There are a number of benefits using authentic Polished Plaster/Marmorino products such as Stucco Italiano’s range:
• Crack-Resistant
• Very Breathable
• Self-Healing
• Wets and Dries Out FAST
• Naturally Mold-Resistant
• Time-Tested
• Natural & Green
Stucco Italiano lime plasters are extremely durable and less prone to shrinking and cracking than traditional cement finishes. The lime plasters breathe; allowing water vapor to permeate freely so moisture evaporates quickly, unlike acrylic finishes which can trap moisture inside the wall.
When lime plasters sets, the result is a hard-as-stone, long-lasting mineral coating. The natural, oxide pigment system results in the colour being preserved on the walls.
Our Polished lime-based Plasters are non-toxic and green. The ability of the end result to absorb and diffuse elements can help lead to optimal indoor air quality. The naturally high in pH, lime finishes act as an anti-bacterial surface, neutralizing the development of organic substances such as mold and fungus.
Marmorino is used to create ancient distressed finishes.
Marmorino is water resistant and excellent for kitchens bathrooms and exteriors.
Marmorino may be applied over almost any type of substrate,interior or exterior.
Marmorino will produce exceptionally vibrant colors when polished or sanded.
Monday 9 November 2009
Wednesday 30 September 2009
History of Marmorino (Venetian Plaster)
Venetian plaster is different than other plastering techniques. It is multi-layered with a highly polished smooth surface which can be tinted with pigment, not covered with images or bright colours.
Even today it is a unique finish and this is mainly due to the processes and ingredients that have changed little since the first century AD.
The popularity of Venetian Plastering today is a result of its rediscovery in the Italian Renaissance. As a result of architects and artists embracing Venetian plaster it became a highly sought after finish for interior and exterior walls.
Essentially the base of Venetian Plaster has stayed the same - limestone, with a stone or marble powder for later layers.
In the fourth century BC Romans discovered that limestone, when mixed with volcanic material such as silica or alumina, would set and harden under all kinds of conditions, even under water. They also kept limestone in pits and dark cellars for three years to allow it to mature, and realised that when the limestone plaster was exposed to the atmosphere it could absorb atmospheric gases. This neutralised it, making it easier to use.
In the fifteenth century a lighter finish that resembled marble was developed – Marmorino. It was popularly used on the surfaces of buildings in Venice where it was necessary to keep them as light as possible. Many of the buildings had weak foundations and therefore were unsuitable for using marble slabs. The alternative, Marmorino, provided a smooth reflective surface that allowed the building to breathe in the moist Venetian lagoon environment.
Our modern version of Venetian Plaster is mainly due to an Italian architect called Carlo Scarpa. Many believe without him the skills of Venetian Plaster would have died away by now. In the mid 1900s he began using glues and acrylic resins. Along with other artisans he was responsible for reducing the layers required from seven to three.
The rich tradition of Venetian Plaster can now be found in Stucco Italiano’s MARMORINO VENEZIANO products which have adapted to the necessities of present-day application and colouring needs.
Even today it is a unique finish and this is mainly due to the processes and ingredients that have changed little since the first century AD.
The popularity of Venetian Plastering today is a result of its rediscovery in the Italian Renaissance. As a result of architects and artists embracing Venetian plaster it became a highly sought after finish for interior and exterior walls.
Essentially the base of Venetian Plaster has stayed the same - limestone, with a stone or marble powder for later layers.
In the fourth century BC Romans discovered that limestone, when mixed with volcanic material such as silica or alumina, would set and harden under all kinds of conditions, even under water. They also kept limestone in pits and dark cellars for three years to allow it to mature, and realised that when the limestone plaster was exposed to the atmosphere it could absorb atmospheric gases. This neutralised it, making it easier to use.
In the fifteenth century a lighter finish that resembled marble was developed – Marmorino. It was popularly used on the surfaces of buildings in Venice where it was necessary to keep them as light as possible. Many of the buildings had weak foundations and therefore were unsuitable for using marble slabs. The alternative, Marmorino, provided a smooth reflective surface that allowed the building to breathe in the moist Venetian lagoon environment.
