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1. Rating: +9

   

   Can Marmorino be applied in the bathrooms?

   Yes, and we advise applying a soap treatment, a wax treatment, or preferably both for best protection. The soap not only protects, but also makes Marmorino hydro repellent. What is really required in the bathroom is a protection against splashes of body lotions, creams and bath foams.

   Our Marmorino can be applied even inside the shower areas. In this case it is strongly recommended to apply a waterproof treatment to avoid the lower parts and the corners remaining wet because of the scarce air circulation. A common feature of all the lime-based plasters is that they become stained if they are not properly dried after they become wet.

   Aaron

2. Rating: +9

   

   Hi Aaron, How do you compare lime plaster to clay plaster, Like american clay? Calvin in Kelowna BC

   Hi Calvin

   I can't help being a big fan of lime plasters but of course I'm biased. Lime plasters will generally dry harder than clay, do not require additives to cure completely, and I find them easier to work with in general. That being said I know plenty of excellent clay applicators out there and I think there is plenty of beautiful work being done with both types of materials.

   Aaron

3. Rating: +7

   

   How can I create a perfect external corner?

   In order to get a good external corner at 90° we recommend using the special corner trowel in all the coats. When applying Marmorino, if the trowel is moved from the bottom to the top, it creates two strips as large as the two metallic wings. If these wings are left as they are, they will be seen at the end of the work.

   The trowel applies some material on the two adjoining walls; one is where we are currently working and the other is where we will work. On the wall where we are working we simply work to make the strip seamless to the other material we are applying. On the adjoining wall, we widen the strip of the material using either a trowel or a spatula, working to leave more thickness in the area near the corner and less as we progressively move away from the corner’s line. When we work on this second wall thereafter, we will not use the corner trowel as the corner has already been created. We should work very carefully to avoid disturbing it.

   In order to simplify the job, we suggest applying the Marmorino at the same time on both the walls, or at least working on the second wall when the first is still fresh.

4. Rating: +7

   

   does it matter if you plaster over wallpaper?

   I'd be careful about applying our plasters over wallpaper. Not only can the moisture from the materials loosen the wallpaper paste, but even if you seal out the paper with a moisture barrier (like kilz), the plaster will shrink as it dries and possibly pull the wallpaper in sections. So I'd recommend removing the wallpaper.

   Aaron

5. Rating: +6

   

   How long does the Marmorino last?

   Venezia has countless Marmorino finishes more than three hundred years old. Marmorino is a very strong finish and because it is very smooth, is also hardly soiled by dirt. The worst enemy is the dirty air, conveyed by the heating systems especially in polluted areas (large cities), while the second danger is the splashes of dirty water, wine, coffee, or oil coming from the internal parts of the walls.

6. Rating: +6

   

   How can I properly maintain a Marmorino wall?

   We simply suggest removing the dust. If the wall has been waxed, re-apply the wax treatment after two/three years.

7. Rating: +6

   

   If the wall is already painted, is the primer necessary?

   When the wall has been homogeneously painted using acrylic paint the primer is not necessary, but in all other cases it is. Be careful when a wall, already painted with acrylic, shows subsequent repairing. These areas will be more absorbent, and, if not properly treated with quartz primer or other acrylic primers, they will be visible at the end, showing unsightly darker and lighter patches.

   Aaron

8. Rating: +5

   

   How can I clean Marmorino?

   First of all we don’t recommend using plain water. If the water gets mixed with the dirt, it can be absorbed by the surface and will get hopelessly stained.

   If the cause is smog (above radiators) or smoke (on top of or around fireplaces) we suggest using our specific RINFRESCA paste detergent ready to use. This paste, which should be evenly spread on the Marmorino, has the distinctive feature of wrapping the particles of dirt and preventing the wall from absorbing them. The paste is thereafter removed from the wall using a sponge and clean water.

   Marks from shoes or similar surface stains can be removed with a rubber eraser. If the Marmorino has been previously treated with wax or soap, the cleaning job will be much easier.

9. Rating: +5

   

   If the Marmorino has been waxed, will I be able to apply a paint or Marmorino on top?

   Yes. Our natural wax, once crystallized– which happens few days after the application, can be covered with other coatings. If the Marmorino is covered with an excessive coat of wax or other kind of wax, we strongly recommend removing it by washing with thinners and sanding the surface. Thereafter it is also recommended to apply a good primer (we suggest Quartz Primer).
   Before applying the new coat always test it on a small area.

