Many top-end homes feature plaster on a range of surfaces. Sometimes this is on the exterior walls, which are usually, but not always, coloured white. You may also have it on ornate cornices and other exquisite internal features.
If this is your home, perhaps a property you have only recently bought, you may find places where new plastering is needed. In order to make the right decisions about the kind of plaster or other materials you should use in restoring features and surfaces to prime condition, it helps to know more about the different types of plastering.
In particular, understanding the distinction between Venetian and stucco plaster is useful. Stucco is a common plaster, although it exists in two forms. Traditional stucco is made from a mix of lime, sand and water, while modern stucco is made from Portland cement, sand and water. Its use is very common in Regency buildings, which dominate cityscapes in places like Brighton and west London.
Venetian plastering uses a different mix of materials. It is made with fired limestone and water and, unlike some other plasters, does not contain any aggregates. It is far from cheap, but that is just the point; the investment, finished off with a primer and wax coat, will be worth it because the result is beautiful.
While they have their differences, the fact that traditional stucco and Venetian plaster both use lime mortar is significant. Lime is breathable and has a bit of flexibility, which is helpful if there is some movement in the building. That helps avoid cracking if there is minor subsidence or even earth tremors.
As ever, it helps to get the experts on the case to check your property to establish the right approach to every aspect of décor. But if you go for Venetian plastering, you can be sure of an attractive and traditional lime mortar that can leave your property’s fine features looking as good as new.
