(A quick guide to the application of Italian Plastering).

Prior to commencement of work, all surfaces must be flat and true without any bumps, dips, cracks or hollows and the substrate is structurally stable and damp free.

Firstly a primer is applied to the area and allowed to dry out completely. This is to provide improved bonding to the prepared surface.

Then the basecoat is added, this is designed to bond to the primer and give a strong mechanical key to the subsequent layers of plaster. Again this basecoat is allowed to dry out completely, followed by a light sanding.

Next the following coats of coloured plaster are applied; anything from three to seven coats can be laid on. Each coat will be slightly burnished, allowed to dry and lightly sanded before the next plaster coat is applied.

When the final top coat of coloured plaster has been applied it is hand polished with different grades of trowels to achieve a high gloss finish.

The plaster should be left to dry out for 24 hours, before applying the Antico wax, (high gloss finish), or the Decorwax, (water resistance). Three coats of either wax are then applied to the surface allowing drying time and a buffing up between each coat.

After the Primer coat & Base coat have been applied and allowed to dry, the first coat (green earth), added with a 50% covering. When dry it is given a light sanding and the 2nd green earth coat is applied to 70% of the whole wall, again dried and light sanding. Next we add small patches of Brown colour in random areas, dry and sand.

Two more coats of the green earth are applied as above covering the whole of the wall going over all open spaces and previously covered areas. White colour is then added in small patches and one more coat of green earth applied, the final coat is burnished to a glossy sheen. Finally the whole wall is coated with a wax sealer, (2-3, coats), and each coat polished with a lamb’s wool buffer.