10. Rating: +4

    

    How can I create a completely matte Marmorino finish?

    A surface is very glossy when it is not porous. Our lime-based materials are mixed with water; when the water evaporates it leaves micro porosities. The more and larger these porosities, the more matte the finish.
    To get a very matte surface we start applying a generous second coat and generous third coat while the second is still wet. Between the coats the surface is worked with the metallic trowel. However, polishing the third coat excessively is not recommended, to avoid the typical damages to the surface such as “peeling off”.

    The matte effect can be enhanced on a Marmorino coat already applied with the help of acid substances diluted in water. This job should be done very carefully and using several coats of very diluted acid as to avoid obtaining darker and glossier zones. For these works we strongly suggest to using the Marmorino Carrara as the Classic is very difficult to be used in both the techniques mentioned above.

11. Rating: +4

    

    Is Marmorino suitable for external use?

    Yes, Marmorino is suitable for the exterior, even in cold countries. However, in countries where temperatures go well below zero, we suggest the application on walls not be directly exposed to the rain.

12. Rating: +4

    

    Can damages be repaired?

    A perfect and invisible repair is almost impossible. However, with careful application an almost imperceptible repair is possible. Always leave a sample of the original material kept under water in an airtight container with your client or archive in your storage room. Theoretically the material should last forever, giving you the possibility of easier repairing.

    Aaron

13. Rating: +4

    

    For a new construction job,what type of substrate and surface prep does the builder need to apply for Intonachino and where do I get Idrocalce-It will be exterior work-Thanks so much-Gracie

    For interior work Intonachino may be applied directly over primed drywall. On exteriors a lime scratch and brown system is ideal, but cement scratch and brown systems are acceptable. Intonachino may also be effectively applied over EIFS systems. You may want to have your builder contact me directly especially if he is not well-versed in conventional exterior finishing systems - aaron@stuccoitaliano.us Idrocalce is a water based penetrating sealer manufactured in Italy. We don't use idrocalce here but we carry a similar material by Glaze and Seal and you can probably find one locally without too much trouble.
    - Aaron

14. Rating: +4

    

    can plaster be applied over wallpaper

    I'd be careful about applying our plasters over wallpaper. Not only can the moisture from the materials loosen the wallpaper paste, but even if you seal out the paper with a moisture barrier (like kilz), the plaster will shrink as it dries and possibly pull the wallpaper in sections. So I'd recommend removing the wallpaper.
    - Aaron

15. Rating: +3

    

    How do I store the material?

    The material can be preserved for 7 or more years if airtight in its original package or if covered by a layer of water. Always store it in cool environments and never near/below zero.

16. Rating: +3

    

    Which Marmorino is the best to use– the Carrara or the Classic?

    While almost always this is a simple question of aesthetics, in the exterior and in the public areas we suggest the application of Carrara. We also suggest Carrara, at least as first coat, when the substrate is cracked or imperfect in other ways, as the Carrara makes a thicker coat than the Classic.

    Aaron

17. Rating: +3

    

    Which wax works best with the Marmorino Classic?

    Most applicators choose the Cera liquid Beeswax. It's a penetrating wax which is applied by sponge and wiped off, then buffed. Very easy to use, no smell or toxiciy, and does an excellent job of enhancing sheen and creating a relatively high degree of moisture resistance.
    -Aaron

18. Rating: +3

    

    Hi Aaron, I've done many fireplace surrounds--chimneys and hearths with marmorino and in particular I love your Carrara. I need an info sheet for San Benito county to assure them that the product and topcoat (which do you recommend as best for topcoat?) are not flammable and appropriate for the use. Would an MSDS do the job? Can you email something ASAP?

    Our MSDS sheet for Marmorino is available here: http://www.stuccoitalianoinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/marmcarrclassvelv0509.doc
    As you probably know, lime plaster is like stone when cured, so it is non-flammable. Generally I'd recommend penetrating sealers for areas that may be exposed to heat.

