Venetian plaster has traditionally been used as a wall covering due to its durability and timeless elegance. However, it is a versatile material and its uses extend to many other surfaces. Here’s a guide to the many different ways in which you can enjoy the beauty of Venetian plaster.
Ceilings
Venetian plaster is increasingly being used as an alternative to regular plaster for ceilings, especially in high-end establishments where you want to really make an impression. It not only looks beautiful, adding extra depth and texture, but it is also breathable and less prone to shrinkage, cracking, and mould.
Furniture
Venetian plaster is applied in thin layers, and this makes it suitable as a coating for furniture. Once the surface has been suitably prepared, it can be applied to a variety of materials including wood, brick, panelling, or tiles. Therefore it’s a quick and easy way to transform an old cabinet or coffee table into a focal point of the room.
Fireplaces
The hearth is the heart of the room, and often the feature that the eye is immediately drawn to as we enter. Therefore a fireplace that is finished with the luxurious touch of Venetian plaster can really elevate the whole room.
Art and design
Venetian plaster is ideally suited to stencil work, which can be used to create a standalone design feature or incorporated into the whole surface. This can be used to add a decorative element to homes and hospitality venues, and it can also be used in offices to enhance corporate identity with logos and lettering.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Plaster may not seem like the obvious choice in kitchens and bathrooms, where tiling is traditionally used. However, it is a hardwearing and moisture resistant material, to the extent that it can be used for splashbacks and to cover wider surfaces in rooms which are exposed to high humidity.
Architectural features
Venetian plaster is often used to highlight special architectural features, such as archways, columns, and door and window casings. The special light-reflecting qualities of the plaster help to draw the eye and show off the pleasing lines and details of the feature to best advantage.
Microcement flooring
Microcement is considered to be a modern alternative to Venetian plaster, and it is excellent for creating a contemporary industrial look. It’s an extremely hard wearing material which makes it suitable for use in flooring. It can be applied in one continuous coating, avoiding the need for grout lines and guarding against cracks in the surface.
The finish can resemble the textured appearance of raw concrete, or it can also give the impression of polished concrete. Microcement is applied in a thin layer of about 3mm, so it is well suited not just to flooring, but any vertical or horizontal surface including walls, furniture, stairways, kitchen splashbacks, and more.
