Creative Techniques

Create hundreds of effects with Venetian Plaster - Page 2 of 2

Veneziano Venetian Plaster:
The effects you can create with this Plaster are nearly all the same as with Marmorino, though there is one exception: scrafito (carving out the second coat to reveal the first). Other than that, it's pretty much the same as with Marmorino, you can: stencil, gild, Lime Paint (both decorative and regular), apply various sealers to create countless effects, create Lime Paint, oil based, or acrylic murals.

Unlike Marmorino, Veneziano gives you the ability to apply many coats of color. Each layer is slightly transparent so great depth and color are revealed, even if it's as simple as yellow (ochre or siena) with brown (umber) highlights. When the plaster is dry, you can then take a sander (400-600 grit) and sand down the plaster, revealing layers and colors. This is the really exceptional thing about Veneziano. You can have layers of yellows, oranges and reds, or blues and whites; let your imagination run wild. When you take the sander to the wall, you can sand down or 'carve out' the colors. You can sand dry, or for greater polish and less dust, spray the wall with water and sand as the wall is damp. A much deeper polish is created this way.

You can also take a Dremel carver (an electric carver) and carve out patterns in the plaster revealing both depth and different colors.

Lime Paint
Lime Paint may be applied as a single color or in multiple layers of the same color, lessening the busyness of the wall. It may be also be applied in multiple layers of different colors, giving the finish more interest and depth. Lime paint can be applied after each coat dries or multiple colors can be used during the same application. It can be used for decorative painting on Marmorino, Veneziano or on top of Lime Paint. You can gild lime paint, rag it on, sponge it on, polish it with wet or dry sanding, and use a variety of sealers and waxes with it. Our Natural sealer on Lime paint really darkens it.

Sealers, waxes and glazes
Much has already been said about sealers. Checkout Sealer Application for more information about various sealers. Here's a list of sealers:

Natural Olive Oil Sealer is very versatile, it deepens and makes plaster richer. It can be tinted for a glazing effect. It can be wiped on with a rag, sponge, or brush, and can be applied on Veneziano Plaster, Marmorino Plaster, or Lime Paint. You can tint it any color, for example black sealer applied to red plaster. Do not use this sealer over acrylic sealer or vice versa. You can wax over Natural Olive Oil Sealer. Since wax doesn't enliven the plaster the way this Natural Sealer does, wax on top of sealer might be a nice thing. Natural Sealer can be buffed out the next day with a cotton rag. It can be removed by scrubbing it off with warm water. You can use saddle soap, but his is not very economical and already very similar to our Olive Oil Sealer.

Acrylic Sealer is ideal for water or dirt prone areas. Although not very decorative by itself, it primes the surface to allow for endless faux finish glazes and color washes. You can even prime seal the wall for more durable murals, in any medium. You can wax over Acrylic Sealer. This adds a bit more protection, but the best feature is that it covers the sheen of the synthetic Acrylic Sealer. Additionally, wax is much easier to strip in the future, rather than of the plaster direct, where it absorbs.

Waxes give the nicest shine and blends other wax colors wonderfully. There are various waxes, some natural, others synthetic (which should really be called glazes). With waxes as other sealers, apply a clear coat first, then a coat to go with your tinted sealer. This gives you more control.

Varnishes and lacquers are great sealing products, each made with different sheens. Also, they can be used as a glaze after the first untinted coat is applied (or not). Lacquers are meant to be sprayed, but can be economical if you are lacquering trim. Varnishes can be rolled on. Varnishes really bring out the color and richness of the plaster.

You can also apply numerous types of faux finish glazes, which are available at your local paint store. Remember always test a sample first. This can save your job.

CREATIVE TECHNIQUES
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