16 Apr Why is Venetian plaster so popular?

Venetian plaster dates back as far as the 16th Century but is currently experiencing its own Renaissance. It has become hugely popular in interior design over the last few years and is being used to create stunning effects in both residential and commercial settings.

Here are a few reasons why Venetian plaster is such a sought-after material.

1. Versatility

Venetian plaster was originally developed to cope with the unique situation in Venice, northern Italy. As the city was built on water, the buildings were constructed on stilts. This meant that they weren’t strong enough to take the weight of marble, which was being used for interior design in affluent Italian society homes at the time. Venetian plaster was designed to imitate the appearance of marble, while being lighter in weight and easier to mould into different shapes.

This makes Venetian plaster an extremely versatile material. It can be used for walls and ceilings, archways, columns and a wide variety of other surfaces, both simple and complex to shape. Equally, it can be used either to smooth imperfections or to create texture on any surface.

2. Low maintenance

Venetian plaster, unlike many other popular wall coverings, is extremely easy to maintain. It’s tough and hardwearing, so it won’t crack even when put under significant pressure. However, if it does get damaged, its malleable consistency means it can easily be patched without the whole surface needing to be re-plastered.

Venetian plaster also maintains its appearance for many years. It doesn’t fade, and unlike regular plaster, it doesn’t need to be painted over, as it is naturally beautiful to look at. It is also available in a variety of different colours, so if you want a contrast between your walls and your ceilings, or different tones in different rooms, this is entirely possible.

Additionally, as Venetian plaster is sealed with a wax coating, it is non-porous, so it is easy to clean. It can be washed, and dries quickly, with no risk of moisture retention, which can lead to damp.

3. Environmentally friendly

The ingredients that make up Venetian plaster are entirely natural. This means that it is completely non-toxic, so it won’t harm the environment in any way as it has no harmful gases to release. It is also non-allergenic, so it’s a safe choice for environments where there are children, pets or anyone who suffers from breathing conditions such as asthma.

As one of its main components is lime, Venetian plaster has a naturally high pH balance. This makes it an effective antibacterial, so it kills mould, fungus and other potentially harmful substances, preventing them from spreading.

Venetian plaster also absorbs carbon dioxide, so it creates more breathable air, making it kind to the environment and healthy for those who come into contact with it.

4. Beautiful appearance

The main attraction of Venetian plaster, however, is undoubtedly its stunning appearance. As it contains various substances including lime and marble, it has an almost iridescent quality, with a range of different colours visible in its surface. It was designed specifically to imitate the appearance of marble, so it brings the same luxurious feel into your home or workplace while being less expensive.

Venetian plaster can be ordered in a range of different shades, from white through a variety of natural, neutral tones including cream and beige, all the way to black. Whatever your interior décor tastes, there is a Venetian plaster to suit your colour scheme.

Another advantage of Venetian plaster is that it makes a room look bigger and brighter. This is because its highly polished surface reflects light, instantly creating a bright and spacious feel in any environment.

5. Affordable cost

Venetian plaster is still considered a luxury material, so it is not the cheapest option of wall covering on the market. However, as it will last for many years to come, it is a good investment if you want to add a touch of class and opulence to your home or commercial space.

It is also not as expensive as it used to be, so you may find yourself surprised at how affordable Venetian plaster can be today. With interior design becoming more important for home owners and hotel guests alike, you can expect to see a return on your investment in this high-quality material.

If you would like more information about Venetian plaster, and what can be achieved when it is applied by experienced professionals, please get in touch. We are always happy to discuss your requirements.