Our new website (blogsite?) is finally live!
We are still working out the kinks, so please let us know if you spot any mistakes!
We think the new site will be a great resource for the plastering community. Here are some of the highlights:
- The blog (all you subscribers to this blog will want to be sure to subscribe to the new one for updates)
- FAQ page - ask the experts your Venetian plastering questions and vote the answers up and down according to how helpful they are!
- Personal Installer Profiles - Our Stucco Italiano installers get their own pages to share with their clients. Don’t have a profile page yet? E-mail Katharine.
- Stucco Italiano store - check out our clean new look!
- Galleries - Lots of photos of projects and finishes, and more coming soon!
- Home page - The home page itself has a wealth of information: tips and tricks, catalogues to download, videos, coverage calculator, and more!
Have fun exploring our new site and please let us know what you think of it.
Don’t forget to subcribe to the new blog. This will be the last post on this blog!
]]>Here’s a sneak peek at a screenshot of the home page currently under development.
We’re excited. What do you think?
]]>General information:
If you’re not familiar with Tadelakt, it’s a wonderful material. A traditional Moroccan wall finish, originating in the Marrakesh Region, is is found in the Hammams, the Moroccan steam bath, and in the riads of Marrakesh.
Here is some advice on how to easily apply Stucco Italiano’s Tadelakt. We have included some notes to compare this modern application method with the antique or traditional Moroccan method. Installers are often using more modern application methods to give a more refined effect compared to those obtained with the rougher, more rustic methods which use less sophisticated tools and less refined products.
Tadelakt - How to apply:
The preparation of the substrate is similar to that used with Stucco Italiano Marmorino Carrara. The ideal substrate is new plaster composed of lime, a little cement and sand. It can also be applied over old substrates as long as there is no crumbling and it has been treated with a primer.
Mix an 18 kg. container of material with about 6.5 – 7 kg of water. Once the material is well-mixed, it can be colored and then left to rest for about a half an hour. It can then be applied, either that day or the next. (The material will still be good for several days if it is kept in a sealed container away from heat. However, it’s best to apply it within 2 or 3 days.)
After the substrate has been prepared, the first coat, tinted or not (white), is applied with a metal trowel. (With the traditional Moroccan method, it is applied with a tool similar to a Swiss trowel which leaves a slightly wavy surface.) Let the first coat dry completely (overnight). Remember that part of the pattern that is left in the first coat will be visible in the finished work.
Before beginning the second coat, we advise, as we do in the instructions for Marmorino Carrara, to replace all the protective tape. For the second coat, apply the material with the color of your preference with a large, metal trowel. As with Marmorino Carrara, it should be applied over the entire surface smoothing out any marks left by the trowel, keeping in mind that any marks left at this stage with remain visible in the final surface. (For those wishing for a completely smooth surface, pass over the entire surface with a with a sponge float.) Let it dry a little until it loses its shine, which is due to an excess of water. In some places you will see a slight lightening of the color. At this point you can apply the third coat using the same material and the same big trowel, or a smaller one if you chose.
The important thing is to use a trowel with sharp edges. Apply a thin layer, pressing (unifying) the second and the third coat into one thickness. You will have to pass over the surface numerous times, always moving the trowel in different directions until you achieved the desired finish. If you see bubbles appear during this stage, you’ll need to wait a little more before the final burnishing stage.
It may be advantageous at the final stage of polishing to use a plastic trowel, especially with lighter colors, to avoid burning the surface. At this point in traditional Moroccan applications, the burnishing is done with a polished stone that, given its round shape, allows the artisan to follow the wavy surface which has been created in the preceding coats with the Swiss-type trowel.
When the Tadelakt is completely dry, usually after one or more days, it can be protected with a special Moroccan soap (the same one which is still used in the public, Moroccan baths) which is made from olive oil. The soap is spread as is, or diluted up to 100%, with as much water as desired. Since this soap is very dark, we advise that it be well-diluted when applied on light colors in order to avoid unwanted discolorations. Normally it should be applied with a metal trowel, rubbing it on the surface until it is completely absorbed. Any excess soap can be removed using a cloth after about 10 minutes.
