There are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your home. For some, this might mean a brand new set of furniture while for others, a few unique pieces of wall art might do the trick. From lighting fixtures to flooring designs, it seems there is no end to the methods through which you can spruce up your living space. One popular and fairly inexpensive choice is to slap your walls with a fresh coat of paint. However, if you’re looking for something with a much more personal touch, you should consider Venetian plaster. In fact, in just a few simple steps you can apply Venetian plaster like a professional interior painter.

Firstly, keep in mind that Venetian plaster is an art form that has been perfected over several centuries. Modern tools have assisted in the application of Venetian plaster, but it’s still applied in much the same way as it was hundreds of years ago in ancient Venice. It is a design that has passed the test of time and many of the beautiful artworks created during the Italian Renaissance still exist to this day. In order to give your home the same urbane, long lasting look of ancient these Italian walls, you should use the very same methods.

In order to apply your Venetian plaster like a pro, start by cleaning the wall. Make sure your wall has a low sheen finish and, if it does not, apply a primer. Use a trowel loaded with plaster to create a thin layer by making broad and random strokes and be sure to wipe dried plaster off the trowel often.

After letting the area dry for about four or five hours, load your trowel with plaster yet again, hold it at about a 90 degree angle and make short strokes to fill in gaps left from first application. Afterward, smooth away any edge marks. After allowing the wall to dry for at least a full 24 hours, apply the sealing topcoat. Finally, step back and enjoy your new walls like a pro!

Do you have any experience with Venetian plaster? Would you recommend it to others?