We are venetian plaster applicators servicing NJ, SC, and the East Coast. We are certified to apply imported lime venetian plaster, trained in Italy. We provide faux finishes as well as venetian plaster, and also offer custom art pieces. Our pricing is competitive with other local faux finishers.

We are members of the International Decorative Artisans League.

Ancient Strokes Design Studios artisans were trained and certified at the Safra Decoration Acadamy in Verona Italy as well as in the US.

Venetian plaster and faux finishes in general are a decorative wall treatment, however, our plasters offer much more than mere decoration. They are non toxic, non-flammable, will not fade in color like paint, create an allergy free environment, prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites. Our lime plasters cure back to limestone and absorb moisture from the air (thus helping to regulate humidity). Other finishes we offer are stain resistant, graffiti resistant, and sound and thermal resistant. Stucco Veneziano may be wiped with 409 cleanser, resists fire, and is classified 1st class according to UNI standards (works as flame inhibitor). Our plasters actually help protect your walls, and strengthen the underlying sheetrock.

Even our faux finishes are created with Italian products, although we do use some of the american professional grade faux products. The venetian plasters are applied with an italian trowel. The movement of the trowel combined with several layers are what create the design. The Italians refer to this as "staining the plaster". Venetian plaster and faux finishes can completely transform a home.

Many artisans who have not been properly trained in the art of venetian plaster use mediums (such as acrylic universal tints, acrylic american glazes, and acidic metallic effects) which, not only effect the look of the finish but can effect the integrity of the lime and even eat away at the plaster over time. With Ancient Strokes, you have confidence that not only do we have the training on how to properly apply these plasters, but we also have the appropriate education in the chemical do's and don'ts regarding the genuine lime and mineral based venetian plasters. We use Italian manufactured products which are formulated to work in conjunction with the lime. We also have access to the lab chemists in Italy at the manufacturer's plant.

The lime we use is aged for a minimum of 9 months. Italy has the purest lime and marble in the world. We also specialize in stenciling embedded, raised or embossed designs as well as sgraffito, which is a process used to scratch a design into the venetian plaster top layer before it is fully dry. This process exposes the underlying layer in a varying color and is quite a unique look. Our only limitation is our imagination.

We are able to match any color you choose from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Most plasters are available in 1275 colors.

Ancient Strokes Design Studios can quickly assemble crews available for any size project anywhere in the US. No project is too large or too small. We are fully insured and certified.

Our Safra colorants and plaster finishes are the only brand which are restoration approved.

Some History of Lime Plasters: For 10,000 years lime has been used as a binder for plasters. The earliest being 8000 BC in Turkey. Lime usage virtually vanished by the mid 20th century. However, in the early 1970's, evidence began to surface of the damage to historic buildings caused by the use of cement and modern plasters. This led to a revival of the use of lime plasters, not only to conserve, but for new construction as well. Warwick Castle Ceasar's Tower is a prime example. Another is the Pantheon Temple in Rome, which has stood for nearly 2000 years.

If you would like a consultation, please email us by using the contact us form or email link.

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