More than the everyday wall finish, polished plaster makes a classic and stylish statement on walls. For some varieties of this wall finish, such as the Venetian Stucco and Marmorino, have the capacity to turn any space into a beauty to behold because of their marble-like depth and smooth tactile finish.
Just like other masterpieces in life, maintaining the looks of a polished plaster finish requires attention. No matter how beautiful they are, polished plaster finished surfaces are not immune to wear and tear, and if left unattended, they will become ugly with time. This article will help you to understand how to take care of your Venetian walls.
What is Polished Plaster?
Polished plaster (or Italian plaster, sometimes called Venetian plaster) is a decorative wall finish that is made from lime-based materials and a mix of marble dust. This wall finish is applied in multiple thin layers and burnished to create a smooth, glossy and durable surface in spaces. Polished plaster comes in many varieties, and each of these varieties offers a specific aesthetic to spaces. While the marble plaster provides the natural luxurious marble finish, the Venetian Stucco paint comes with a rich, subtle texture with dimensional colours on any space applied.
Polished plaster offers other benefits to spaces, as it is often made from breathable materials and is resistant to mould; all of these contribute to a healthy indoor environment in spaces where it is used as a finish.
Why Maintenance Matters for Polished Plaster
No doubt, polished plaster is known to be durable, but that does not mean maintenance is not necessary. Venetian polished plaster is vulnerable to environmental damage. Starting with its smooth surface, which can be scratched or scuffed, perhaps even spilt on, especially in spaces where there is much human activity, such as hallways and kitchens. Exposure to moisture, humidity and sunlight also may result in discolouration and cracking of polished plaster over time.
Neglecting the maintenance of polished plaster spaces can be costly. A full-fledged repair of a polished plaster surface costs time and money. Therefore, it is essential and wise to engage a professional for the regular maintenance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Polished Plaster Finish
To protect the beauty of your polished plaster surfaces, here’s a quick guide:
- Make sure that the installer uses a professional sealant on the surface. This helps protect against moisture, spills and stains. For daily maintenance, it will be a great idea to use a slightly damp cloth to dust the surface
- Please do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives to clean polished plaster walls, as these can cause permanent damage.
- Do not hang heavy items on them without proper anchors, and if you can, add cushioning pads to furniture resting on them
- Ensure spaces with polished plaster walls are well ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, and regulate exposure to direct sunlight to prevent damage.
Prevention is always cheaper than dealing with the damage. We hope the steps highlighted in this article are valuable.
For personalised advice on maintaining and installing polished plaster, feel free to contact us today.