Venetian stucco: how to achieve highly decorative walls?
The demands of any kinds of renovation project are increasing, so professionals must provide a quality image and offer a wide range of options to achieve elegant atmospheres. When we think of high decoration, we must talk about Venetian stucco.
It is one of the oldest decorative painting techniques which dates back to the 15th century, when this material became popular among Venetian architects. Since then, its value has increased even more, because the personalized spaces have become very much in demand. The needs to offer unique decoration require knowledges of various techniques in order to have inspiring designs.
Venetian stucco application on a wall with neutral tones that matches perfectly with the leather armchair and the wooden floor
It is a decorative coating that offers a marble-like finish, which makes it the ideal material to give walls a shine and a special touch. However, Venetian stucco is not easy to apply and is a difficult material to work with.
Here is a detailed explanation of how to apply this coating made of natural lime and marble powder.
How to apply a Venetian stucco wall?
The application of Venetian stucco involves not only having the right materials, but also knowledges about the steps to follow and how to achieve final results in an easy way. A quality application allows us to design and play with beautiful light and create a very aesthetic effect.
Check that the wall is clean and free of cracks
Before applying Venetian stucco, as the same with microcement, it is necessary to check that the surface is in good condition, clean and free of cracks. Complete cleaning and preparation of the walls is the key to achieve good adhesion of the product.
If the wall is damaged, a coat of primer should be applied and left to dry for 12 hours, then sand the wall with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any cracks and imperfections.
Once the wall is smooth, you can begin to work. The next step is to mix the stucco with pigment to give it the desired colour and texture.
Apply the first coat of stucco
When the surface and the product are well prepared, apply the first coat of stucco by a trowel. The application of this layer should be as smooth as possible. Try to avoid the stucco running down the sides and thicken the surface.
Leave this layer to dry for about 6 hours, then remove any imperfections on the surface by spatula. This process can also be carried out by sandpaper.
Apply the second coat of stucco
The second coat of Venetian stucco requires a drying time of 24 hours and the same procedure as the first coat. This layer should be applied with transverse or up and down movements.
It is important to mind details and be patient to make the surface as even as possible. Once it is dry, remove the imperfections before applying the final coat.
Final coat of stucco
The next step is to apply the final coat of Venetian stucco, which needs 30 minutes to dry. This coat has to be applied with irregular movements and leaving spaces unfilled.
Give shine and protection to the coating
To give the wall a shine that similar to marble, apply a layer of wax with circular movements. Wax is also a good solution for protecting Venetian stucco, and for this purpose, a spatula is needed. A wet cloth is enough to maintain the stucco.
Venetian stucco finish in light tones on a Mediterranean style bedroom wall
Why apply Venetian stucco?
Venetian stucco is perfect for creating elegant and sophisticated atmospheres in rooms such as the dining room, the living room and especially in the bathroom. This decorative paint is ideal for imitating the most luxurious natural stones.
The result of its application is a coating of great beauty that enhances the decoration of bathrooms and common areas of the house. Besides, it is also an ideal choice for creating a bedroom with an exquisite style that conveys softness and shine.
Advantages of Venetian stucco
- It is a cladding that offers a high decorative value, especially for those who are looking for originality, exclusivity and distinction.
- It transforms and personalises atmosphere, offering a brilliant appearance that fits in perfectly with interior decoration.
- In addition to be a decorative technique capable of bringing out great beauty, Venetian stucco can reinforce and waterproof walls. It also allows them to breathe and is a material that is resistant to alkaline aggressions.
- The high resistance and the durability explain why stuccoes can last more than 50 years and sustain over time without problems.
- It is a slow-ageing material that is composed of additives and marble dust, which means a high capacity for adhesion to the substrate.
- Venetian stucco is bactericidal, anti-mould and non-flammable.
Venetian stucco on the wall of a minimalist-style living room
- Besides of being resistant to bacteria, Venetian stucco also offers an absolutely natural finish.
- It is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with water. We should bear in mind that normally stucco is not washable. In areas which we want to wash, it is important to protect it with wax
How much does it take to apply Venetian stucco?
The cost of applying Venetian stucco depends on some factors such as the state of the existing surface of the wall, the quality of the materials, the square metres of the surface to be coated, as well as the complexity of the work. But only a professional is capable to estimate the price per square metre of stucco.
It should be borne in mind that the application of Venetian stucco is a laborious process, which influences the final price, because it requires specialised techniques. There are two types of application techniques and the choice of one or the other will affect the cost.
Traditional application way requires 4-5 coats to achieve the desired decorative effect. This results in a longer working time and therefore higher costs.
Modern application way uses pre-mixed products whose traditional ingredients are mixed with other synthetic substances. This technique means faster to carry out project, and less coats are needed, but the materials can be more expensive.
Venetian stucco finish on the walls of a room decorated in brown
Microcement, the alternative to Venetian stucco on walls
Venetian stucco and microcement are two decorative coatings that are similar visually from a distance, but they are actually two very different materials.
Stucco is only applied on walls and ceilings, while microcement can be applied on both non-transit surfaces and floors. In addition, a microcement coating offers greater resistance and hardness, because it is a material designed to resist high temperatures, abrasion as well as wear and tear.
Venetian stucco is sealed with waxes, which have less chemical resistance. The sealing process of microcement is done with varnishes, which increase mechanical resistance and prevent the coating from being damaged by humidity, dirt, chemicals or sunlight
A good Venetian stucco has to repeat the pattern. On the contrary, microcement offers a greater variety of finishes and textures. Microcement presents more industrial style, more polished or glossy cement effect, and adheres to all types of substrates.