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How to Use Valspar Venetian Plaster

Roxanne McHenry

Venetian plaster is a multi-layered wall finish that is applied in strokes with a plaster spatula that originated in Venice, Italy. Valspar Venetian plaster is a special paint designed to recreate the look of genuine Venetian plaster in an easy application. The final finish has a two-tone look of polished marble or natural stone that can be polished into a high gloss if desired.

Valspar Venetian plaster has a two-tone look of layered plaster.

Step 1

Tape the baseboards and around windows and doors using painter's tape, and place drop cloths on the floors.

Step 2

Scrape any bumps or irregular surfaces on the walls flat, and apply crack filler where needed to create a smooth surface.

Step 3

Pour the primer into a roller tray and prime the walls using a 3/8 inch roller, then allow the walls to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 4

Pour the Venetian plaster into a roller pan and use a 3/8 inch roller to roll the plaster onto the wall in a 3 foot by 3 foot section.

Step 5

Use a steel spatula to move the applied plaster in different directions in an overlapping pattern. Try to use a random motion to avoid leaving an even pattern, especially along the edges.

Step 6

Apply the Venetian plaster product with the roller to the next 3 foot square section and use the steel scraper to move the product in an overlapping pattern next to the previous section.

Step 7

Repeat this application until you cover the entire surface. Let this first coat dry one to four hours until matte and lighter in color.

Step 8

Apply a second coat using the steel spatula with a small amount of Venetian plaster on the blade. Start at the top of the wall and apply the plaster thinly in a random pattern, moving back and forth and side to side.

Step 9

Cover the surface completely using the steel scraper and plaster, then allow to dry for another one to four hours.

Step 10

Smooth the surface with the steel spatula for a polishing effect, then polish the surface further with a nylon kitchen scrubber, moving in a back and forth motion.

Step 11

Buff the completed surface using fine steel wool in a circular motion to polish the surface to a high-gloss finish if desired.