Can You Paint Over Venetian Plaster?

Venetian plaster is a common choice for householders for its stunning marble look. Typically, durability and longevity are the main reasons why it’s demandable in the present market! If you have venetian plaster walls already, you may think of covering the venetian plaster at any time. Thus, the question will arise in your mind, can you paint over venetian plaster?

Yes! You can paint over Venetian plaster. If you want to cover the venetian plaster, then you have just to follow some basic steps. But, the main thing is depending on what tools and what paint you’re using over venetian plaster!  

In this guide, you’ll learn more information about venetian paint. Also, you’ll get the step-by-step guideline on “how to paint over venetian plaster”. 

What is venetian plaster?

The term Venetian plaster can be defined as the putty that is formed by a mixture of fired limestone, water, and marble dust. 

When lime plaster is applied to the wall, the carbon dioxide in the air makes the mixture turn into limestone again! Like magic? Of course, it’s a chemical reaction that has been used since Egyptian times! 

The application of Venetian paint is based on technique. This paint is applied over a base coat or primer. The method is used when the final coat is applied with a steel trowel. At this time, you can wonder about the shining and glossy finish look of your interior wall. 

Basically, venetian plaster is widely used in the interior wall where installing marble is tough (Such as columns, corbel, curved walls)! 

The positive side of this paint is less use of harmful chemicals! 

What is the difference between Venetian plaster and regular plaster?

Using venetian plaster in normal walls turns it into an elegant, stylish and stunning look where regular plasters are just used for the main purpose of covering or protecting ceiling and walls! There are huge differences between venetian plaster and regular plaster. Such as;

Venetian plaster vs regular plaster: An Overview

  • Versatility

When it comes to versatility, obviously, Venetian plaster provides more than regular plaster.

Regular plaster is only used for straight surfaces. 

On the other hand, venetian plaster is widely used for flat surfaces, archways, covings, columns, and other complex shapes for its malleable or less brittle materials.

  • Durability

As regular plaster can be quite brittle; so there is a risk of cracking due to too much pressure.

After drying, the venetian plaster provides a hard finish for less brittle material. For this, it’s much more durable and less likely to crack. 

  • Appearance

Regular plaster doesn’t give a better finishing look after applying. It requires painting or wallpapering.

On the other hand, without painting on a venetian plaster, it gives a marbled stunning finishing look with a combination of different colors. 

The more luxurious and glossy finishing will be provided by venetian plaster.

  • Resist moisture

To resist moisture, venetian plaster is best as it’s a non-porous material.  

If regular plaster is not done perfectly, it’ll crack or be damped due to high moisture. 

Again, venetian plaster is sealed with a wax sealant, so it’s become non-porous. Hence, it can resist high moisture! 

  • Toxicity

Regular plaster can contain synthetic material that is allergic to some people. Generally, synthetic materials are used to protect the paint from dampness or crack.

Venetian plaster contains all-natural ingredients. So, it’s completely safe to use. Also, it maintains a healthy environment.

Is venetian plaster outdated?

Although venetian plaster has been used for many years, it doesn’t get old for its durability. Homeowners really make it their first choice to style their interior or exterior wall decoration. 

The special thing about this paint is,  marble looks after applying without the expense or other difficulties. Also, it’s easy to clean and repair. 

Is there any paint you can use over venetian plaster?

Before painting over venetian plaster, the type of paint is much more important. Therefore, first, know what paint you want to apply. 

Applying a venetian plaster makes the surface alkaline based. The suitable primer is alkyd-based.

Again, if the paint is polymer-based, then it’ll not stick perfectly to the surface. Here, we recommend you to buy latex paint such as Rust-oleum or this type of paint. You’ll get it available on online shops or amazon easily. 

How to paint over venetian plaster?

To paint over venetian plaster or polished plaster, you need to follow several steps carefully. Here, the step-by-step guide will help you to work accurately. 

Step-by-step guide to paint over venetian plaster:

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

Before starting any paint project, you need to know the tools correctly. Also, gathering them in front of you will save time and energy. So, take a look at what materials exactly you have to need-

  • Primer
  • 80 grit sandpaper 
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • Cup
  • Sprits
  • Painters tape
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint
  • Towels
  • Palm sander 
  • Paint sprayer
  • Paint tray

Step 2: Inspect the surface 

The first thing you need to do is inspect the area of Venetian plaster carefully. Before applying any paint, you need to know whether there is any crack, peel, wrinkle, or damage.

