Venetian plaster is fast becoming the finish of choice for sophisticated interiors. From homes of distinction, to high end retail outlets and leisure facilities, this artisan technique with an intriguing history really does ooze luxury appeal.
Whether you are in the early stages of considering Venetian plaster, you’ve recently had your walls Venetian plastered, or you’ve enjoyed polished plaster for some time now, we thought it would be useful to share with you some useful guidance on maintaining Venetian plaster walls. From bathrooms and pool sides, to lounges, receptions and shop floors, with a few simple maintenance tips, you’ll be able to carry on enjoying the eye-catching beauty of your polished plaster walls for many years to come.
Why Venetian plaster?
When applied, Venetian polished plaster dries to a durable finish. An incredibly practical choice, this plaster is considered a ‘lifetime finish’ thanks to its lime content. Less susceptible to shrinking and cracking, Venetian plaster really is a wonderful investment. What’s more, the fact that it is breathable means that if it gets wet, it will dry rapidly, preventing moisture from getting trapped under the surface. All in all, this is a finish that is easy to care for, but it is still important to follow a few guidelines.
How to maintain Venetian plaster?
Here are our five top tips for maintaining Venetian polished plaster walls:
1. Check the finish
Venetian plaster contractors will usually seal plastered walls with a special wax. This makes them waterproof, and helps to repel grease and grime. It also makes daily care of polished plaster walls much more straightforward.
Before you go ahead and start cleaning your Venetian plastered walls, it is important that you check whether a wax seal has been applied. Your polished plaster specialist will be able to advise you on that point.
If your plaster has been sealed, then it should be simple to clean it yourself. If it hasn’t, or it is some time since the protective wax coating was applied, then be sure to test an inconspicuous area before going ahead with the entire wall. If you’re not happy with the result, consult a Venetian plaster expert before doing anything else.
2. Clean gently
It is important to only use water or mild soap to clean polished plaster. Always avoid harsh cleaning materials as these can potentially damage the marble-like surface.
You may from time to time need to remove stains. Just bear in mind that whilst polished plaster is robust, it is also delicate. For this reason, approach cleaning gently. A damp cotton cloth is ideal for wet-wiping, whilst a micro fibre cloth is good for dusting. Both methods will help restore the original lustre of the finish.
3. Follow the right cleaning procedure
Always think non-abrasive when choosing your cleaning cloths and products. Anything abrasive has the potential to scratch the polished surface.
Soak a cloth in warm water, then add a small amount of bleach-free mild soap directly to the cloth. Use gentle, circular motions to clean the walls. This will remove most of the grime. For more stubborn stains, rub gently with a bleach-free wipe.
4. Dry thoroughly
Whilst Venetian plaster is waterproof, it is not good practice to leave the surface wet. So, once you have eliminated all the dirt, be sure to take another dry, soft, non-abrasive cloth and dry the wall down. Again, use gentle, circular motions. This will help restore the plaster’s shine.
Be thorough, ensuring there are no remaining water marks or smudges left that could blemish the appearance of your walls.
5. Tackle repairs carefully
Venetian polished plaster is exceptionally durable, but day-to-day life can sometimes lead to cracks or scratches. The good news is that polished plaster is very easy to repair due to the fact it is applied in layers. This means it is straightforward to get back that smooth appearance without the need for re-plastering the entire wall.
A word of warning, however. Whilst repairs may be simple, it is always advisable to call in specialist Venetian plaster contractors to rectify any problems. They will know precisely what to do to get your polished plaster wall back to its pristine, like-new condition.
For that stunning Venetian plaster finish, choose Evoke, the Venetian plaster company recommended by many
When you’re looking for a unique interior finish that’s easy to maintain and carries truly sophisticated appeal, Venetian plaster makes an excellent choice.
Evoke Polished Plastering has been championed for its expertise in the artisan craft of Venetian plastering for several years. To learn more about how this finish could make a difference to your interior, you are welcome to get in touch.