Vasari

Archive for December 21st, 2007

• December 21st, 2007

What’s the difference between stucco and plaster? They are the same thing. We have a hard time trying to figure out who means what. In the US, stucco often refers to one part cement and three parts sand. Elsewhere it doesn’t have to be cement. There is lime stucco (like Vasari), there is gypsum stucco and there is a whole bunch of other products called stucco made from all kinds of stuff. So, choose your own term. You call it Venetian Plaster. I think plaster sounds a little fancier.

Venetian Plaster ‘Tuscano’ is perfectly applicable for exteriors. This is also perfect for interiors if you want a heavier look than Marmorino. We recommend that exteriors are done by professionals as there are potential water issues around windows, doors, etc. If you are an ambitious ‘do it yourselfer’ you should consult various plaster / stucco books on the subject. There is really only one good book that we’ve found on the subject -  BUILDER’S GUIDE TO  STUCCO LATH & PLASTER and there is a nice 4 page explanation from the ‘QUICK CARDS’ – STUCCO ESSENTIALS. All can be bought online (not from us). Don’t get ‘The Stucco House’ – it’s a novel. Well, I guess get it if you like 1920’s era English drama.   There are also some great websites on the subject under ‘do-it-yourself’ searches / stucco.

There are many different ways of applying exterior stucco (Tuscano), but there are basically 2 types of substrates:  the first being a surface where no lathe is necessary –brick, cement, stone, E-Crete, Duracel, and any other cementatious hard surface , the second where you have put up lathe. There are three coats minimum in any case. The first  coat is called a scratch coat. This is usually 1 part cement, 1 part lime and two or three parts sand and water. This is important – DON’T ‘SCRATCH’ THE SCRATCH COAT. The texture of the ‘scratches’ can come through on the last coat. The polymers in the plaster will easily adhere to the cement, or whatever you choose for the first coat. The second and third coats are our Tuscano Venetian Plaster. Then, if you want, you can Lime Wash the house every 5 years or so change colors forever very easily, cheaply and enjoyably. ‘Miracle Sealants Impregnator Porous Plus’ If you live in a winter or super wet climate, we recommend that you seal it with Miracle Sealants ‘Porous Plus’. If you do this, you can’t Lime Wash. Seal it because the water and ice can take its toll pretty quickly.

The advantages of Tuscano over regular cement stucco:

- looks beautiful
- change color easily with Lime Wash
- 3000 color options for the plaster
- fix easily
- more breathable
- self healing for small cracks
- more flexible
- much easier to apply than cement – like all of Vasari products, it doesn’t go bad in the bucket
- used in shower stalls – with sealer
- mildew / fungus resistance
- and looks beautiful

Disadvantages:

- product is a tiny little bit more expensive (but so worth it!)
- not as super durable as cement if not sealed like cement (cement is only really weather resistant when sealed or painted)
Tuscano is easy to install, interior or exterior. Again, for exterior, make sure you know what you’re doing, especially with the waterproofing. Read books, get advice. We take no responsibility if the house isn’t prepped correctly.

No Comments » | Read the rest of this entry ->