If I may quote Kit:

Designers in France are using it today for its silky texture and indescribable patina, which are unmatched by any other plaster finish available. It is absolutely stunning.”

Couldn’t have said it any better myself.  Here’s a link to the full post.

We love Tadelakt for walls, showers, floors, it’s a wonderful material.

Thanks also to Canadian Master Plasterer Steve Manby for turning me on to the post through his lime green plaster blog.  Check out the black exterior Tadelakt project he did this past spring in the Vancouver, BC area on a contemporary home. Very impressive.  Here’s a couple of photos:

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:

• The EPA’s guide to indoor air quality

• Wikipedia on indoor air quality

• 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…

Steve Manby of Authentic Plaster FX posted on his blog about Aaron checking out his black Tadelakt exterior.

Hopefully he’ll send us more pics soon!

• UPDATED 8-18-09

VENETIAN PLASTER AND FAUX FINISHERS:

http://twitter.com/VistaCustmClrs
http://twitter.com/GregthePainter

http://twitter.com/shaktispace
http://twitter.com/smartartstudios
http://twitter.com/FauxDaddy
http://twitter.com/KimKimCherie
http://twitter.com/momsiepalooza
http://twitter.com/barnmom
http://twitter.com/annielore
http://twitter.com/PaintedLadyRach
http://twitter.com/Token12ga
http://twitter.com/singingwalls
http://twitter.com/carolreynolds
http://twitter.com/IcingStudios
http://twitter.com/LynneRutter
http://twitter.com/artistryinfaux
http://twitter.com/muralmaker1
http://twitter.com/FikeStudio
http://twitter.com/faithfaux
http://twitter.com/goldleafwalls

OTHER  – INCLUDING DECORATIVE CEMENT AND PLASTER CONTRACTORS

]]> http://www.stuccoitalianoinc.com/social-media/twitter/venetian-plaster-and-faux-finish-people-on-twitter-updated/feed/ 3 http://www.stuccoitalianoinc.com/tips-tricks/venetian-plastering-tip-how-to-tint-your-wax-to-soften-contrast/ http://www.stuccoitalianoinc.com/tips-tricks/venetian-plastering-tip-how-to-tint-your-wax-to-soften-contrast/#comments Wed, 06 May 2009 14:17:16 +0000 Aaron Cohen http://www.stuccoitalianoinc.com/?p=470

This is a really helpful little trick for calming down your Venetian Plaster finishes, especially the more saturated colors.  Pay careful attention, though, about not overtinting your wax. Be conservative and always test a small area first to be sure.  You have to wait until it dries back to really know what you’re going to get.

We’ll post more short subject tips in the future so stay tuned.

Regina is quite prolific and her blog, Fauxology, is always a great read.  One of the most articulate and balanced resources we know of.  Definitely subscribe if you’re in the biz. Check her out on twitter too.

Thanks Regina for all you hard work!

Jenn used Marmorino Carrara on these pillars (click on them to enlarge)…

And these are from her Intonachino project a few months ago…

And last but not least, and exquisite application of Marmorino Classic…

Like what you see? Contact Jenn.

Are you a Stucco Italiano installer that would like to be featured here?  Contact Katharine and send some photos.

Our Stucco Italiano line consists of non-toxic, natural lime plasters. If you work with our materials you can be confident you are offering your customers a natural alternative to acrylic and cement based materials, both of which do not offer the same naturally green characteristics. Pointing these features out is a good place to start a conversation about what kind of wall finishing materials your customer wants in their home.

5 things you’ve probably heard about Venetian plaster, and why they are wrong:

1. You’ve heard: “Venetian plaster is a faux finish.”

The truth: Authentic Venetian plaster is not a faux finish. In fact, it’s the most authentic veneer wall finish you can have. When natural, lime-based venetian plaster is applied it will eventually return to it’s original state, which is lime and marble, AKA stone.

2. You’ve heard: You can buy Venetian plaster at Lowes or Home Depot.

The truth: You will find products labeled “Venetian plaster,” but they are actually composed of acrylic polymers and fillers such as gypsum and/or clay. While these synthetic Venetian plasters made by paint manufacturers may look somewhat similar to the real thing to the untrained eye, it’s been our experience that these synthetics will ultimately fade and become “tired” looking over a relatively short period of time, just like painted walls. Unlike real Venetian Plaster, synthetic Venetians are more closely related to paint than to stone, so this should come as no surprise.

3. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster can’t be applied in the shower, on exteriors, or on any surface that will get wet.

The truth: True Italian Venetian plaster is actually a wonderful choice for surfaces that will get wet. Lime plasters perform extremely well in wet climates by simply allowing any water that is absorbed into the plaster to quickly evaporate and exit the structure. That’s why they’re called Venetian plaster, because they can tolerate rising damp and canal-side applications like in the lagoons of Venice that would cause failure in acrylic and cement plasters. Traditional Moroccan lime plaster Tadelakt has been used in the Hammams (the traditional Moroccan steam baths), and in the riads of Marrakesh for centuries.

4. You’ve heard: Anyone can apply Venetian plaster in their home.

The truth: Well, it’s true that anyone can apply it. But applying it well is a different story. While we definitely aren’t saying you’ll be a pro after one day, our new PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics workshop is a good place for a beginner to start understanding the do’s and dont’s of Venetian plaster application. Also, consider hiring a skilled contractor to do the job.

5. You’ve heard: Installing Venetian plaster in your home will break the bank.

The truth: Unlike paints which must be reapplied over and over, Venetian plaster is a lifetime finish. The material is self-healing, much less likely to crack than cement finishes, and naturally mold-resistant, resulting in beautiful walls that will withstand the test of time. Green building will be a key part of America’s economic future, and authentic Venetian plasters are not only beautiful, they fit perfectly into the future of green building.

6. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster is really shiny.

The truth: OK that’s 6 things not 5 you caught me. Yes, Venetian plaster can be brought up to a natural high sheen by compressing the material as it dries. The more compression, the higher the sheen. However, natural lime plasters can also be finished to a rustic matte or satin sheen, depending on which material is used and how it is applied. The possible looks and finishes for Venetian plaster are limitless!

Got any more questions about Venetian plaster? Ask away in the comments and we’ll do our best to shed some light on the subject.