MODERN MASTERS™ VENETIAN PLASTER™ is a tintable acrylic plaster finishing system that can impart an elegant, highly polished marble-like appearance. You control the sheen level of the finish by the amount of sanding and burnishing done on the finish plaster coat. Various looks are possible with the Venetian Plaster system, such as polished marble, stone, or suede. The more the surface is polished the more translucent the finish becomes; this translucency creates the depth seen in real marble. The finish is so smooth it actually feels like genuine marble. In fact, Venetian Plaster was formulated to imitate a complicated ‘Old World’ Italian technique called “Scagliola”. This time-honored technique has been utilized for centuries to create the appearance of marble on structural building areas where actual, heavy marble could not be installed.

The Scagliola process requires a large investment of time and effort and is troublesome to apply correctly. Now an easier method exists. Modern Masters Venetian Plaster takes only three easy steps to apply. Now the same beautiful, highly polished marble-like finish can be achieved with a much smaller investment in time, effort, and cost.

Product Description:
Modern Masters™ Venetian Plaster™ Tint Base (VP100) and Venetian Plaster™ Ultra Deep Tint Base (VP200) are both short-filled to allow for the addition of tints. Off-white, pastel, and mid-tone colors can be achieved by tinting the Venetian Plaster Tint Base. To determine the proper amount of tint needed, refer to the color formula for a typical pastel paint base. Dark and ultra deep colors can be achieved by tinting the Venetian Plaster Ultra Deep Tint Base. To determine the proper amount of tint needed, refer to the color formula for a typical ultra deep paint base. With either of the Venetian Plaster bases, do not exceed 10 ounces/312 milliliters of tint per 1 gallon/3.78 liters.

Modern Masters™ Venetian Plaster™ Topcoat (VP300) is used as a protective sealer over the dry Venetian Plaster finish. High traffic areas where washability is imperative, or rooms that experience high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms, should be sealed with Venetian Plaster Topcoat. The Venetian Plaster Topcoat is especially formulated to preserve the appearance of the finished Venetian Plaster surface. Other protective topcoats cannot be used to protect the surface.

Surface Preparation:
The surface should be free of imperfections, sealed with a primer-sealer, and have a low sheen. Fill any imperfections, such as cracks and nail holes, first and then use a primer-sealer over the entire area to be coated. We highly recommend using Zinsser’s Bullseye 1-2-3 Primer-Sealer. Hint: The primer-sealer can be tinted to match the Venetian Plaster to help coverage. The proper preparation of the surface under the Venetian Plaster will greatly improve the appearance of the final finish

Application:
THREE-STEP APPLICATION:
Step One—Texture Coat: The texture coat is applied with a heavy nap or stucco roller. This step will produce peaks that should be ‘knocked down’ by smoothing lightly with a putty knife while the plaster is still wet.
Step Two—Skim Coat: A skim coat of the same color Venetian Plaster is then applied using a putty knife. Hold the putty knife at a 60° angle and force the skim coat into the ‘valleys’ of the texture coat. Scrape off any excess to ensure that the final surface is smooth.
Step Three—Burnish/Polish: For suede or stone appearances, burnishing/polishing is not needed. For a marble-like finish, sand the dry Venetian Plaster in a circular motion with 400 grit dry sandpaper. An electrical sander can be carefully used for this step. For an even higher sheen, first dust the surface with a soft rag and then sand with 600 grit dry sandpaper. Then thoroughly dust the surface with a damp soft rag. To get a very high sheen, after sanding, rub vigorously (polish) the surface with the flat side of a clean putty knife. This final polishing step is not recommended on lighter colors of Venetian Plaster.

Protection: After polishing, the Venetian Plaster should be treated with care. It is not scrubbable, but it is easily repaired. To provide for extra protection in bathrooms or in high traffic areas, apply the specially formulated Modern Masters Venetian Plaster Clear Topcoat. Other protective topcoats cannot be used to protect the finished Venetian Plaster surface.

Note: For more information and a complete orientation on the use and application of Modern Masters Venetian Plaster, please refer to the application guide and the ‘How-To’ Application Video.

Drying times at 70°F/21°C and 50%RH. Venetian Plaster—2 to 4 hours. Venetian Plaster Topcoat—1 to 2 hours. Note: Lower temperature and higher humidity will lengthen the dry and cure times.

Clean Up: Clean brushes, rollers, tools, and equipment with water immediately after use.