based plaster product, enhanced by applying sequential layers. It is applied in steps, first with a primer, followed by multiple layers of the plaster itself, finished with a sealant or wax, which is polished to get that renowned marbling effect.

The benefits of this material

Venetian plaster has stood the test of time and for good reason – the benefits of this material exceed many of its alternatives, taking into consideration:

Versatility

This material is incredibly versatile and can be used in many areas of your property. For interior design, it is usually favoured for walls and ceilings for its marble-like appearance and unique texture.

Easy Maintenance

Polished Venetian plaster requires very little maintenance and upkeep, making it popular amongst developers, builders and homeowners. This material is highly durable against natural elements, and it also requires very low maintenance with regard to cleaning. Your Venetian plaster shouldn’t become visibly dirty, but periodically all that is needed to keep the shine of your feature piece is some water and very mild soap applied to a cloth, and any dirt and debris will easily wash away.

Durable

Its popularity stemmed from the Roman era, where it was very popular and commonly found all over Venice. Combining its unique elegance and renowned sophistication with its easy upkeep and innovative layered technique which aids in the materials strength and sturdiness, Venetian plaster is distinguished for its all-round pleasing appearance and practicality.

Environmentally Friendly

It is very eco-friendly as the materials used to create this plaster are all natural. The plaster allows for and optimises air quality, making it a wise investment for your household’s health, and with its main component being lime, Venetian plaster also repels mould and other types of fungi. The required number of layers that contribute to the end of result and stunning finish of Venetian plaster also incorporates an insulation factor, allowing for your property to retain heat in Winter, making it justifiably more economical. In Summer, it remains cool to the touch. Without retaining external heat, it further aids in not allowing for air conditioning and cooling over-consumption, making it extremely cost-effective.

Cost of Venetian plaster and installation

It is often deemed an expensive material in comparison to some alternatives, and it’s critical to note that as it is lime-based and may come with a noticeable upfront price difference, however, in the long run, it pays for itself in what you save in maintenance, repairs, environmental and health considerations, and your energy bills.

The cost of installing Venetian plaster by professionals is dependent on the quality of the plaster mixture and the application method, and since it’s a fairly labour-intensive job, you should expect to pay upwards of $150 per square metre (for materials and labour). If you have the skills and know-how and wish to perform the installation yourself, ready-made formulations can be purchased from around $40 per square metre.

How to apply Venetian plaster without enlisting in a professional

Unless you have a background in plastering, concreting or drywall, it’s not advisable for a keen DIY enthusiast to tackle this project alone. As many components need to be applied in a specific method to achieve that desirable outcome, enlisting the help of a professional installer to create this timeless feature in or on your property requires a very specific skillset. Save yourself the time, hassle and potentially extra cash if errors are made and require expert fixing by contacting a qualified Melbourne Venetian plasterer specialist and leave this one to the pros for a stunning finish you’ll never tire of enjoying.

For queries on how BSL Group can help you with your Venetian plastering needs, give us a call and have a chat about your plans with one of our knowledgeable team members today.

Venetian Plaster – FAQs

 

Is Venetian plaster durable?

It is highly durable and mostly suited for use on walls and ceilings, especially on curved surfaces such as archways and columns. This type of plaster dries down to a tough, long-lasting finish. When applied to exterior walls, the look is similar to rendered concrete but with more character depth and with a cool, textured feel.

What is the difference between plaster and Venetian plaster?

The biggest difference between conventional plaster and Venetian plasters is that plaster is gypsum-based. Once set, it has a matte finish and is normally just one single colour. It is lime-based and is normally polished to create its unparalleled marbled effect. It can also be coloured to be any shade you like to compliment your property’s aesthetic.

Is Venetian plaster expensive in Australia?

The end result of Venetian plaster when applied is dependent on the quality of the plaster mixture and the application method, and as it’s a fairly labour-intensive job, you should expect to pay upwards of $150 per square metre (for materials and labour). If you have the skills and know-how and wish to perform the installation yourself, ready-made formulations can be purchased from around $40 per square metre.

Is Venetian plastering waterproof?

Venetian plaster in its raw form is not waterproof, but if it is being used your bathroom or an area where moisture tends to build up,  a sealant can be applied to the finished product to protect the plaster from moisture damage. However, installing Venetian plasters in the shower or at the back of vanity units is not recommended. Even if coated with a sealant, this type of plaster is not completely waterproof.

How to care for Venetian plaster walls?

Venetian plaster boasts a grout-free and low-maintenance alternative to tiles and requires only periodic cleaning. A wax coating can help repel dirt, and to clean this type of plaster, ensure that you only use water or a gentle soap as harsh cleaning agents risk damaging the texture of the plaster.

Can we apply Venetian plaster over drywall?

Yes, you can. It is a very workable and resilient material and can be applied to a variety of finishes including drywall, tiles, brick and timber.