A Step-By-Step Guide to Applying Venetian Plaster

By
Jeff Beneke
Jeff Beneke
Jeff Beneke is a former writer for The Spruce who covered a range of home renovation and repair topics. He is a former editor and author of over a dozen home improvement books.
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Updated on 04/16/24
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
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Intetior Room with Orange Wall and White Sofa
ssstep / Getty Images
In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 4 - 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 - 3 days
  • Yield: 100-square-foot surface
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $60 to $120

Venetian plaster is a stuccoed surface coating for walls that is burnished after application. Because of this burnishing, the Venetian plaster develops a smooth, iridescent finish.

Applying Venetian plaster is an artisan project that takes days and requires patience. But the reward is a remarkable finish resembling marble, with the illusion of depth and texture.

Before You Begin

Basic Venetian plaster wall finish requires only a steel trowel and the plaster material. Venetian plaster can be found in home centers and paint stores in quart and one-gallon buckets, just like paint.

Bare drywall requires a preliminary coat of primer or flat wall paint. In this case, you will need basic painting supplies such as a paintbrush, paint roller, roller covers, paint tray, and tray liners.

An optional final topcoat is recommended for high-traffic areas or rooms with high moisture, like bathrooms. The topcoat is a clear protective coating made specifically for Venetian plaster. Paste wax can also be used. The topcoat is applied with a trowel after the plaster has dried. It may slightly darken the color.

Safety Considerations

Wear eye protection if you are spreading the Venetian plaster overhead. Always wear breathing protection when burnishing Venetian plaster, as this step produces plaster dust. Wear gloves when mixing and applying the plaster, as it can irritate the skin.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Steel trowel or 4- to 6-inch drywall knife
  • Work gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Paintbrush
  • Roller
  • Paint tray

Materials

  • Venetian plaster
  • 400- to 600-grit sandpaper
  • Drop cloth
  • Painting primer
  • Roller cover
  • Topcoat or paste wax (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Walls

    Clear the room and spread a drop cloth on the floor. Fill and sand cracks and holes in the walls. Wash off any dirt and grease. Prime unfinished drywall with flat paint before applying Venetian plaster.

    Man mixing plaster
    PhotoAlto / Sandro Di Carlo Darsa / Getty Images

  2. Apply the First Coat

    Starting at a corner of the room, apply the plaster to the walls with a flexible steel trowel or a 4- to 6-inch-wide drywall knife. Apply a thin coat of plaster while holding the trowel at a 15- to 30-degree angle to the wall. Spread the plaster with strokes that vary in length and angle.

    Tip

    Clean off the trowel occasionally to keep dried plaster from getting into the finish. Let the plaster dry thoroughly, or for about four hours.

    Man applying plaster to wall
    Ryouchin / Taxi Japan / Getty Images

  3. Apply the Second Coat

    Hold the trowel or drywall knife at a 60- to 90-degree angle and apply another thin layer of Venetian plaster. Use overlapping (X-shaped) long and short strokes to cover the surface thoroughly.

    Let the plaster dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the burnishing stage.

    Man applying second coat of plaster to wall
    Echo / Cultura / Getty Images

  4. Burnish the Finish

    Burnish the surface with very fine sandpaper (400- or 600-grit) using a circular motion. Clean the surface with a damp cloth. To create a more polished look, rub the surface with the flat side of a clean trowel or putty knife.

    Southwestern bedroom with plaster walls
    pidjoe / E+ / Getty Images

  5. Apply a Top Coat (Optional)

    To create more sheen and protect the surface, apply a Venetian plaster topcoat or paste wax. Either material is troweled on. Later, the topcoat is burnished in the same way that you earlier burnished the Venetian plaster.

Tips for Applying Venetian Plaster

  • Practice applying Venetian plaster on scrap drywall or in an unused room. Experiment with creating different amounts of texture on the surface.
  • If you add your own tint to the plaster, mix small batches with different quantities of colorants, taking notes as you do, until you find the right mix.
  • Glossy paint surfaces can be plastered over, provided that you first sand the surface lightly to remove the sheen.
  • Steel trowels and drywall knives may have sharp corners that can leave lines and scratch marks on the plaster. To avoid this problem, round over the corners of the tools with 100-grit sandpaper.
  • Mix the Venetian plaster thoroughly before each use.
FAQ
  • What is the difference between Venetian plaster and regular plaster?

    Venetian plaster is made from slaked lime putty mixed with crushed marble which gives it the sheen that regular lime plaster does not have.

  • What colors does Venetian plaster come in?

    Some Venetian plaster products are sold already tinted, while others require that you or your dealer add universal colorants to achieve the color you want. The latter approach offers far more color choices.

  • Is Venetian plaster outdated?

    Venetian plaster is a classic look that doesn't go out of style. Venetian plaster is used by interior designers who value its polished look.

  • Does Venetian plaster contain VOCs?

    Most Venetian plaster is made from natural materials, which means that it is non-toxic and does not contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Always check the product label first, though, since some products may have polymers or additives that contain VOCs.