

It imparts old world charm, discrete sophistication and a look of elegance. Faux Venetian plaster is kept as an inside wall treatment whereas true Venetian plaster can be used on interior and exterior walls because it is much thicker and more durable.įaux Venetian plaster is an artful way to decorate both interior and exterior surfaces. True Venetian plaster is done in many, many layers, thus it is thicker and does not damage easily. Faux Venetian plaster can be put up in a fraction of the time.įaux Venetian plaster is basically a thin coating, up to about three layers, of tinted plaster. The traditional Venetian plaster process is very timely, because it requires so many layers, with long periods in between each layer to allow the plaster to dry thoroughly. Both materials can be sanded smooth to look like marble, or have texture to look like stone. Faux Venetian plaster is applied with a spatula. The wall must be completely smooth prior to beginning the application process. The plaster must dry thoroughly between each layer. The traditional method of applying Venetian plaster is to apply it layer after layer with a trowel and then polishing it to provide an illusion of texture and depth. Add to that the limited availability, which also creates a high cost, making faux Venetian plaster an option for many homeowners. True Venetian plaster is made up of at least 40% marble dust and expensive pigment, making authentic Venetian plaster very expensive. Because it is hard to come by, faux Venetian plaster is often used in place of the original lime blend. This means that there are very few people that can manufacture authentic Venetian plaster. This technique resulted in a product that felt and looked like real marble.Īuthentic Venetian plaster recipes are handed down from generation to generation, within Italian artisans and craftsmen.

It is meant to replicate Scagliola, which is an Italian plaster technique that has been used for hundreds of years. Faux Venetian plaster is made out of acrylic and natural or artificial pigment. Real Venetian plaster is made out of limestone, ground marble dust and natural or artificial pigment. Read on to learn about more of the differences between the real and faux finishes. It’s more durable than paint, looks great, comes in various colors and is a popular way to decorate. Using Venetian plaster is a great way to decorate both interior and exterior walls. Originally used as a décor for Roman palaces, Venetian plaster gradually became the standard material for both residential and formal architecture.
