In Venice, Italy, during the period of the Italian Renaissance, the Italians tried to simulate the look and feel of polished marble and stone work, but without the immense weight those materials carried.

The traditional look, on public buildings and private residences, of polished marble and traditional stone was becoming problematic the watery foundations could not sustain any great weight. Therefore this heavy material could no longer be used. The city of Venice was sinking. They had to find an alternative.

To get around this heavy weight problem the Italians combined aged slake lime with fine marble dust, natural minerals and earth pigments.

The technique became known as Stucco Venetian in Italy, and throughout the world as Venetian/Italian marble plaster.

A variety of Italian marble plaster finishes are in use today simulating marble of many different colours using pigments, and other faux stone wall finishes. DJJ can offer a catalogue of over 100 colours and shades to suit your needs.

Traditional Italian marble plaster is the original eco-friendly, “green” product. The plaster consists of lime putty, 40% marble dust and aged slaked lime. This material “breathes” making it mould and mildew resistant, unlike painted surfaces.

Decorative marble finishes are also more durable than any painted surface and offer an infinite variety. Different colours and thicknesses of colour are applied to each plaster coat resulting in a unique finish as with true marble or stone.

However, decorative Italian marble plastering cannot be applied over a high sheen such as gloss paint or wall paper, or more importantly to cover existing imperfections. Therefore it is most important to prepare the surface of each wall to achieve a high quality finish.

Over a few days, the plaster absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, dries and cures as hard as stone, making it very durable. The evidence of which can still be seen on many of the ancient and historic buildings in Italy today having stood the test of time for over 300 years.

Waxes and sealers are used for decorative effect as well as for protection. The range of waxes includes sealers for damp areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These prevent water penetration into the plaster. This combined with the plasters resistance to mould and mildew makes it ideal for these wet room areas.

All of the Italian marble plasters used by us are imported from a small family-run company which has been producing high quality lime products in Vicenza, northern Italy since the 1930’s.