The term “Venetian Plaster” seems to stir the visual of a very high polished finish. One might assume that all Italian-Plasters have a glossy sheen, and this is so far from the truth. The amount of sheen depends on the product and its application. In general, the finer the aggregates in the plaster, and the more the plaster finish is burnished, the greater the sheen. The reverse also applies. The larger the aggregates, and the less you burnish, the lower the sheen.

Burnishing is when an applicator uses a trowel to compact the plastered finish by repeatedly going over the surface, with the edge of the trowel, in all directions. The more you burnish, the higher the gloss. The artisan can obtain various levels of sheen, from matte to high-gloss by varying the product and the amount of burnishing. A wide range of finishes can be achieved by using multiple layers, varying the products and varying the technique of application.

Authentic plasters are lime- based plasters that are made from marble, lime, and other natural aggregates. They are produced by traditional methods that have been around for centuries and have been improved with modern technology. Authentic plasters are all natural and have not been engineered synthetically. Synthetic plasters are made with resins, polymers, acrylics etc. and are made to simulate “real” authentic plaster. These synthetic plasters perform well but can not emulate all the physical and beneficial properties of authentic plaster and, in my opinion, are second best.

In home construction there are plenty of examples that are comparable: Examples such as vinyl versus leather, tile versus marble, laminate versus real hardwood flooring, laminate counters versus granite etc. When building your home, office, etc. all these materials may work but you should have the option to select the one that works best for you.  European Finishes uses a complete line of products, (system), that features authentic-lime plasters imported from Italy. The primers, plasters, waxes, tints etc. are all compatible products that when applied with the proper tools and techniques, the results are truly amazing!