Since the Polished plaster had strength, resistance to moisture and durability, it was used to finish the facades of buildings, columns, and steps. The material is so durable that even now we can admire it in the palaces of the Polished Doges. After all, it was in Venice that the production of this construction mixture was put on stream, hence the name.
Material benefits
Today, Polished plaster has not changed its composition: slaked lime, marble dust, water and natural dyes. Some manufacturers add artificial color-resistant dyes and polymers for a more glossy texture. But even without synthetic additives, the plaster is durable, resistant to any temperature changes and high humidity.
But the main advantage of the “Polished” is the incredibly beautiful appearance of the wall or ceiling at the exit. The surface becomes smooth, glossy, with imitation of natural marble. As a standard, the plaster is produced in white, however, by adding a dye of any color, you can get the desired shade. Get more info and find your options for the best polished plastering.
Work with Polished plaster
Applying Polished plaster requires skill and skill. First of all, you need to carefully align and prime the wall, otherwise the plaster will only emphasize the surface flaws. Next, layers of the “Polished” itself will be applied, the amount of which, depending on the desired effect, can reach 8 or more. The fact is that plaster with different movements of the hand lies in different ways, and therefore it is quite difficult to achieve the desired effect without experience. Experienced craftsmen in this case are advised to experiment with plaster on a piece of putty plywood: you will see that the pattern will depend on the strength and direction of your movements.
- The main rule is that each coat must dry completely before applying the next. The composition is applied in small strokes, while there is no need to observe any sequence or direction of the strokes: the more chaotic they are, the more interesting the effect we will get. After drying, each layer must be wiped with sandpaper to remove bulges and roughness. Then we proceed to the application again, and so on until the result suits you.
- The last layer should be as thin as possible – here you will need the jewelry craftsmanship of the plasterer. Without waiting for its final drying, the ironing process begins: this requires a special spatula for the “Polished”. In a circular motion, the spatula cleans the surface, revealing a marble texture on it. At the end of the work, the wall is covered with beeswax to create a glossy effect.
Here is such a complex and time-consuming process of working with Polished plaster. However, the finished result will be worth all the effort: the beauty of the “Polished” walls will delight you for many years.
Often under the concept of plaster they mean a certain one-color coating, homogeneous or, at best, textured. In fact, the world of plasters is simply immense, and the beauty of some of its types can easily argue with the cladding of marble, malachite or onyx. Polished plaster is a sample of such a decorative coating. This article will tell you how to make, and then apply the Polished plaster.