It’ll make your work easy from the starting to the finishing point of the painting project. Sand the surface and fill the holes; crack, or damage will ensure the smooth surface finishing.

Also, if any wax is applied to the plaster, then it should be removed before painting. Here, mineral spirits will help you to remove wax.

Step 3: Prepare the surface

After removing wax from the surface, let the spirit dry completely. Then, take a painter’s tape and use it in those areas where the paint will not be applied; Such as window sills, electric boards, baseboards. 

Step 4: Sand the surface

After that, attach the 80-grit sandpaper to the palm sander. Sand the surface with light pressure. After that, take a clean cloth or a towel and try to wipe off the venetian plaster.  

Also, clean any dirt, dust, or contaminants from the surface as they can create bubbles or damage in new paint.

Then, use 120-grit sandpaper for sanding the surface to clean the surface more perfectly. 

Step 5: Prime the surface

To get an elegant look, you must apply a suitable primer to the surface. 

Always apply a thin coat with a brush. It’ll help to reach corners or hard areas. If it’s a large space, you need to apply the final coat with a rolling brush. Let the coat be dry. 

Step 6: Apply the paint

Before starting this step, keep ready your choosable paint on the painter tray. Fill the paint tray with half of latex paint.

 Next, take a clean edging brush and apply the paint around the painter’s tape and hard corners.

After that, apply the paint with a roller brush and don’t leave any point or corner by mistake. Let it dry for a suitable time.

Step 7:  Remove the painter’s tape.

When the paint becomes dry, take off the painter’s tape. Don’t be in a hurry to wipe off the tape before it dries. It’ll dampen the painting. 

Then, you can see around the paint tapers; the outline isn’t fully painted. Take a brush and paint carefully. 

Step 8: Apply the second coat (optional)

You can apply the second coat if the base coat is thoroughly dried. Often, using the primer before applying the paint is enough for smooth finishing.  There doesn’t require a second coat but if you want to apply for a second coat, you can go for it! 

Can you paint over venetian plaster with latex paint?

Painting over the old venetian plaster, you may have fixed the damages or holes that have damp already. High-quality latex paint is one of the best choices to cover these types of damages. 

  • First, you must use the oil-based or alkyd primer to prime the surface.  It’ll help to enhance the smooth and glossy finishing.  
  • After the primer drying completely, choose your paint with the halfway of latex paint. Thus the coat of paint will adhere to the surface perfectly!  

But there’s a possibility of losing the variation of color after painting over with latex paint.

Can you paint over Behr venetian plaster?

Painting over the Behr Venetian plaster is recommended for every corner of the house except the bath. There’s a reason behind it! 

Can you paint over Behr venetian plaster?

Actually, Behr venetian plaster product is heavy-bodied, water-based, and porous, which requires a clear coat because there’s a possibility of porosity and uneven sheets. 

But before painting, using the primer or seal will ensure a smooth finishing. 

So, behr venetian plaster is recommended after the primer of the surface! 

Can you paint over smooth venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster provides a smooth,depth-transparency look. If you want to cover the old smooth venetian plaster, then DIY paint is a good decision. Because the plaster is smooth, that means there’s no damage, holes, or cracks in the surface. 

So, without using a base coat or primer, you’ll get the best result with choosable paint. Now use the brush paint to cover the hard areas. Then, paint the whole wall with a long-handled roller.

How to Create a Venetian Plaster Finish

To get a result of perfect finishing, you need to follow some basic steps which are given below-

Step 1: Gather the necessary tool

Arranging the necessary tools will make your work easy. The list of tools for this project is –

  • 80-grit sandpaper
  • Trowel
  • Paint tray
  • Behr venetian plaster

Step 2: Prepare your trowel

Before applying paint, the preparation of a trowel will help you to reduce edge marks. In order to round the corners, sand the trowel with 80grit sandpaper.

Step 3: Apply the paint

Fill your trowel with Behr Venetian plaster and apply the first layer. Keep the trowel at a 15-30 degree angle with a wall to apply plaster. Let it dry for four hours.

