Ratings 2-3
moderate

Interior Surface Only

Stucco Veneziano (Venetian Plaster) - is a decorative paste plaster for interior applications that delivers a highly decorative, encaustic, glossy finish. This is a natural, easy to use, Venetian Plaster.

It is a natural formula composed of organic ingredients, calcium, and acrylic binders, inspired by the ornate plaster-work of Renaissance Italy. Decorative plaster has a millennial history, with origins dating back to the Rome of the Caesars and in the art of Ancient Greece.

However, it was Andrea Palladio, a famous Italian architect, who in the XVI century re-discovered it through his studies and re-proposed it in the splendid Venetian villas that are still to this day, the distinguishing mark of his career. Stucco Veneziano is an aesthetic solution that step by step, conquered Venice and Lombardy, then Italy, and finally entire Europe in the XVII century. Today, Stucco Veneziano restores the splendor of a classic and prestigious finish.

Getting Started...
Stucco Veneziano can be applied many of different ways. Here, we demonstrate a traditional, highly polished, 3 coat trowel and spatula application. Assuming the wall has been properly prepared, Stucco Veneziano can be applied over many types of surfaces. Here it is applied on drywall over a base of Acrylic Fixative and Quartz Primer.

Preparation
Ideal conditions for applying Stucco Veneziano are interior walls with smooth surfaces. Mandatory for a long-lasting guarantee, a thin coat of Acrylic Fixative is always necessary. Secondly, for a fine and smooth surface that promotes higher spreading rates and absorption, a coat of Quartz Paint Primer, diluted up to 25% by volume, is suggested for a high quality application. Application over standard PVA primers will not cause problems; however, applying Stucco Veneziano over a mineral surface has proven to have a few advantages. For more information on advanced preparation techniques and preparing alternate surfaces such as cement, wood, or even metal, refer to the advanced preparation tutorial.

	Step 1. Apply a medium size amount of Veneziano to the edge of a stainless steel trowel using a mixing knife. If you are right handed, apply the plaster to the right side of the trowel, if left handed, apply product on the left. Begin to apply a first coat over a smooth and primed surface.
	Step 2. When applying the first coat, a trowel or spatula may be used. Remember, larger trowels cover larger areas. However, smaller spatulas and smaller trowels are often used and may decrease stress in the chest, arms, and back. It is extremely important to apply the first coat as thin as possible. In a room temperature environment, Stucco Veneziano's open time ranges from approximately 15-30 minutes.
	Step 3. Using long and swift motions create a smooth and even first layer of Veneziano. Try to create a level and uniform 1st coat. If white from the primer still transpires through the first coat, its okay. The second and third coats will completely cover these areas.
	Step 4. Notice the effects created after only one coat of natural Stucco Veneziano. In some situations, polishing only one coat of Veneziano may provide a desirable effect. You may even tint the base coat of Quartz Paint in order to perfectly conceal the surface after only one coat.
	Step 5. Once the surface is dry, you may begin adding the second coat. Wait at least 1 hour for the first coat to completely dry. Before applying a second coat, scrape off any excess or dried product. Make sure the surface is completely smooth and ready for a second coat.
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	Step 6. Repeat the procedure demonstrated in Figures 1-3. Alternating to a smaller spatula or hand spatula during the second coat may add more encaustic depth to the finish, however, for this application, two, thin base coats are applied without pattern. While adding the second and third coats, it is important to work with a clean trowel. Having a bucket of warm water nearby may lessen the chances of creating unwanted scratches in the surface.
	Step 7. After the second coat, allow 1-2 hours for the surface to dry. Once dry, a light sanding with 600 grade sandpaper in a circular motion may be a good idea, however not necessary on all occasions. Before applying the finishing coat, scrape the surface again as