The beauty of walls finished in Venetian Plaster originates with the depth of color and luminous quality that the material imparts. Cool to the touch, similarly to marble or stone, Venetian Plaster has been used for hundreds of years to evoke the atmospheric character of marble without the overwhelming weight of the actual stone. Although the material and process has been in use for over 1300 years, the Italian Renaissance in the mid 15th century truly elevated the use of this kind of plaster work to the level of artistry it now requires.

The techniques for the finish, then named Marmorino, that we still use today were developed during this time in the City of Venice, hence its contemporary name. The architects of the city, wanting the splendor of the opulent resources in use on the mainland, were forced to develop materials to impart the essence of the stone and marble they desired without the weight that might exasperate the problem of the sinking city. This limestone and marble powder based plaster, conventionally a lengthy process to manufacture, was used to create this lustrous feel without endangering the architecture itself.

Contemporary Venetian Plasters, although still based in limestone or marble dust, now contain acrylics or resins thanks to the re-introduction and technological developments of Italian Architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960’s. Although the debate between purists and those who use new products rages, application techniques have changed little over hundreds of years, and the resulting finish is as luxurious in modern loft apartments and sprawling suburban homes as it once was and still is in the cathedrals and villas of the Veneto.