Next Post: Tadelakt for showers, countertops, and floors. I’ll try to have that ready that for tomorrow. You can subscribe to our blog if you don’t want to miss this post.
]]>Here’s a project Norman did for Pat and Barry Conger, who won a Venetian Plaster finish at the annual R.A.Y.S. auction. They chose to have the plaster done at their local business office, 4th and Morris Dentistry.
Norman created a lightly distressed Carrara Venetian plaster finish in a grayish red tone.
In addition to Venetian plaster, Norman uses Golden Proceed products, like on this cabinet…
…and this sign…
Norman’s clients benefit from his commercial and residential construction experience.
From his bio:
- I work in a clean, efficient and safe manner.
- I understand most aspects of the building trades. Some very relevant to painting. Such as; will that wall settle and cause the new Italian plaster to crack? Will this electrical issue need to be repaired before we paint this wall? Should we do the mill work before or after the painting? How can we best protect this carpet? Etc.
- I can interface in an informed, knowledgeable way with the other contractors and designers on the project.
Unlike most painters, who tend to have knowledge limited to surfaces, I’m mindful of the full spectrum of the job.
I’ve applied decorative paint and plaster in Street of Dreams projects, doctors offices, design showrooms, for state senators and in luxury suites for captains of industry. I’m just as experienced in humble apartments and single family homes.
From simple paint glaze techniques to multi-layer plaster to intricate Trompe L’Oeil work, I am passionate about what I do.
Contact Norman Petersen:
Call Norman: 206-335-2513.
Want to be our next featured installer? E-mail Katharine.
]]>In the first one she used Marmorino Carrara on the walls and Golden metallic paints and powder pigments on the ceiling. She also painted the designs in the middle.
And here is a distressed Carrara finish…
A lovely Marmorino Classic finish…
Here is a table before Mariella started…
and after a Carrara finish…
Click on the thumbnails to see more photos of Mariella’s work:
Contact Mariella.
Have some Stucco Italiano project pics of your own to share?
Send them our way.
1. Regina Garay posted some more great content on her Fauxology blog. Some favorite posts:
- 2009 Color Trends
- Sunny With a Chance of Faux (great ideas for using the color yellow)
2. Found this history of Venetian plaster that says former ingredients include malt, beer, eggs, animal hair, and blood!
3. I like how this house in LA comes with Venetian Plaster and a Ferrari.
4. Venetian plaster can also be found in the Manhattan town house of unemployed hedge fund executive caught in Madoff Ponzi scheme. He’s selling.
5. Nice Tadelakt kitchen backsplash and counter shown in Style Files blog.
Suggestions for next week’s list? Let us know in the comments…
]]>Stucco Italiano Open Studio will be an ongoing networking event for our alumni students who want to exchange ideas and build their portfolios.
Any student who enrolls in one of our new classes, or has attended Aaron’s classes at either Vandelae Studios or Seattle Architectural Finishing Studio, is welcome to attend these fun networking events.
Upcoming 2009 Stucco Italiano Open Studios will be held on the following Saturdays:
- February 28th
- April 11th
- May 30th
Read more about Stucco Italiano Open Studio, then call us at 206.838.5888 or e-mail info@stuccoitaliano.us to secure your spot in the Open Studio of your choice.
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5 things you’ve probably heard about Venetian plaster, and why they are wrong:
1. You’ve heard: “Venetian plaster is a faux finish.”
The truth: Authentic Venetian plaster is not a faux finish. In fact, it’s the most authentic veneer wall finish you can have. When natural, lime-based venetian plaster is applied it will eventually return to it’s original state, which is lime and marble, AKA stone.
2. You’ve heard: You can buy Venetian plaster at Lowes or Home Depot.
The truth: You will find products labeled “Venetian plaster,” but they are actually composed of acrylic polymers and fillers such as gypsum and/or clay. While these synthetic Venetian plasters made by paint manufacturers may look somewhat similar to the real thing to the untrained eye, it’s been our experience that these synthetics will ultimately fade and become “tired” looking over a relatively short period of time, just like painted walls. Unlike real Venetian Plaster, synthetic Venetians are more closely related to paint than to stone, so this should come as no surprise.
3. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster can’t be applied in the shower, on exteriors, or on any surface that will get wet.
The truth: True Italian Venetian plaster is actually a wonderful choice for surfaces that will get wet. Lime plasters perform extremely well in wet climates by simply allowing any water that is absorbed into the plaster to quickly evaporate and exit the structure. That’s why they’re called Venetian plaster, because they can tolerate rising damp and canal-side applications like in the lagoons of Venice that would cause failure in acrylic and cement plasters. Traditional Moroccan lime plaster Tadelakt has been used in the Hammams (the traditional Moroccan steam baths), and in the riads of Marrakesh for centuries.
4. You’ve heard: Anyone can apply Venetian plaster in their home.
The truth: Well, it’s true that anyone can apply it. But applying it well is a different story. While we definitely aren’t saying you’ll be a pro after one day, our new PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics workshop is a good place for a beginner to start understanding the do’s and dont’s of Venetian plaster application. Also, consider hiring a skilled contractor to do the job.
5. You’ve heard: Installing Venetian plaster in your home will break the bank.
The truth: Unlike paints which must be reapplied over and over, Venetian plaster is a lifetime finish. The material is self-healing, much less likely to crack than cement finishes, and naturally mold-resistant, resulting in beautiful walls that will withstand the test of time. Green building will be a key part of America’s economic future, and authentic Venetian plasters are not only beautiful, they fit perfectly into the future of green building.
6. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster is really shiny.
The truth: OK that’s 6 things not 5 you caught me. Yes, Venetian plaster can be brought up to a natural high sheen by compressing the material as it dries. The more compression, the higher the sheen. However, natural lime plasters can also be finished to a rustic matte or satin sheen, depending on which material is used and how it is applied. The possible looks and finishes for Venetian plaster are limitless!
Got any more questions about Venetian plaster? Ask away in the comments and we’ll do our best to shed some light on the subject.
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Let’s face it. These days, we’re all pinching pennies a little more than we have in the past. You are looking for more value than ever before when you reach into your pocketbook.
That’s why we are enhancing our classes by adding FREE material and tools to take home after class, and offering GUARANTEED, ongoing, on-the-job support for our students and customers.
Whether you are a homeowner looking for a way to economically remodel your home, or a professional artisan aspiring to be at the top of the field, we can help you succeed.
Intrigued? Learn more about our All-in-One, Master Venetian Plaster Training, Materials, & Support Program or click on an individual class title below to find out which one will work for you.
PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics, 1-Day Class
High quality is important to you, but you don’t want to pay high prices for installation. Well, pick up a trowel and plaster it yourself! This one-day class introduces beginners to the foundation of Venetian plastering… (Read more about Plaster-It-Yourself)
Stucco Italiano Certification Course, 3-Day Class
The beginning to intermediate artisan who recognizes the importance of using the highest quality materials and the best techniques can take his or her career to the next level by becoming certified as a Stucco Italiano Installer… (Read more about Stucco Italiano Certification)
Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion, 3-Day Intensive
The future of interior design is green. While your clients are increasingly demanding all-natural materials that won’t harm the environment, they don’t want to sacrifice style. During this intermediate to advanced level intensive, you will learn a wide variety of the most sought-after finishes in the field, using only the finest non-toxic lime-based plasters… (Read more about Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion)
Go Golden: The Proceed Line, 3-day class
Sometimes you want to skip the natural look and go for a bolder texture, finish, or glaze. You need the versatility of an acrylic material, and we use only the best: Golden Proceed. (Read more about Go Golden: The Proceed Line)
Upcoming Class Schedule
PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics (1-Day Workshop)
February 21, 2009 (Sat)
April 25, 2009 (Sat)
Stucco Italiano Certification Course (3-Day Class)
February 23-25, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
April 27-29, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion (3-Day Class
April 30-May 2, 2009 (Thurs-Sat)
Go Golden: The Proceed Line (3-Day Class)
March 18-20, 2009 (Wed-Fri)
]]>Work was done on about 50 columns total on this impressive home which also features a naturally green, lime based Intonachino application on the exterior.
