Venetian plaster contractors will always champion the many benefits of Venetian polished plaster, and for good reason. Incredibly hard wearing, outstandingly beautiful and intriguingly unique, this is an interior finish that oozes sophistication. Because it is a lime-based product, Venetian plaster is known as a lifetime finish. Providing it is applied using the correct technique, and well-maintained, it will live up to its name. However, the fact remains that over time, cracks may appear in Venetian plaster. Let’s take a look at what causes this to happen, and how to avoid it.
What causes cracks in Venetian polished plaster?
Venetian plaster is more likely to crack in older homes where there is movement or even subsidence, and especially where the product was applied several decades before.
Some of the most common factors that can cause Venetian plaster to crack include:
- Continuous high winds
- External vibrations
- Building or land movement
- Non-professional installation
- Inadequately mixed product
The main problem with Venetian plaster cracking is that all the beauty is lost. Repairs will need to be undertaken by expert Venetian plaster contractors, because whilst fixing cracks is possible, it is not necessarily straightforward and therefore calls for specialist knowledge and skill. It’s therefore important to understand why polished plaster may crack, in order to help prevent it happening in the first place.
What are the most common types of Venetian plaster cracks?
Hairline cracks are by far the most common in Venetian polished plaster. These will usually be caused by movement or stress. They are small cracks, usually smaller than 25cm.
Another crack that can appear on a polished plaster wall or ceiling is a trim crack. These appear in the foam trim when seams have not been correctly sealed. Shrinkage or expansion will cause this to happen.
Spider cracks may also appear in Venetian plaster, but only usually when the base coat was not allowed to cure for the correct length of time before the next coat was applied, or because the mixture wasn’t blended properly. These cracks spread out from a central point, much like a spider’s web, and can be caused by impact.
How to prevent cracks in Venetian polished plaster?
There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent your Venetian plaster developing cracks:
1. Engage professional installers
Be sure to hire specialist Venetian plaster contractors to apply the product. They will use their well-honed skills to ensure your polished plaster is installed using the correct procedure, making certain that each layer is fully cured and sanded before applying the next, and that all seams are adequately sealed. This will give you a greater chance of not seeing any cracks appear in your plastered walls or ceilings.
2. Add protective measures
Even the toughest materials will suffer following an impact. For this reason, be careful around your polished plaster, and be mindful of where it’s installed. For example, in high footfall areas, such as hallways or retail outlets, particularly where doors open and close a lot of the time, it may be wise to take steps to protect your polished plaster finish, perhaps by adding protective edging and corner guards to walls, and door stops behind doors to prevent impact.
3. Stick to gentle cleaning methods
It is important to stick to the appropriate maintenance procedures for Venetian polished plaster. Use only gentle cleaning techniques, including using water or mild soap only. Never use harsh materials as they can damage the marble-like surface and render it more prone to cracking.
How to repair cracks in Venetian plaster?
The best advice to follow should your Venetian plastered walls or ceilings develop cracks is to call in trusted Venetian plaster contractors to carry out a repair. They will know precisely how to repair the cracks so that they no longer spoil the beauty of your interior, and also so that they have the least possible chance of recurring.
When you have a cracked polished plaster surface professionally repaired, whilst it will inevitably cost more than going down the DIY route, it will recreate the strength of the original plaster. You will definitely not see them ‘papering over the cracks’.
The other option is to attempt the repair yourself. However, be prepared for inconsistencies in the finish of your surface, because blending in repairs really is quite an art form.
For Venetian polished plaster repairs you can rely on, choose Evoke Polished Plastering
If you are looking to have cracks repaired in your Venetian plaster, talk to the experts at Evoke Polished Plastering. As a long established, highly renowned specialist polished plaster company London homeowners, brands and interior designers recommend, we are able to seamlessly repair any type of crack, as well as provide advice on how to prevent them occurring again in the future.
For the advice and craftsmanship you need, you are welcome to get in touch with Evoke.