How to Do Italian Plaster Walls

Cover the floor of the area to be worked on with a drop cloth.

Open and mix the can of primer. Pour some into a paint tray, and use the roller to begin applying to the wall to be plastered. Prime the entire wall, and allow it to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Open the can of plaster. Use a paint stirrer to thoroughly mix the plaster.

Pour some plaster into a paint tray that is a little larger than the trowel. Holding the handle of the trowel, scoop some plaster onto the blade. Apply the plaster to the wall, using long, sweeping motions, holding the trowel at a 20- to 30-degree angle. Change the length and direction of application often while applying. When the wall is covered, let dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When the plaster is dry to the touch, burnish it gently using circular motions with the flat bottom of the clean trowel. Ensure to place to trowel flat on the wall before you apply pressure so that the plaster is not nicked or damaged.

Use the trowel at a higher angle, around 60 degrees, to add the second coat. Vary between short and long strokes as well as the direction of application. Let this coat dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Burnish the second coat when dry to the touch, according to the instructions above.