People who want to make their room looking luxurious they look for unique finishes. The best way to achieve that effect is by using polished plaster. This plaster will allow you to have a wide and diverse collection of decorative finishes. The range includes:
- Thinly polished finishes
- Highly polished surfaces to resemble marble and
- Deep textured finishes that mimic limestone or travertine.
Usually, you need slaked lime to make the coat of polished plaster. If you want to create a unique design and texture to each wall-finish, you may also add marble chips or marble dust into it.
Polished Plaster
All reliable and reputed manufacturers of polished plasters also mix special additives in their plaster formula. This adds to the durability and hardness of the final product. If you want to enhance the appearance of the finish of the polish and its performance, all you have to do is apply a protective layer of sealer or wax onto it.
Remember, polished plaster should be applied by hand following traditional methods. Professional method of application of polished plaster includes:
- A buildup of 1 to 4 mm using a special primer
- A base coat
- Two to four finish coats and
- A sealer or wax.
You can use the special kind of polished plaster called Venetian plaster that consists of crushed marble and lime putty, but the method of application is the same. You can use a trowel or spatula while applying it on the surfaces.
Polished Plaster
Facts About Polished Plaster
Polished plaster was used in ancient times. Several excavations in Malta revealed its use even in the era of 3000 BC. This is a natural plaster and is very special made from lime putty. It produces unique finishes on the walls which you can now see in the public buildings as well as in private residences.
There are different names and types of polished plaster such as:
- Venetian plaster
- Marmorino
- Marble plaster
- Spatulato and
- Stucco Veneziano.
The use of polished plaster was made popular by an Italian architect, Andrea Palladio although the methods used were old and traditional. Modern polished plasters contain synthetic additives, but the original ones only contained natural pigments and lime putty mixed with marble dust or of any other type of natural stone.
You can use polished plaster on different surfaces. You will get polished plasters in different colors and patterns as well such as:
Polished Plaster
- Smooth
- Dragged
- Pitted and
- Distressed.
Depending on your need and taste, if you use Venetian plaster, you can follow the stenciling technique. This will create a banding effect on the finish.
The Steps To Follow
To apply polished plaster correctly, you should follow these specific steps.
- First, make sure that the surface on which you want to apply it is smooth and flat. It should not have any imperfection or abrasions as that will show through the thin layer of the plaster. If there are any imperfections, repair, and sand them before further application.
- Next, apply prima on the wall and leave it to dry for at least eight hours before you apply the first coat. This will hold the plaster firmly.
- Apply the first coat using a mirrored trowel keeping it as flat as possible. Even if it is not perfect, make sure that the entire surface area is coated.
- Let the first coat dry and then sand it lightly using high-grade sandpaper of 320 grit.
- Apply the second coat of polished plaster following the same process. This is when you should add patterns with the trowel but make sure that the surface gets an even coating.
Apply two other coats, but de-crud and sand the surface each time to remove the high spots. Let it dry and, finally, apply wax or lacquer to protect the finish.