In our last post we learned that plaster is among the oldest decorative materials that can be applied in multiple ways to provide a unique, one-of-a-kind texture and depth to a room. Venetian and Marmorino plasters are time-honored materials applied in various ways to provide a unique finish to a room.

Those traditional plasters have been buttressed in the last several decades by new plasters manufactured with acrylic modifiers, various resins and other materials that builds on the durability and usability of traditional plasters.

These plaster advancements have made the finishing material more accessible for use in homes and commercial buildings along with making plaster finishes a bit more affordable.

In our last blog post we looked at the history of decorative plaster. Below we look at some of the new types of plaster available in America.

American Clay
This company bills its products as eco-friendly alternative to cement, acrylic and lime plasters. The product is a mixture of American-sourced clay, rock powers and mineral pigments. American clay can be applied to a previously painted interior wall that has been coated with a sanded primer.

Among the finishes:

  • Loma This product is considered the base coat for all American Clay plasters, but also can be used as the final coat.
  • Porcelina Most similar to traditional Venetian plasters from Italy, this product is considered very smooth and easily blended to create a surface resembling marble. It is a second coat only.
  • Marittimo Created using recycled, crushed shells from the U.S. Gulf Coast, this topcoat produces a waxy feel through burnishing and light sponging. It is a second coat only.
  • Enjarre This is a single-coat product, offering a value well-suited for commercial projects.

It can be used as a basecoat for other American Clay products, as well.

Firenze
This company offers traditional, all-natural lime-based plaster used for Old World wall finishes used in Europe for centuries. Firenze notes that the time-tested plaster and application method is often ignored by today’s builders and designers and the company is committed to keep Italian plaster traditions alive in America.

In addition to the traditional Fine Marmorino plaster, Firenze has added lines of color integrated plasters and supplemental plaster components to ensure a wide selection of options.

Among them:

  • Marmorino KS
  • EMKS
  • Marblestone
  • Era Veneziana
  • EVKS
  • Era Media
  • Teodorico
  • Marmur Fine
  • Marmur Media
  • Dolomite
  • Corallo
  • Ebano
  • Antiche Patine
  • Novalux E
  • Era Penello
  • Firenzeprimer
  • Isosil
  • Fase Silossanica
  • Venexian

Armourcoat
Polished plaster is this UK-based company’s specialty. Its base product uses marble powders as its main ingredient and gets it as a byproduct from cutting marble tiles and slabs. Armourcoat’s plaster can be applied with multiple finishes, providing different feelings to a room. Some of the finishes applied using polished plaster include:

  • Smooth
  • Pitted
  • Colorwash
  • Dragged
  • Spatulata
  • Travertine
  • Armuralia

Moire
This is acrylic-based plaster is considered very easy to work with in application, making it a good choice for first time and DIY plasterers. In addition, it is water resistant making it a good choice for use in bathrooms and kitchens.

To learn more about your options with plaster call TruNorth Painting at 952-831-1433 for a free consultation.