Introduction
There’s a confidence that comes with knowing your space stands out for its ambiance, beautiful furniture set, and perfectly finished walls. Yes, walls. Walls are not just a part of the building. They influence the look of your home and reflect your taste as a homeowner.
Ordinary and Venetian plasters are two popular wall finishes. Venetian plaster is more durable and offers a rich look, but it’s significantly more expensive and difficult to apply. Read on to learn more about the differences between ordinary and Venetian plaster.
Comparison Table
Key Features | Ordinary Plaster | Venetian Plaster |
Plaster composition | It’s made of lime and gypsum mixed with water. | It’s made of marble dust and lime, mixed with colored pigments. |
Application process | Applying ordinary plaster isn’t as complicated as Venetian. You can apply it yourself, and in most cases, only two coats are needed for good results. | Applying Venetian plaster is like creating a work of art. You should hire an artisan for the job, and it is applied in multiple coats to achieve a perfect finish. |
Durability | This plaster isn’t as durable as Venetian plaster. It’s prone to cracking over time and doesn’t resist mold or mildew, especially in moisture-prone areas. | Venetian plaster is known for its durability. It actually becomes stronger over time and resists mold and mildew because of its alkaline nature. |
Drying time | Ordinary plaster dries quickly when mixed with water. It hardens before completely applied. | Unlike ordinary plaster, Venetian takes longer to dry, so you get enough time to achieve a smooth finish. |
Aesthetic appeal | This plaster creates a flat, matte surface that’s great for painting or adding wallpaper. However, it doesn’t add much visual interest. | The marble dust in Venetian plaster gives the walls a glossy look that enhances the ambience of the space. |
Cost | It’s less expensive than Venetian plaster. | Venetian plaster is more expensive because of its quality and the skilled labor required to apply it properly. |
Environmental impact | Ordinary plaster contains gypsum, which is a natural mineral, but it goes through a manufacturing process that affects the environment. | Venetian plaster is made of lime and marble dust, which are natural resources. They don’t affect the environment much. |
Maintenance | Since ordinary plaster is prone to cracks, it requires regular patching and repainting over time. | It requires little maintenance. You just need to regularly clean the surface with a moist cloth. |
Plaster Composition
Ordinary plaster:
Ordinary plaster is made from gypsum, lime, and water. It forms a paste that’s smooth and ideal for preparing wall surfaces for painting or wallpaper.
Venetian plaster:
Venetian plaster, on the other hand, is made up of marble dust, lime, and water. It also forms a paste, but it’s not as fine as ordinary plaster in texture. This plaster adds a sparkle effect to the room, giving a luxurious look.
Application Process
Ordinary plaster:
While every wall finish requires attention to detail, applying ordinary plaster isn’t as complicated as Venetian plaster. You can apply the plaster yourself using a trowel or hopper gun in layers. At least two or three layers are needed to achieve a smooth finish.
Venetian plaster:
Venetian plaster requires skilled artisans to apply. It is a work of art and must be applied with care. Unlike ordinary plaster, Venetian plaster is applied in multiple thin layers until the desired effect is achieved.
Specialized tools like trowels, spatulas, and hawks are used to spread each layer evenly across the walls. Even a small mistake during application can affect the overall appearance.
Durability
Ordinary plaster:
These plasters are durable, but not as much as Venetian plasters. They can crack over time and attract mold and mildew, especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens.
Venetian plaster:
Venetian plaster doesn’t wear out but actually becomes stronger over time because of the natural properties of lime, which is one of its key ingredients. The alkaline nature of lime also helps resist mold and mildew growth.
Drying Time
Ordinary plaster:
It dries quickly when mixed with water, which can be both beneficial and problematic. While walls dry fast, the plaster can sometimes set too quickly, drying out before you fully apply it.
Venetian plaster:
Unlike ordinary plaster, Venetian plaster takes longer to dry. It allows enough time for the artisan to apply multiple layers on the wall till the desired outcome is achieved.
Aesthetic Appeal
Ordinary plaster:
Ordinary plasters get compliments, but they are bland when compared to Venetian plaster. They are usually monochromatic and commonly used to create a smooth surface for paints.
Venetian plaster:
The glossy and sparkling appearance of Venetian plaster screams luxury. Their striking look keeps eyes glued to them right from the doorstep. The added color pigments give a personalized finish.
Cost
Ordinary plaster:
Ordinary plaster is more budget-friendly compared to Venetian plaster. Even if you hire a professional, it would cost you significantly less.
Venetian plaster:
Luxury comes at a price, and if you choose Venetian plaster, be prepared to spend a lot of money. The cost of materials and skilled artisans quickly increases the cost.
Environmental Impact
Ordinary plaster:
Ordinary plaster has gypsum as its main ingredient. Though gypsum is a natural mineral, its manufacturing process consumes a lot of energy and can contribute to carbon emissions, impacting the environment.
Venetian plaster:
Venetian plaster is made from natural materials like lime and marble dust, which have a lower environmental footprint. Lime absorbs carbon dioxide during curing, helping to reduce emissions.
Maintenance
Ordinary plaster:
Since ordinary plaster is less durable, it cracks often and requires regular patching and repainting. However, it’s easy to patch them.
Venetian plaster:
Maintaining Venetian plaster is simple. Wipe your walls with a moist microfiber cloth to remove dust and keep them sparkling. However, it’s more complicated and expensive to fix cracks.
FAQs
Can I apply Venetian plaster myself, or should I hire a pro?
No, you need to hire a pro to apply Venetian plaster. They use specialized tools to apply the plaster in multiple thin layers till the desired effect is achieved.
Can you paint over Venetian plaster?
Venetian plaster is usually left exposed to show off the glossy finish. You can paint over it, but it’ll cover the unique look of Venetian.
Which Is Better: Ordinary or Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster has a glossy, sparkling finish that can elevate any room and is more durable than ordinary plaster. The downside is that it’s significantly more expensive and harder to apply. If budget isn’t a concern, Venetian plaster is definitely the better choice.
The Final Word
If you’re in Adelaide and need help applying ordinary or Venetian plaster, get in touch with Swart Plastering. With over 100 years of experience, we use high-quality plaster products and make sure every project is completed with precision.
Ready to Transform Your Home or Business? Book a Consultation with Swart Plastering!
