Things you need to know about venetian plastering

From time to time we are approached with various questions in the field of venetian plastering. We thought it would be helpful to do a regular spot where we help to shed light on some of those questions.

Venetian plaster, also known as polished plaster or stucco Veneziano, are a decorative finish used on walls, ceilings, and sometimes floors. The technique originated in Venice during the Renaissance period and was used initially to decorate interiors of palaces, churches, and municipal buildings. Venetian plaster can normally be recognised for its smooth and shiny appearance, especially when in its classical form. These techniques have developed and there are a wide more variety of finishes to this day, but the classic techniques and materials are still available.

Most Venetian Plasters are made with a mixture of natural minerals, lime putty, marble and pigment.  Some of the more textured finishes have the addition of aggregates, depending on the finish that is to be desired.  At Hikitia, we offer a wide spectrum of finishes, including clays, metallics and liquid metals.  These all fall under the Venetian plastering family.

The humble wall will begins by being constructed by brick, stud or cast concrete. These walls can then be decorated with Venetian Plaster.  This is done by adding the chosen material in several thin layers, each coat is flattened down before the next, and each layer will add its own contribution towards the overall structure pattern of the wall. The final layer of Venetian Plaster is burnished, giving a real sense of depth. Finally a protection wax is added to the Venetian Plaster.

But Venetian Plaster walls are not just considered as beautiful, but they’re incredibly durable too. The process of compounding layer upon layer by a skilled artist can be very time consuming, but the finished product is just sheer beauty and durable. Not forgetting that Venetian Plaster can be tinted to achieve any colour. Once your Venetian Plaster wall is finished, you will have a stunning, breathable wall which can withstand the test of time and will prevent mould and bacterial growth. That’s right, Venetian Plaster actually improves the quality of the surrounding air, which is great if you live in a high traffic city such as London or Manchester.

Hikitia, literally translates to uplifting, and a Venetian Plaster wall can really transform a space by uplifting it with its smooth and reflective surfaces. Especially when using metallic plasters with their light reflective pigments, literally bouncing light back into your living space. You could decide to add a touch of warmth or texture, by adapting the material and technique, Venetian Plaster can be used in order to create some real ambiance.

So who does Venetian plaster? Well, traditionally, Venetian plaster was carried out by skilled artisans who were referred to as “stuccoists” which translates to “plasterers.” These masters of their craft would complete years of training and would accumulate decades of experience in the art of Venetian plastering. They weren’t just surface finishers, but artists who would approach every project with ultimate care and precision, creating bespoke finishes that were both beautiful and durable.

Let’s say you have decided that you want to bring a touch of Venetian plastering into your home or workplace. It’s so important to search for an experienced and skilled professional that covers your local area. Now there are several ways to find the best Venetian plasterer for your project. First of all, a simple google search such as Venetian plastering London or Venetian plasterer near me will normally bring you up a list of local artists who will be willing to take a look at your project. Secondly, you could ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had Venetian plastering done before.  This is a great option as you can easily ask to see previous work carried out, plus ask about their professionalism and reliability.

But hiring the right person is not always as easy as you’d like to think. Ensure that you ask the right questions.

How many years experience do you have?

Where did you do your training?

Can I see some samples?

Can I see some examples of work that you have carried out?

Any good Venetian plasterer will be happy to share this information with you, before you go on to make an informed decision.

Reviews and ratings are a great way to get an idea about a company before hiring them.

The availability of Venetian plaster materials and the tutorials has meant that the DIY enthusiasts are all having a go. Be very careful to go through the vetting procedures if you want a good quality job that will last.

 

How can Hikitia help you with your project

 

Some Venetian plasterers will specialise in residential work, others will do mainly commercial sector.

Here at Hikitia we are mainly known for our commercial work, carrying out hotels, bars, restaurants, spas, but we have also covered some residential plastering projects.

Overall, while DIY Venetian plastering is possible, it’s important that you trust your project in the hands of a Venetian plaster professional. If you are looking for a high end finish that will withstand the test of time then search for a Venetian plasterer near me and you can start to narrow down the right specialist for you.

Hikitia Surface Design are highly trained in the craft of Venetian plaster. We have 20 years experience in the art and cover Venetian plaster and polished plaster projects all over London and surrounding areas. We will be happy to discuss your project with you, with no obligations.