Stamping

A moderately thin coat of wet plaster is applied to a wall by hand with a trowel. The initial plaster coat should be slightly rough with trowel marks left in the finish. Before the plaster dries, it is stamped with one or a variety of tools. The impressions might be fish bones, bird tracks, fleur de lis embossing, imprints from a tin ceiling tile, a few deeply grooved sneaker soles, a geometric design -- anything that leaves a mark in the plaster when stamped into it will work. A more subtle stamping is achieved by dipping a flat brush into wet plaster and stippling it on the walls in swirls or streaks.

Scagliola

Scagliola is a highly specialized plastering technique that mimics natural stone. It was used for columns, sculptures and architectural features where the weight or expense of real marble or semi-precious stones was not practical. The technique predates a period of popularity in 17th century Tuscany and involves a composite plaster of ground stone, glue and pigments. The plaster finish may be veined, carved, pigmented throughout or covered with several layers of translucent glaze. Traditionally the dried plaster was buffed and oiled or covered in beeswax. Scagliola was widely used in public buildings and fine architecture in the U.S. in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster is both a plaster application and a finishing glaze. It is a very textured and warm finish, reminiscent of old Italian interiors. Plaster is applied to a thoroughly cleaned wall with a flat-edged trowel and worked lightly to give a textured appearance. Once the plaster has dried, it is coated in latex sealer for protection, and then color can be added in several stages. An off-white base is followed by a colored paint, usually in an earthy or pale shade. The paint is worked by a dry brush while it is still damp to muddle the surface and rub the paint into the raised texture. Color can be further enhanced with a very dilute whitewash or covered in a tinted glaze.