What Is Venetian Plaster? And What Makes It Unique?

Venetian plaster is a decorative wall finish that, while labor-intensive, can turn a room from bland to beautiful. The finish can be polished in such a way that it resembles marble or left rough, letting its natural texture shine. 

If you can see past the initial cost of Venetian plaster, there are many benefits to this decorative finish that extend beyond simple looks. This ancient technique has had a resurgence in the design world, and many homeowners are considering applying this architectural flair in their homes. 

The Basics of Venetian Plaster 

Venetian plaster is made from a mixture of fired limestone and water. These two elements are mixed together—sometimes including marble dust—and spread in layers over a bare wall. This can be on top of an existing plaster wall but is usually (at least these days) finished on top of drywall. 

Many homeowners choose a neutral color, like beige or cream, for their plaster mix. These shades are an easy choice, as pairing accent walls with furniture and other room furnishings adds an elegant flair to the room by adding dimension and depth to an otherwise flat wall or dreary room.   

Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, there is a catch, and that is the cost. Installing Venetian plaster takes time and, because applying Venetian plaster in your home requires an artistic touch, you may have to hire a plaster pro to complete the job. It’s for this reason that you typically see Venetian plaster in luxury homes and boutique, 4-and-5-star hotels. 

Types of Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster comes in a few different types, all with Italian names. There are other types of plaster, but these are the most common Venetian varieties:

Marmorino

Marmorino is the oldest of the three dating back to Ancient Roman times. It’s also one of the most popular applications today as it’s the easiest to DIY. Marmorino creates a matte finish wall that’s often left unpolished as it results in a weathered appearance that many find aesthetically pleasing. 

Scagliola

Scagliola—pronounced skah-lee-oh-la—is a much more involved type of Venetian plaster that mimics the appearance of marble and some semi-precious stones. Unlike Marmorino, Scagliola requires the mixing of multiple color types and careful layering to achieve the veined appearance of marble. Scagliola is often polished and looks extremely high-end.  

Sgraffito

Sgraffito—pronounced skrah-fee-tow—might look like a familiar word. If you guessed graffiti, you are correct. Graffiti comes from the Italian word “graffio”--which means “to scratch”--and  this is evident in the technique used for this type of Venetian plaster. Sgraffito involves adding layers of colored plaster and then scratching them to reveal the underlying layers. This method can be considered the most artistic of the three, but it does require a significant time commitment to complete. 

Installing Venetian Plaster

All things considered, Venetian plaster materials aren’t terribly expensive. One gallon tubs of Marmorino cost about $75. Assuming your wall is already built, you will only need a few extra tools that cost less than $100. The largest expense when installing Venetian plaster on your own is time. Expect a contractor to charge $10 to$25 per square foot to apply. While that quote does include labor, a large wall can quickly turn the project into one that costs $1,000 or more, per wall.  

Installing Venetian plaster yourself—using the Marmorino method—can be done in three steps:

1. Apply multiple coats of plaster.

2. Burnish and smooth the plaster.

3. Apply a top coat of wax to seal the plaster.

This is not the easiest DIY project, though. There are several ways you could apply the plaster incorrectly, which would require repair and maybe even removal, forcing you to start over from scratch. It’s for this reason we recommend working with a plaster repair pro near you to avoid any significant issues. 

The Pros and Cons of Venetian Plaster? 

Venetian plaster is beautiful and can add value to your home, but it’s not cheap. Application can be expensive when compared to other wall finishings, and it can take a great deal of time if you DIY. If the plaster isn’t polished and sealed correctly, it can become easily damaged. This type of finish is also quite sensitive to moisture shifts. 

That being said, Venetian plaster can also add beauty to your home in a unique way. No two Venetian plaster walls are the same and, if done by a skilled professional, can be works of art. Plaster walls can also last hundreds of years.