Looking to enhance your space with a sophisticated and subtle old world finish, dating back to ancient times? Fortunately, you no longer need to be a trained professional to recreate the look at home. Keep reading to see why this trend has staying power and how to DIY it over a weekend.
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What is Venetian Plaster?
Dating back to the 4th century, traditional Venetian Plaster is a pigmented lime paste/marble powder mix applied to walls. It became widely used due to its strength, durability, and appearance that could mimic real stone.
Today, real Venetian Plaster (also called lime or polished plaster) has seen a resurgence in popularity. The term now represents a broader technique to achieve the signature look, and there are many products variations available (including synthetic and DIY ‘Venetian Plaster’).
Applied in thin, translucent layers, Venetian Plaster creates the appearance of depth and movement on your walls. The result is a soft and earthy look, suitable for minimalist and traditional style homes alike.
As someone who loves incorporating natural and earthy elements into design, I’ve been drawn to Venetian Plaster (and similar techniques) since it appeared on my radar. Recently, it has seen a resurgence in popularity, and I knew it would be a perfect fit for our mediterranean-style renovation.
Our DIY electric fireplace was the ideal candidate to test out this technique:
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
Materials and Tools
- Venetian Plaster (I had mine tinted in two colors: SW Alabaster and Shoji White)
- Sealer
- Putty knife
- Pointed Trowel
How to apply Venetian Plaster to a fireplace
Note: This tutorial uses Modern Masters Venetian Plaster, an acrylic-based tintable synthetic plaster. While the application process is similar for all types of Venetian Plaster, make sure to consult your specific manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 1: Prepare the surface
Venetian Plaster can be applied over a variety of substrates including wood and concrete, but the most common application is over drywall. The drywall must be in sound condition—no cracks, flaking paint, etc, and either primed or painted in a flat sheen.
Most manufacturers recommend applying over smooth drywall, but an orange peel texture is fine if multiple coats of plaster are used.
Our fireplace drywall was completely smooth, primed and painted previously, so I just had to wipe it down and tape off the surrounding area.
Step 2: Apply a skim coat
In this first step, the goal is to completely cover the surface with a thin layer of plaster. Don’t worry too much about the texture or or technique—that will come with the next layer(s).
Starting in one corner, scoop some of the plaster onto your trowel. Hold your trowel at a 15-30º angle, and spread it over the surface in short curved motions. You’ll quickly get a hang of the technique and how easily the plaster spreads.
Curves or rounded edges are a bit tricker—you may need to use a small or flexible spatula to get into those areas. I also used a putty knife to get into the tight corners. Unless you desire a completely smooth surface—perfection is not the goal here!
It took me less than two hours to get the first coat of Venetian Plaster (tinted SW Alabaster) on the fireplace.
Step 3: Apply a texture coat
After 1-2 hours, when the plaster is dry but not fully cured, use a sanding block or putty knife to smooth out any imperfections or rough edges. There’s bound to be build-up along the corners or unwanted trowel marks. Plaster dries very hard, and it will be harder to sand at that stage.
Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat of Venetian Plaster. I used a slightly darker color this time (tinted SW Shoji White) to create depth and dimension. Darker colors will have a natural shade variation when dry so you may not need a second color if you want a more subtle look.
The second coat is applied in the same way as the first, but if this is your final coat, you’ll want to pay more attention to your technique/coverage. Apply a thinner layer and more pressure in certain areas to allow some of the first coat to show through. I let the bottom layer peek through slightly in some areas, but you may choose to cover yours completely. Try to stay consistent with your technique from top to bottom.
You can always add more plaster, but you can’t remove it once it’s on, so start with a small amount and add more as you feel comfortable.
Step 4: (Optional) Add a third coat and/or burnish the surface
You’ll likely need one final sanding to remove any rough texture/edges. Then, if you are happy with your results, no need to add more!
Otherwise, you can add even more depth and texture with a third coat (this is what Modern Masters recommends, but I found it wasn’t necessary for the look I was after).
For a smooth/shiny finish, burnish the surface with a fine 400 or 600-grit sandpaper. For an even higher sheen, burnish by rubbing your trowel across the plaster (just be mindful of the sharp metal edge!) Burnishing can darken the finish by up to 20-30% and give it the appearance of polished stone.
I wanted a softer and more natural, matte look, so I chose not to burnish.
Step 5: Apply a sealer
Sealing is an important step to protect the finish. I applied two coats of Modern Masters Dead Flat Varnish, which applies like paint and dries with a slight sheen. This will allow the surface to be cleaned up with mild soap and water.
Reveal
Subtle, soft and ethereal… what dreams are made of!
I think the plaster brought a much needed warmth and character to this flat, one-dimensional fireplace.
The texture and contrast create such a lovely movement across the surface. I think I achieved the natural stone look quite well!
This technique may not be suitable for every design style, but I think it’s a match made in heaven with Spanish-Mediterranean influence of this home.
I also used the same process on our range hood in the kitchen:
Helpful Tips
- Make sure to always apply in a curved/circular motion. This creates a more natural looking movement and texture.
- Regularly move any dried plaster from your trowel. Dried bits of plaster will get stuck in and scratch up the finish!
- Sand down any rough edges/imperfections before the plaster fully dries. Venetian plaster dries very hard, and it’s harder to smooth out once cured.
- Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques! You aren’t limited to 1-2 colors and a metal trowel. This Venetian Plaster can be applied with a sponge, squeegee, or any other applicator depending on your desired outcome. Unlike real lime plaster, synthetic Venetian Plaster is more of a decorative finish, so there is more freedom to experiment.
FAQ
Because this is technique dates back to ancient times, I don’t think it’s at risk of becoming outdated in general—when done right. Any technique can be misused or overdone, and those will look dated once the popularity fades. When it aligns with the architectural/design style of the home and stays true to the historical nature, I wouldn’t worry about the trends over the next decade. As always—do what you love!
There are countless options on the market today—ranging from synthetic to true Venetian Plasters. I chose Modern Masters due to ratings, affordability, availability and custom color options. Well known makers of lime Venetian Plaster include Master of Plaster, FirmoLux, Vasari, Firenze Color, San Marco among others.
Primed or painted (in a flat sheen) drywall or wood surfaces in sound condition, with no cracks or peeling paint. Some formulas can be applied to tile or brick, but make sure to check with yours first. Most manufacturers recommend applying Venetian Plaster to smooth surfaces only, but you can mask lightly textured (orange peel) walls with additional coats of plaster.
The surface should either be primed or painted in a flat sheen. The walls must be free of any cracks, peeling or chipping paint.
In order to protect the finish, you should seal with a varnish specifically recommended for your plaster. For a natural look, choose a matte/flat varnish that dries invisible.
Most sealed Venetian Plaster surfaces clean up easily with mild soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge.
Have you tried Venetian Plaster? Share your tips/experiences in the comments!
Next up: the DIY fun continues with floating white oak shelves in the kitchen. Follow along as we inch our way towards completing this house!
Abbey Kisiel says
This is the exact look we are going for with our fireplace! Ordered everything you used & are so excited to get started! I’ve probably visited your site 20x in the last 24 hrs lol! Did you just need one gallon of each tinted plaster?
Jenna Sue says
Awesome, I hope my tutorial is helpful! Yes, one gallon of each color and I didn’t even use half the can.
Tina Diaco says
Jenna, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Unrelated question….are you working on your laundry room yet at your residence? I’m dying to see how that turns out.
Tina Diaco
Jenna Sue says
Thank you Tina! We put that on hold to focus on the kitchen, but now that the kitchen is basically done, Lucas will be starting on the cabinets next week! Finally getting back to it, excited to share more!
Loghan says
Absolutely beautiful!
Could it be applied over wallpaper or would the micro-cement be a better option for that?
Jenna Sue says
Hi! I’m not sure if I would trust either over wallpaper. I don’t think the adhesive would be strong enough to hold any substrate on it. I’d ditch the paper first!
Susan says
My question is similar to Jes’s. What would you say is the difference between the look of the micro-cement you used in your Hacienda master bath and the Venetian plaster, and how would you choose which technique to use if you’re looking for that warm, timeless old world effect.
Always love your DIY projects! Thank you for taking the time to share!
Jenna Sue says
Thank you, Susan! I think both would be great choices depending on the look you want. Microcement is one solid color, and wouldn’t have the variation you can get from plaster. It’s also rougher and grainer (think stucco) whereas plaster can be smooth and softer. I would say Venetian Plaster has more a warm, timeless feel if that is the goal.
Terry says
Question: to tint your plaster did you just take it to Sherwin Williams?
Jenna Sue says
We took ours to a smaller local paint store, but SW may be able to tint it for you! Make sure to call around and ask first 🙂
Aaron says
This was exactly what we were wondering. I came across your beautiful article when planning to do the plaster myself. We were going to do the Valspar plaster but they couldn’t do the SW colors we were wanting. How much did the small shop charge you to tint your plaster?
Jenna Sue says
We bought the plaster at the store and tinting was included with the price.
Michele M. says
And again I am awe-struck. That fireplace is stunning and so perfect for your vision there.
Bravo! Well done. (And great tutorial!)
Jenna Sue says
So glad you liked it, thank you Michele!
Teri Anderson says
It looks so good. You guys are a great team. I just can’t wait to see whatever you post. I was wondering if you buy the plaster on Amazon do you take it to be tinted or do you do the tinting?
I really like the results I was wanting to do my fireplace in the formal living room. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to seeing more posts. Teri
Jenna Sue says
Hi Teri, yes! You’ll want to call around to local paint stores first, as not all of them will be able to tint plaster. You can buy it on Amazon or most likely from the paint store as well. Glad this tutorial was helpful!
Carrie says
Thank you for sharing this DIY! You make it look so easy and I’m inspired to tackle my range hood! May I ask if the plaster comes tinted or will any store tint it for you? I’m looking at a BM colour.
Jenna Sue says
Hi Carrie! It comes uncolored, and we had a local specialty paint store tint ours. I’m not sure if any BM or SW store could tint it, but it’s worth asking them!
Jes says
Beautiful!! Would love to try either this or the process you did in the hacienda bathroom for my kitchen backsplash for a subtle old earth feel. Which do you think is a most appropriate? Thanks so much!
Jenna Sue says
I think both would be great choices depending on the look you want! Microcement is one solid color, and wouldn’t have the variation you can get from plaster. It’s also rougher and grainer (think stucco) whereas plaster can be smooth and softer.