Polished plaster, often called Venetian plaster, is quickly replacing traditional wall coverings like paint and wallpaper. It’s perfect for both home and office design because of its aesthetically pleasing, high-end appearance as well as its robustness and longevity. But how troublesome is it to keep up?
Polished plaster doesn’t require much maintenance to remain in immaculate condition for decades. Here, we provide some professional repair and upkeep advice.
What Is a Polished Plaster Wall?
Walls finished with polished plaster, often called Venetian plaster, are a popular Italian decorative option. Thin layers are troweled onto the wall after mixing marble dust with lime putty or slaked lime. The end effect is a sleek and shiny surface that mimics the appearance of polished stone.
Polished plaster is a versatile material that may be found in both classic and contemporary settings, such as fancy restaurants and hotels. It’s frequently used for accent walls, fireplaces, and even pieces of furniture.
Polished plaster walls have a long lifespan, which is a major benefit. They are perfect for high-traffic areas since they are resistant to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage when applied properly. They can withstand moisture, making them suitable for the kitchen or bathroom.
The adaptability of walls finished with polished plaster is another benefit. They are highly malleable, allowing for a wide range of coloration and polishing options (from matte to high gloss). As a result, homeowners may express their individuality through a wide range of design options and create a space that perfectly suits their needs and tastes.
Walls finished with polished plaster can be either smooth, textured, or patterned. This opens up even more possibilities for customization and design, letting you make something truly unique.
When compared to other wall finishes, the cost of a polished plaster wall might be fairly high. This is because proper application takes effort and expertise. Polished plaster walls are not a do-it-yourself undertaking and require the expertise of a professional.
Walls that are polished plaster require regular maintenance.
They last a long time, but they need regular care to stay in pristine condition.
This necessitates regular cleaning and polishing to keep them looking their best.
If you want a unique and opulent look for your home, polished plaster walls are a gorgeous and long-lasting solution.
They’re not cheap and usually need to be professionally installed, but they’ll make a huge style statement in any area of the house.
Maintaining Your Plaster
Plaster is a widely used building material all over the United Kingdom. This material is widely used since it can be found at little cost, is easy to work with, and can be repaired quickly in the event of damage.
But, it does not last forever and, like other building materials, will ultimately exhibit signs of normal wear and tear or deterioration.
Plaster walls and ceilings may age, and as such, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise and how to fix them. In this method, you can fix the plastering problems before they get worse and more expensive to fix. The most typical plastering issues will be discussed.
Cracked Plaster
Plaster walls and ceilings frequently experience this issue. Cracks can become far more serious issues if they are ignored. Cracks may be harmless ageing marks, analogous to the wrinkling of fruits, or they may indicate a more serious problem.
Because of this, you should examine the crack’s characteristics to ascertain whether or not a do-it-yourself repair is possible.
Look for tiny cracks in the plaster on your walls and ceilings.
The fissures are little and harmless. If you have trouble squeezing your fingernail into the crack, you’re dealing with a hairline fracture that can be readily repaired by yourself.
If, however, cracks appear, you should leave them alone. Plastering is a job best left to the experts.
The Risk of Delamination Cracks
When compared to hairline cracks, delamination cracks are much wider. They serve as an early warning that the wall plaster is pulling away from the lath. Large fissures in the ceiling or walls indicate impending danger.
The plaster will come loose from the wall behind it if the pull is great enough. In the worst case scenario, it may come crashing down on top of family members. If the ceiling is damaged, plaster could fall onto precious belongings below.
Plastering repairs should be left to the experts to ensure the safety of your walls and ceilings.
Discoloured Plaster
This is an indicator that water damage has occurred in your house. If you want to prevent this from happening to your house, you should probably call a local plasterer. But first, how can you spot plaster that has begun to discolour?
Look for brown spots on the walls and ceiling. If you do find them, a leak will likely start soon after. Water damage can usually be predicted in advance when brown stains appear. A stain-resistant paint primer may be used to hide the stain.
Having an expert examine the stains, however, is the safer option. If you don’t want your family to be caught off guard over the weekend or in the middle of the night because of leaks, you should get to it as soon as possible.
Bubbling Plaster
We have discussed how dark stains might be an indicator of water damage. If the leaks in your plaster go undetected for too long, the result will be bubbling. After a few days, the plaster will begin to bubble and protrude.
There may be no prior indication that this issue would occur. It’s likely that the damp walls and ceilings are at blame, thus fixing the situation requires speed. Plastering experts may need to evaluate the ceiling and roof to rule out structural problems and resolve the plastering issue.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the name given to the phenomenon in which a white, crystalline substance appears on the exterior of a building. Cement, lime, brick, sand, and water salt all contribute to its production since they contain unburned salt. The soluble salts draw humidity from the air as the wall dries.
