History of Venetian Plaster
Lime -based Plaster dates back to more than 5000 years .Many cultures have used lime plaster but some of the earliest known examples of Lime used for building purposes are in ancient Egyptian building . It wasn’t until the mid 15th century the Venetians developed a new type of external facing called Marmorino. Lime based material has been historically used in Italy for interior as well as exterior applications .This incredible diversity of the aesthetic , ecological aspects , and function have made this plaster a material that can last centuries and only gets stronger with time.
Lime Product
The creation of Lime Plaster starts with the firing of lime rocks inside of a furnace to the temperature of about 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. These lime stones are baked for seven days in order to eliminate the carbon dioxide inside the stone and Thus turning it into calcium oxide.The stones then are soaked in water and become hydrated lime known as slaked lime. This slaked lime paste is left to age for several months. When processed plaster is applied to a surface It goes full circle when exposed to air.The lime absorbs the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere then turns solid once again like the originate stone it once was.
Green Properties and Advantages
As a natural mineral product Venetian Plaster is a certified eco construction material in Europe with high breathability about 95 %. It has virtually no VOC and prohibits mold growing bacteria. Lime Plaster are specifically proven to absorb moisture in interior substrates and can withstand wet conditions for centuries. Marmorino has an innate climate controlling ability keeping the room free of toxins, and cool in summer as well as warm in the winter.
Applications
Why use Venetian Plaster?
Italian lime based Plaster can be used on both interior and exterior. Marmorino is a coarser plaster that can be applied in wet areas like showers or throughout walls and ceilings in any room. When applied on exterior it will stand the test of time due to its nature to withstand water. Grassello also know as Veneziano is a finer and smoother version of Marmorino and can be applied on interior applications be it ceilings , walls etc. The product is able to be polished to a mirror like finish or can have a soft satin as well. The possibilities for different texture , design , colors , and sheen are limitless.