Using Venetian Plaster is a great way to give an old-world “European” feel to a room. Venetian Plaster creates a three dimensional surface that reflects both the light and dark shades of the same color. Once you have decided to use this faux technique, you must first prepare your wall. If the wall or walls you want to plaster are already painted in the flat or stain finish you want to stick to, then no priming is necessary. However, if your wall is painted with a high sheen paint like satin or semi-gloss paint, then you must prime first then paint your base color. Your base color needs to be of a flat or eggshell finish.

One of the tools you need to apply the plaster is a steel trowel, not stainless steel however,as it may leave gray streaks on your surface. To prepare the trowel, you must round the edges of the trowel by either sanding the edges using 100 grit sandpaper or running the edges along a sidewalk to speed the process and then sanding the edge.

Once you open your can of plaster, make sure to keep it covered with the lid or a wet towel to prevent a crust from forming over the top.


Tools and Materials:

• Flexible 4” or larger Steel Trowel or Wall Scraper
• 100 grit and 400 or 600 grit Sandpaper
• Gloves,
• Cloth Rags
• Drop Cloth
• Paint Tray or Mud Tray BEHR Venetian Plaster

Application Tip:

Venetian Plaster should be applied over a primed or low-sheen surface, like Flat or Eggshell.


First Coat:

• Round corners of a flexible steel trowel with 100 grit sandpaper to reduce edge marks
during application.

• Load your trowel with Venetian Plaster and hold it at a 15º-30º angle, pulling and spreading
your tinted Venetian Plaster across the surface. Using long and short random strokes,
creating a very thin layer. The original wall surface should peek through in certain areas.

• Wipe off your trowel often to avoid dried Venetian Plaster from effecting the smoothness of
the product application.

• Allow the first coat to dry for approximately four hours.
Second Coat:

• Load your trowel with Venetian Plaster and hold it at a 60º-90º angle and apply a thin
second coat of product, using long and short, overlapping strokes.

• Fill in voids and recessed areas, while covering the original wall surface completely. Gently
smooth away any edge marks with the trowel.

• Allow the Venetian Plaster finish to dry for 24 hours before moving on to the finishing
techniques.


Finishing Techniques:

For Added Durability and Protection, Venetian Plaster Topcoat provides a washable, satin-sheen finish in high traffic or high moisture areas, like bathrooms.

• Apply the Topcoat before burnishing and within 7 days of the Venetian Plaster application
using a clean, flexible 4” or larger steel trowel. Hold the trowel at an angle, pulling and
spreading the product across the surface. Topcoating may enhance or darken the color of
the Venetian Plaster finish.

• After the Topcoat is completely dry, approximately 24 hours, a polished marble-like
appearance can be created by following the Burnishing instructions below.
Burnishing

• Burnish or sand the surface within 7 days of application by rubbing the surface in a circular motion with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, you can also use an electric sander to speed the process.

• Once burnished, for a more polished look, use the flat side of a clean steel trowel to
additionally rub the finish. The heat and friction created by the rubbing produces a defined,
marble-like appearance.

• Wipe the burnished surface with a slightly dampened rag to remove plaster dust.

Tip: Prevent your Venetian Plaster from drying out or collecting dirt/dust by keeping the can and paint tray covered with the lid or a damp cloth throughout your project.

Option: For a modern effect, mix Venetian Plaster Topcoat with the Metallic or Pearlescent paint
color of your choice. Mix 4-6 oz (1/2 to 3/4 of a cup) of Metallic, or 16 oz (1/2 of a quart container)of Pearlescent with one quart of Venetian Plaster Topcoat and apply as instructed above.