A white crystalline substance forms where the moisture has seeped in via the pores. Even with regular washing and dry brushing, efflorescence can only be controlled to a limited degree. In wetter regions, you won’t find it, but in drier ones, it’ll make a comeback.
Holes
Plaster walls with holes usually have been damaged by a hard collision. In most cases, they won’t cause any damage to the plaster or the buildings. But they need to be fixed so that things don’t get worse.
Problems arise when gaps in a wall allow cables or insulation to become exposed. These cracks, thankfully, are simple to repair. As soon as you’ve fixed the door handles, put a stopper behind the door to prevent them from damaging the wall.
How to Care for Polished Plaster Walls
Treat it gently
When polished, plaster looks stunning, almost as elegant as marble. Compared to paint or wallpaper, it immediately creates a more sophisticated and sumptuous atmosphere in any room. Because of its inherent qualities, it outlasts other wall coverings in terms of both visual appeal and ease of care.
But, there may come a moment when you wish to restore the wall’s original lustre by polishing it or removing stains. Because of its strength and fragility, polished plaster requires special care when being cleaned. To clean your walls, use a damp cotton towel dipped in mild soapy detergent, and a microfiber cloth for dusting. They’ll look brand new once more.
Using mild, nonabrasive cleaning agents on your polished plaster walls will help them retain their beauty for longer.
Check the finish of your wall
Most Venetian plaster walls are waterproof because they are coated with a specific wax. This makes maintaining your polished plaster a breeze in the ordinary course of events.
You should first see if the wall has been sealed with wax before attempting to clean the polished plaster. If it hasn’t, there’s a sign that it can soak in moisture, making it more challenging to clean and maintain. We recommend seeking the assistance of a polished plaster expert before making any repairs yourself.
If the polished plaster has been properly sealed, you should be able to clean it and make any necessary minor repairs on your own. Your polished plaster walls may have lost their protective layer if they are quite old. If you suspect this is the case, try cleaning a small, hidden area first.
Use common household products to clean your sealed wall
Carefully cleaning a sealed polished plaster wall requires the use of only soft, non-abrasive cloths. Otherwise, you risk damaging your wall’s finish.
Soak one towel in hot water, and then add a drop or two of mild liquid soap to the centre. Make sure it is a mild soap, free of chlorine and other harsh chemicals, before using it on your skin. Your Venetian plaster could get ruined by these.
Use soft circular strokes when cleaning. The majority of dirt should be washed away with this. To remove a stain that just won’t come out, try using a commercial cleaning wipe that doesn’t include bleach. Never resort to rough fabrics or cleaning agents.
Dry your wall completely
Although Venetian plaster that has been properly sealed is watertight, leaving standing water on its surface can cause damage. When you’re done cleaning, dry the wall with a second soft, nonabrasive cloth. Plaster can be given its shine back by drying it using gentle circular motions, which will also assist to brighten its appearance.
It’s important to take your time at this step to avoid ruining the wall’s appearance with water spots or smudges.
Repairs
Although polished plaster is quite sturdy, it is possible for it to become damaged by scratches or fissures. When compared to other options for wall covering, fixing polished plaster is a breeze. This is because the plaster is put in thin layers, making it simple to restore the wall’s smooth appearance without starting over.
When a Venetian plaster wall is damaged, some homeowners or business owners may try to fix it themselves. While this can be done, it is not suggested if you care about how your wall looks. If any damage, such as scratches or cracks, does occur, you should have the wall repaired by a professional who specialises in polished plaster.
Trust the Experts for Plastering Repairs
Plastering repairs are best left to the professionals. Plastering is a highly technical activity that calls for expert skill and experience. Repairs that you attempt to complete on your own without the proper training or experience may end up looking shoddy and cost you more money in the long run.
The professional finish is only one reason why plastering repairs are best left to the pros. Skilled plasterers have the training and knowledge to apply the plaster in a uniform, smooth manner, resulting in a beautiful, long-lasting surface. Trowels and floats, among other instruments, are at their disposal, allowing them to create a flawless finish.
The time and effort required to repair plastering is another good reason to hire professionals. Cleaning up afterwards can be tedious and time-consuming if you aren’t a specialist. Hiring a professional plasterer is a wise decision since it will save you time and effort, and the work will be done quickly and correctly.
When making plastering repairs, it is also important to think about safety. Expert plasterers know how to avoid harm when working at great heights, and they also have access to the scaffolding and ladders needed to do their jobs securely.
In the long run, hiring professional plasterers will save you time and money. Poorly executed repairs can result in the need for even more extensive and expensive maintenance down the road. In the long run, you’ll save both time and money if you leave the work to the professionals to complete.
Conclusion
The Italians love to decorate with polished plaster, also called Venetian plaster. It’s a flexible material that works equally well in traditional and modern decor. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing signs of wear and tear, and it lasts a long time.