Our modern version of Venetian Plaster is mainly due to an Italian architect called Carlo Scarpa. Many believe without him the skills of Venetian Plaster would have died away by now. In the mid 1900s he began using glues and acrylic resins. Along with other artisans he was responsible for reducing the layers required from seven to three.
The rich tradition of Venetian Plaster can now be found in Stucco Italiano’s MARMORINO VENEZIANO products which have adapted to the necessities of present-day application and colouring needs.
Friday 18 September 2009
What differences could there be in products that claim to be ‘Marmorino’, ‘Marmorino Veneziano’, ‘Polished Plaster’ and ‘Italian Stucco’?
While many companies may brand their product under a term such as Marmorino or Venetian Polished Plaster the products can differ in terms of texture, appearance, ingredients and cost.
Texture/Appearance
Venetian Plaster normally refers to a smooth shiny polished surface, however depending on the manufacturer it could refer to a wide range of plaster products, not just from Italy. Many manufacturers use the term to add value to their cheaper products.
Marmorino, while refers to a smooth, shiny polished plaster can further be categorised depending on it texture, grain size or shine. For example Stucco Italiano provides Classic Marmorino which has the smallest grain size and therefore provides the smoothest surface with the highest shine. Stucco Italiano's Carrara Marmorino has a slightly coarser grain size giving a slightly rougher texture with a more matt shine. There is also a coarser grain Carrara Marmorino available from Stucco Italiano as a special request for the more experienced artisan. Stucco Italiano also provides Marmorino flooringwhich is a stronger version which has a more matt shine; however unlike the others which are all lime based Stucco Italiano flooring Marmorino has cement content.
Ingredients
Some Marmorino or Polished plaster products may be made from Lime-based ingredients, others could be cement based or acrylic.
Lime-based Polished Plasters
Generally lime based polished plaster is supplied as a pre-mixed wet material and contains a minimum of 40% marble powders with no more than 2% binders. This is recognised within restoration projects as a suitable quality material. The end result should be smooth and cold to the touch without reliance on wax or machines to make it shiny. Waxing is an option but if this product is installed by a talented craftsperson there should be adequate shine in the polished plaster with waxing only being used for protection.
Cement based polished plasters
Polished plasters with cement content are supplied as a dry mix, thus making them less shiny and cheaper than lime-based polished plasters. Normally wax is needed to achieve a high shine. The disadvantage of the high shine due to waxing means the shine will dull over a period of time and result in it having to be rewaxed to maintain the high shine.
Acrylic Polished Plasters
The appearance of acrylic polished plasters tends not to be as rich as the original lime-based polished plasters. They would not be cold to the touch.
An important point to remember is you should always request a sample and technical information to ensure you know which Polished Plaster you are getting.
Texture/Appearance
Venetian Plaster normally refers to a smooth shiny polished surface, however depending on the manufacturer it could refer to a wide range of plaster products, not just from Italy. Many manufacturers use the term to add value to their cheaper products.
Marmorino, while refers to a smooth, shiny polished plaster can further be categorised depending on it texture, grain size or shine. For example Stucco Italiano provides Classic Marmorino which has the smallest grain size and therefore provides the smoothest surface with the highest shine. Stucco Italiano's Carrara Marmorino has a slightly coarser grain size giving a slightly rougher texture with a more matt shine. There is also a coarser grain Carrara Marmorino available from Stucco Italiano as a special request for the more experienced artisan. Stucco Italiano also provides Marmorino flooringwhich is a stronger version which has a more matt shine; however unlike the others which are all lime based Stucco Italiano flooring Marmorino has cement content.
Ingredients
Some Marmorino or Polished plaster products may be made from Lime-based ingredients, others could be cement based or acrylic.
Lime-based Polished Plasters
Generally lime based polished plaster is supplied as a pre-mixed wet material and contains a minimum of 40% marble powders with no more than 2% binders. This is recognised within restoration projects as a suitable quality material. The end result should be smooth and cold to the touch without reliance on wax or machines to make it shiny. Waxing is an option but if this product is installed by a talented craftsperson there should be adequate shine in the polished plaster with waxing only being used for protection.
