Wondering why we stress Venetian plaster’s green qualities (non-VOC, naturally mold-resistant)?
People are becoming more and more concerned about indoor air quality. Homes plagued with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or mold can negatively impact the health of the occupants. According to Green By Design, “an estimated 15% of the U.S. population — millions of people — are chronically ill from their homes, and indoor air quality is a major factor.”
If you are using Venetian plaster, you might want to check out some info on indoor air quality around the web:
- Treehugger on causes and testing of poor indoor air quality
- Build It Green explains that “A common source of indoor air pollution is the offgassing of chemicals found in many building materials…”
- There’s even an Indoor Air Quality Association…
Have you noticed a difference between working with non-toxic Venetian plasters versus acrylic finishes? Tell us about it in the comments…
Stucco Italiano is a member of the US Green Building Council. Naturally high in pH, lime finishes act as an anti-bacterial surface, neutralizing the development of organic substances such as mold and fungus.
its simple:P ….acrylic stinks
Steve said it best. No fun to work around synthetic material!
I have found in my marketplace, many homeowners who are wanting a textured finish that is natural, often get misinformed by being sold on acrylic based products that have appearances of Natural Plasters. They are not informed on the off gassing and impermeable, non breathable aspects of such Acrylic imitations, while being charged almost the same per sq ft as a natural lime plaster. Acrylics certainly have their place, but beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! A good applicator should inform and explain the differences of each possible product.