Venetian Plaster, faux finish, italian plaster, decorative finishes

1. What is the difference between Italian Plasters and American venetian plasters?

2. How do the Italian Venetian Plasters differ from Faux Finishes?

3. Can you apply any of the venetian plasters in my shower stall?

4. What is the history of the venetian plasters you use?

5. How long does a typical job take to do? Will my house be in dissarray?

6. What about pricing? Can the average homeowner afford them?

7. What if I decide in a year that I don't like the finish and want something new? Will that be a problem?

8. Are there any chemicals in these plasters that I need to be concerned about?

9. Who else uses these types of plasters?

10. Can these plasters be used on top of any surface or substrate? What if my walls are uneven?

1. What is the difference between Italian Plasters and American venetian plasters?

American venetian plasters typically have high levels of resin (acrylic or simply, "plastic") and contain no lime or marble flour. Others say they contain marble flour and lime, but the amounts are minimal. Our products are restoration approved in Italy so you know you are getting the very best. Some of the US made venetian plasters also have toxic chemicals. Safra's italian plasters are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. They are also non-allergenic, and non-flammable. Safra's plasters are made in Verona Italy with 100% aged lime and marble flour, and the manufacturing process provides the very best quality possible. Safra is highly respected among American Architects as well as all over Europe. Over 70 Italian paint manufacturers buy their Venetian Plasters and decorative finishes from Safra and sell them under their own name. In Europe, Safra is considered "the Bentley of Italian Plasters".

2. How do the italian plasters differ from faux finishes?

Faux finishes are created with paint, joint compound, and other synthetics that try to duplicate the look of the genuine italian plasters. While some faux finishes are very elegant, they do not compare to the genuine Italian Plasters, nor will they endure the test of time. With Safra, you are getting a very thin slab of stone on your walls which will last as long as the substrate. Safra plasters do not fade in color from sunlight like paint does and these plasters actually become more beautiful with age.

3. Can you put any of the plasters in my shower stall? How about on counter tops, table tops, floors and ceilings?

Yes, for shower stall applications, we recommend veneziano because although lime is mold and mildew resistant, it is not formulated to withstand constant full water exposure like tile is. Our veneziano is not a lime based plaster, it is mineral. Our Veneziano can withstand 50,000 brush strokes, and can easily be wiped down with 409. However, if you would like plasters applied in your kitchen or bathroom but not necessarily inside the shower stall, you can apply the lime based plasters if you wish. Due to the cure time (28-30 days), we often recommend other finishes which cure faster.

Some have applied these plasters on counter tops but Safra does not guarantee the endurance of plasters in this setting due to the high abuse they receive (i.e., using counter top as cutting board etc).

Yes, we can apply these plasters over table tops, some furniture, and ceilings.

We have had some applicators apply these plasters on flooring, but Safra does not guarantee the endurance in that setting due to high abuse. If you would like an italian plaster on your flooring, we recommend a polyeuthethane topcoat be applied to protect it.

Yes, Safra plasters can be applied on ceilings.

4. What is the history behind Safra plasters?

Please click here for more information on Artenova by Safra.

5. How long does a typical job take to do? Will my house be in dissarray?

The length of a job depends on the area of coverage as well as any surface preparation needed. If the project is large, a crew will be assembled. Small rooms may take a few days to complete while larger areas may require several weeks. We will do our best to keep your home clean and free of debree. We use wet sanding bars if joint compound is applied to repair rough areas, so in that case, some sanding is required. We also vacuum the area for you once we have completed the job.

We do not move furniture or remove/re-mount pictures, mirrors, sconces, lights etc. If any furniture is in the area, we will cover everything with heavy drop cloths and plastic, insuring all exposed areas are protected. Most of the plasters we use do not splatter or drip.

6. What about pricing? Can the average homeowner afford them?

Many factors are taken into account when calculating cost : room size, finish selected, wall height, ceiling height, accessibility of area, labor and material costs. The cost of our plasters vary according to which type of finish you select. Some plasters carry a slightly higher cost than others due to the labor intensive application and higher cost of material. We work hard to stay competitive and challenge you to allow us to submit a bid for your project. In some cases, we have done projects for only $2.00 more a square foot than faux finishers charge for paint treatments.

If the area we will be working on has grease build up or alot of dust, it may require sponging down the walls or cabinets. In this case, an additional charge will be added so if this is needed, we recommend you have this done prior to our start date.

7. What if I decide in a year that I don't like the finish and want to paint over it, do a faux finish, or have another type of plaster applied? Will that be a problem?

Iif you have had a textured finish applied, it would be necessary to have the wall skimmed with joint compound to smooth the surface fist, and then primed before painting. If you have had a smooth plaster applied, all that is required is to prime and paint right over the plaster. If you have had the surface waxed, it must be removed prior to priming and can easily be removed with mineral spirits or acetone on a cloth.

8. Are there any chemicals in these plasters that I need to be concerned about ?

No. All Safra plasters are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Safra's lime is not the same as US made lime. Safra's are not as caustic, and are not in powdered format. They are in lime putty format. We do not sand our lime plasters as it is not necessary to achieve the smooth polished finish. The shine comes naturally from running the trowel across the finish on the last coat applied; this process is referred to as "burnishing".

9. Who else uses these types of plasters?

Architects, designers, builders, commercial and residential owners. If you visit Italy, you will see our finishes adorn buildings, both exterior and interior. Our finishes may be found in Venice, Verona, Mantova, Rome, and many other areas as well.

10. Can these plasters be used on top of any surface or substrate? What if my walls are uneven?

All our plasters may be used on common support (drywall, concrete, chalk). Fiorentino, Stucco Romano and Veneziano may be applied over metal, plastic, wood, drywall, and/or concrete.

If your walls are uneven, some surface preparation may be required depending on the type of finish you select. Some plasters are better equipped to cover surface flaws than others. Uneven drywall joints may require some additional preparation.