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.