Cement based polished plasters
Polished plasters with cement content are supplied as a dry mix, thus making them less shiny and cheaper than lime-based polished plasters. Normally wax is needed to achieve a high shine. The disadvantage of the high shine due to waxing means the shine will dull over a period of time and result in it having to be rewaxed to maintain the high shine.
Acrylic Polished Plasters
The appearance of acrylic polished plasters tends not to be as rich as the original lime-based polished plasters. They would not be cold to the touch.
An important point to remember is you should always request a sample and technical information to ensure you know which Polished Plaster you are getting.
Thursday 17 September 2009
What is ‘Marmorino’, ‘Marmorino Veneziano’, ‘Polished Plaster’ and ‘Itallian Stucco’? Do they mean the same thing?
Many people refer to the same type of product when they use terms such as Marmorino, Venetian Plaster, Polished Plaster, Stucco, Lucidato, Spatulata, Veneziano plus others. Generally these terms can mean the same style of product, however it is worth noting it could also mean something different (such as difference in texture or appearance) depending on how companies brand their product.
Throughout this blog I will refer to the range of products as Marmorino or Polished Plaster which are most often used in the UK and Ireland.
Throughout this blog I will refer to the range of products as Marmorino or Polished Plaster which are most often used in the UK and Ireland.
Understanding Polished Plaster/Marmorino and Venetian Polished Plaster
Over the coming weeks I will be discussing a range of topics in the hope they may answer some of the questions you may have about the product and give you an understanding of the history to help you appreciate the skill gained by the artisans of these decortaive finishes.
Monday 17 August 2009
What can you do with Polished Plasters?
The image below is an example of how a combination of polished plasters can be used to create a variety of effects and finishes.
A smooth brown polished plaster is used to rise out leafs above the textured old golden Chamois. The variation between the colours and textures offer an effective appearance.
A smooth brown polished plaster is used to rise out leafs above the textured old golden Chamois. The variation between the colours and textures offer an effective appearance.
Friday 17 July 2009
Stucco Italiano Online sales - including Polished Plasters, Marmorino wall and floor finishes
www.stuccoitaliano.co.uk are distributing the high quality Stucco Italiano products and stocking the Walleffects decorative paint effects range.
Stucco Italiano Polished Plasters include our original Italian Marmorino Veneziano Classic, Marmorino Veneziano Carrara, Marmorino Veneziano Classic Plus and Tadelakt.
These original Polished Plasters are sometimes referred to by different terms depending on which area you are based in. The most common terms used today are Traditional Marmorino, Modern Marmorino, Stucco Grassello, Venetian Plaster, Marble Plaster, Stucco, Spatulato, Veneziano, Lucidato or Polished Plaster.
Stucco Italiano offer various textured finishes which are becoming increasingly popular within the industry. Our products are Chamois, Marmorino Velvet, Dilavato, Intonachino and Lime Paint.
All decorative products are available through our online sales facility or directly from the company.
Telephone +44 (0)28 8164 8902 or email info@stuccoitaliano.co.uk
All on-line prices are inclusive of VAT and 48 hour delivery.
Stucco Italiano Polished Plasters include our original Italian Marmorino Veneziano Classic, Marmorino Veneziano Carrara, Marmorino Veneziano Classic Plus and Tadelakt.
These original Polished Plasters are sometimes referred to by different terms depending on which area you are based in. The most common terms used today are Traditional Marmorino, Modern Marmorino, Stucco Grassello, Venetian Plaster, Marble Plaster, Stucco, Spatulato, Veneziano, Lucidato or Polished Plaster.
Stucco Italiano offer various textured finishes which are becoming increasingly popular within the industry. Our products are Chamois, Marmorino Velvet, Dilavato, Intonachino and Lime Paint.
All decorative products are available through our online sales facility or directly from the company.
Telephone +44 (0)28 8164 8902 or email info@stuccoitaliano.co.uk
All on-line prices are inclusive of VAT and 48 hour delivery.
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