The spectacular visual depth of Venetian Plaster comes from layers of smooth translucent material that is built up with small spatulas to control how the surface responds to light. This allows the craftsman to optically imitate the depth and beauty of many natural surfaces. A final, hand-polished coat of special waxes can be customized with endless colors and textures.

Not all Venetian Plaster is the same. Some procedures are recognized as 'classics' in the Italian tradition, and different regions of Italian have their own techniques. They each have different formulas and are known by many names and: Stucco ad Encaustic, Grassello, Marmorino, Intonachino, Coccio Pesto, and Stucco Fiorentino. Most of the formulas are closely kept secrets, passed down in families and among craftsmen much like in the days of the Guilds and studios of the Renaissance.

"You have to actually see and touch Venetian Plaster to appreciate how rich and solid it is."


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Recent advances have introduced many new methods, some contribute to the classic techniques but too many fail the test of time and the goal of beauty. Knowing which tools and materials, ancient or modern, produce the best results takes years of experience and covers a lot of walls.
Though Venetian Plaster got its name from the 18th century palaces of Venice, it's history actually began when wealthy Romans discovered the secrets of giving their walls brilliance, color, and strength.








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Venetian plaster is an ancient, classical art medium that has been perfected over the centuries. You’ll find it used in a surpassing variety of ways, often giving the impression of stone, great age, or any number of other materials.

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As far back as 1628 the priest Vincenzo Requeno experimented with combinations of plaster, lime and wax the same ingredients the Egyptians used to preserve many of their monuments. Over time, the technique of finishing layers of plaster with heated iron tools and a variety of other materials became the ideal for protecting and enhancing great architecture.

Even after being buried by the volcano Vesuvius for over two-thousand years ancient Roman frescoes survived in the villas of Pompeii. Entire towns were freed from the ashes to reveal interior decorations that out lasted their Roman civilization. At Pompeii, one particular procedure consistently preserved the quality of colors on ancient walls. It endured the damage of heat, time, soil, and atmospheric conditions better than even modern frescoes techniques.

Walsh Decorative Finishes • Sarasota. Florida • US • cell: 941-915-8749 • info@walshwalls.com