If the first layer is completely dry, apply the topcoat layers. While applying, you must hold the steel trowel at a 30-60 degree angle. Continuously apply the layers until it covers the wall perfectly.

Can you paint over faux venetian plaster?

Faux venetian plaster has a smooth, depth texture that is suitable for paint. You can paint over the faux venetian plaster. But, the fact is the preparation before painting. First, prepare your surface by sanding with a random orbit sander. 

Using the right painting tool is also essential while you are starting a project on faux venetian plaster. After that, know the use of primer, clear edging brush, and long-handled roller, then go for the paint.

Can you paint over waxed venetian plaster?

You can paint over waxed venetian plaster. But, the wax must dry completely; otherwise, it creates a problem while you apply the coat. 

Usually, painting over waxed venetian plaster is about considering some techniques.  Such as; before applying the paint, the use of mineral spirit and grit sandpaper can make a difference!  You’ll get the expected result that you’re waiting for!

What happens when you paint over Venetian plaster?

After applying the final coat,  you will wonder about the texture and smoothness of the paint over the walls. 

It’s solid; the marble-like finish will bring a new color to your interior wall. Also, the use of oil-based primer will make your expected result. So, don’t forget to prime the surface.

How do you recolor/change Venetian plaster?

Does old venetian plaster feel boring? 

You want to change the color of the plaster, then here are some tips for you. 

The easy tricks of changing the color are described below-

  • Tinted wax

Natural color is the one way to get new colors on your old plaster. Tinted wax is related to natural color, which gives a smooth and deeper look to old plaster.

  • Mix with stain

Changing the shade of old venetian plaster is not so tough. You just need a couple of different venetian plasters. 

Then add stain to the plaster and apply it over the plaster. This applying coat will change the shape and depth of the plaster.

  • Combine color

Applying a different shade or layer will make the plaster renew! While painting over the surface, we apply the same layers of paint once or twice. 

And, in this case, we have to apply the different shades or colors one by one. It’ll bring unique wall colors that you really want! 

How to get rid of venetian plaster walls?

To get rid of Venetian plaster, you need to follow some basic steps, which are given below-

Steps to follow to remove Venetian plaster

Step 1: Get the necessary tool

The right tools will make your project easy. So, check the necessary tools and gather them in front of you-

  • Stripper
  • Spatula 
  • Plastic drop cloth
  • Primer
  • Spray bottle
  • Palm sander

Step 2: Protect your floor

Before starting the project,  you need to cover the floor, also furniture. That’s why you need to remove furniture from the room and then lay down a plastic cloth over the room floor. It’ll protect the floor from getting dirt, dust, chemicals, water, or paint.

Step 3: Remove the paint

In this step, you need a spray bottle with a paint stripper. Before scraping, you need to spray in small areas of the wall where you want to remove the paint. 

Try to remove at least two layers of old paint. After spraying, take a spatula and remove the wet paint layers. Then again, spray the area and wipe off paint layers clearly.

Step 4: Prepare the surface

After the removing part is complete, check any damage or cracks that need to be filled. Fill the holes or damages with latex-based paint. 

After that, prime the surface carefully and repaint the wall. This is enough to say goodbye to the venetian plaster. 🙂 

Is venetian plaster waterproof?

Although the venetian plaster resists high moisture, this doesn’t mean it’s waterproof paint. Otherwise, Venetian plaster is made of natural material, which makes it durable, non-porous, and antibacterial. There’s no use of any toxic chemicals. Therefore it’s totally safe for health.

Does Venetian plaster crack?

Venetian plaster can crack if the house or wall is old for many years. If any external vibration continuously happens, then there’ll be cracks. Continuous high winds can be the cause of cracks. 

Again, if the applying paint was not good or by the inexpert, then the paint got damp. As a result, you’ll notice cracks in your paint, so the plaster needs repair, where you need to call a professional plaster painter.

Final verdict

Having a paint of Venetian plaster is about bringing color to your life. But after a while, you may want to change your wall decoration. 

Hopefully, to cover the old Venetian plaster, the instructions will help you out! But, if you’re a beginner, repairing old damage and getting a perfect result is comparatively difficult. 

So, make sure you can do this job. Otherwise, call a professional plaster painter. It’ll save both your money and time.