    Aaron

19. Rating: +3

    

    Hi Aaron, We are still tryiong to figure out which is the best/proper sealer to use for our lime plaster walls - the top coat is 50/50% carrera/intonachino (fine); the bottom coat is 100% intonachino (medium). There are many penetrating sealers on the market - what ingredients should we look for? Our finish is MATTE and smooth/rough - stone-like w/undercoat showing through & top coat about 70%coverage. Is your idrocacle suitable...what can we get locally. We are looking for a sealer that is washable (if need be)bc in our yoga studio people put their hands/feet on the walls. Thanks, Lynne

    I'd use a locally available penetrating sealer for the walls. You can find these at stone and tile suppliers. As a general rule anything that can be used with stone should be compatible with lime plasters, although I'd highly recommend testing a small area before doing the whole thing!

    Aaron

20. Rating: +3

    

    Can you use venetian plaster over concrete walls, such as is in a basement?

    Concrete is not the ideal substrate for lime plaster but it is everywhere of course and you can apply venetian plaster over it. I'd recommend an acrylic concrete primer prior to the application of any of our materials.

    Aaron

21. Rating: +2

    

    what kind of primer do i need to cover painted walls for venetian plaster

    Use our quartz primer to ensure best results. However, our materials will bond well to any good- quality acrylic primers. Make sure walls are well sealed. At least 2 coats is recommended over new drywall.
    - Aaron

22. Rating: +2

    

    i am a maintenance foreman where the walls are finished with venetian plaster. We also have banisters made of brass and finished with a dark brown like patina finish. One of my workers sprayed the banisters with either furniture polish, steel crome polish, or maybe even mineral shock. the patina from the banister splashed against the venetian plaster and is now stained and has brown drip marks that will not come off. what do you recommend i do?

    Unfortunately staining on Venetian plaster almost always means the stain has saturated into the material, it's not just sitting on the surface. We have an oil based paraffin wax that sometimes helps clean that type staining and also will prevent it in the future - but the stain will robably never comletely go away. It's important to seal your Venetian Plaster finish properly depending on the type of use it will be getting and what it will normally be exposed to.

    Aaron

23. Rating: +1

    

    How can I protect the surface from dirt?

    INTERIORS: After a minimum of 24 hours a coat of CERA WAX can be applied with a sponge.

    EXTERIORS: After at least 72 hours at a temperature of 20°C, 68°F, proceed with colorless, penetrating IDROCALCE, developed to protect exterior plaster coverings. Use a brush to apply two coats of ca.150-180grs / sq meter.

24. Rating: +1

    

    Hey, Aaron this dan prudnick i took your class last year havent done much but have been want to do more so im practicing in my garage and i need to get material to practice with so i wanted to no if you have material i can get at a discount to practice with i want to get going with this. i like the intonochino tadelakt thanks. thanks dan

    Hi Dan - sometimes we have mistinted material we can work out a discount on. Why don't you email me direct aaron@stuccoitaliano.us and give me some more detail on which materials you want and how much you need.
    Aaron

25. Rating: +1

    

    can you put this over wood paneling or only on drywall?

    Well the problem with wood paneling is it is not as stable as drywall - it flexes. Real lime plasters like Stucco Italiano's do not have much flexibility (more than cement and concrete, yes, but not like acrylic materials) so I'd have to advise against going directly over wood paneling.

    Aaron

26. Rating: +0

    

    Hi Aaron I want to change some lamps with plaster bases. Would this material work to change the finish on the lamps?

    Our material should work well on any surface as long as the substrate is in good shape.

27. Rating: +0

    

    Hello there Aaron. My name is Calvin Heinrichs and I took your 3 day weekend workshop last year when you came to Kelowna, B.C. You had gone on a trip shortly after that and taken a course there. Are there any more trips to Italy for that course? I am interested in going. Thanks, Calvin

    Hi Calvin. We may take a group to Italy in the fall of 2010. Email me - aaron@stuccoitaliano.us - and I'll send you information if and when we do schedule that class.

28. Rating: +0

    

    Greetings. We have ceramic tile kitchen counter and backsplash. What do we need to do to prepare for plaster? And which plaster finish would you recommend?

    For the kitchen counter I would recommend the Tadelakt material. Preparing the counter is a matter of getting something to level the surface, to bond, and not to crack. We have a lime-based resurfacing product that would do the trick. Also you can use any number of acrylic/cement products for this purpose.
    Aaron

29. Rating: +0

    

    I have just rented an appartment in Italy and some of the walls ans doors are covered with stucco Veneziano.It looks dirty and I would like to freshen it up. How do I wash this type of finish? Thanks Maria

    Kind of tough to wash them - a quick fix to consider is applying a coat of lime wash over the existing plaster to freshen it up.

    Aaron