It’s easily shaped, so you can give it any look you want with paint or a shine. A polished plaster wall may be more expensive because it requires the skill of a professional.
They need to be cleaned and polished frequently to maintain their lustre.
Walls finished with polished plaster offer an elegant and durable alternative to other decorative options. Preventing problems from getting worse and more expensive to fix requires foreknowledge of those problems and the means to address them. If left unattended, cracks in plaster walls and ceilings can spread and cause significant damage.
Delamination cracks are much more noticeable and indicate that the plaster is beginning to detach from the lath in the wall.
The presence of large cracks in the ceiling or walls is ominous.
Plaster could fall through a hole in the ceiling and damage anything below. To guarantee the stability of the walls and ceilings, repairs involving plastering should be handled by professionals.
Plaster that has turned a different colour or is bubbling up is a sign of water damage. Cement, lime, brick, sand, and water salt can all cause efflorescence, which manifests as a white, crystalline substance on the surface of a building.
Plastering professionals have the education and experience to apply the material evenly and smoothly, as well as the tools necessary to do so. They are also equipped with scaffolding and ladders, so they can safely complete their work at heights. Hiring experts is a cost- and time-effective decision in the long run.
Content Summary
- Polished plaster, often called Venetian plaster, is quickly replacing traditional wall coverings like paint and wallpaper.
- It’s perfect for both home and office design because of its aesthetically pleasing, high-end appearance as well as its robustness and longevity.
- Walls finished with polished plaster, often called Venetian plaster, are a popular Italian decorative option.
- Polished plaster walls have a long lifespan, which is a major benefit.
- The adaptability of walls finished with polished plaster is another benefit.
- When compared to other wall finishes, the cost of a polished plaster wall might be fairly high.
- Polished plaster walls are not a do-it-yourself undertaking and require the expertise of a professional.
- Walls that are polished plaster require regular maintenance.
- They last a long time, but they need regular care to stay in pristine condition.
- If you want a unique and opulent look for your home, polished plaster walls are a gorgeous and long-lasting solution.
- Plaster walls and ceilings may age, and as such, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise and how to fix them.
- Look for tiny cracks in the plaster on your walls and ceilings.
- Plastering repairs should be left to the experts to ensure the safety of your walls and ceilings.
- This is an indicator that water damage has occurred in your house.
- But first, how can you spot plaster that has begun to discolour?Look for brown spots on the walls and ceiling.
- Water damage can usually be predicted in advance when brown stains appear.
- If the leaks in your plaster go undetected for too long, the result will be bubbling.
- Problems arise when gaps in a wall allow cables or insulation to become exposed.
- As soon as you’ve fixed the door handles, put a stopper behind the door to prevent them from damaging the wall.
- Using mild, nonabrasive cleaning agents on your polished plaster walls will help them retain their beauty for longer.
- This makes maintaining your polished plaster a breeze in the ordinary course of events.
- You should first see if the wall has been sealed with wax before attempting to clean the polished plaster.
- We recommend seeking the assistance of a polished plaster expert before making any repairs yourself.
- Use common household products to clean your sealed wall.
- Carefully cleaning a sealed polished plaster wall requires the use of only soft, non-abrasive cloths.
- When you’re done cleaning, dry the wall with a second soft, nonabrasive cloth.
- When compared to other options for wall covering, fixing polished plaster is a breeze.
- If any damage, such as scratches or cracks, does occur, you should have the wall repaired by a professional who specialises in polished plaster.
- Plastering repairs are best left to the professionals.
- Plastering is a highly technical activity that calls for expert skill and experience.
- The time and effort required to repair plastering is another good reason to hire professionals.
- Hiring a professional plasterer is a wise decision since it will save you time and effort, and the work will be done quickly and correctly.
- When making plastering repairs, it is also important to think about safety.
- In the long run, hiring professional plasterers will save you time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polished Plaster Walls
Is plaster a costly material?
Plaster is more expensive than gypsum. Cement and cement lime plaster are cheaper alternatives. The substance used is chlorine, which is highly toxic in its pure form.
Is white cement the same as plaster?
White cement is not the same as plaster; it has a different consistency. The former, made of gypsum, is used to make casts for medical purposes (such as when repairing a fracture), while the latter is put on walls to make them shine.
Is plaster dangerous to one’s health?
Many people fear working with plaster because of its inherent dangers. Though it is not dangerous in the right hands, the substance is generally considered safe for everyday use. Anything embedded in the plaster runs the risk of being trapped and subjected to extreme heat.
Is plaster suitable to use on walls?
Plaster is the best option for repairing gaps in plaster walls because its properties are more likely to match the wall material. Plaster isn’t often used to repair drywall, but it does a great job of reinforcing interior walls.
Is plaster easy to maintain?
When you want to clean your Venetian plaster walls, all you have to do is wipe them down. In order to lengthen the life of walls, routine maintenance such as cleaning and sealing is recommended.
