Venetian Drywall Texture Installation Tips

Idea Surface

• A true venetian plaster finish is completely smooth. Some applicators may apply the plaster thick in a stucco fashion; however, this is the incorrect method. For the most smooth look of plaster, begin with a smooth surface. Roll on two or three coats of bonding primer to seal the drywall porous surface. If the drywall is not sealed, the plaster may not adhere well and may crack. Between each coat, and especially the final coat, sand with lightweight sandpaper to remove all crumbs or imperfections created by the paint. It is ideal to use a low nap or sponge roller. A rough nap roller creates paint drips and a sagging effect on smooth walls.

Layers

• Venetian plaster received the look of intense depth and coloration by adding many thin layers. The first layer is applied in a random fashion with various high and low spots. Still, even the highest point of the plaster should not be more than 1/4 inch thick. Not all areas need to be covered. The following steps include simply skimming the wall with venetian plaster and filling in the dips and crevices created by the first layer. The skimming effect is very similar to skimming butter on bread. Very thin and light. These coats are referred to as skim coats. Between each skim coat, a light sanding of the wall is required.

Color Variation

• To add slight color variation, apply two or more colors onto your trowel when skim coating the venetian plaster. Only small amounts of two or three colors are needed. When skimming, and you notice the colors tend to mix and form a new color, it is time to discard the colors on your trowel and add new colors. Step back from your work every few minutes to ensure your skim coat and colors are evenly spaced.

Wax or Polyurethane Layer

• The true venetian plaster finishes do not require any type of final coating except for constant buffing of the venetian layer plaster. A car buffer is used or simply a plain trowel pressed against the surface. However, this requires a tremendous amount of work. Some products have a wax finish you lightly trowel over your finished product. Other products may simply require a high-gloss water-based polyurethane. If you are unsure what finish is right for you, practice all techniques and finishes on a spare piece of drywall.