FAQ - Frequently asked questions about marble plaster and its processing into creative surfaces
How long will the plaster last if I don't use the bucket completely? Can I keep it locked?
Yes – in general, the plaster can be stored and reused later after opening, provided it is sealed properly.
The plaster is delivered with a protective film on the surface. It is important to keep the rim of the bucket clean – especially before resealing it. To do this, thoroughly clean the rim with a damp sponge so that the lid closes airtight again.
Then place the film directly back onto the plaster surface. Optionally, a thin layer of water can be applied over the film—this helps keep air out and protects the plaster.
When stored in a cool, stable environment, the plaster generally has a shelf life of several years. One should be a bit more cautious with pre-colored plasters: Some pigments contain a higher silicon content and can cause the lime plaster to harden more over time. Plasters without added pigments are therefore better suited for longer storage periods.
Before the next use, carefully pour the water into a clean container, remove the plastic wrap, and stir the plaster thoroughly. If necessary, adjust the consistency back to the desired level using the previously drained water:
- 1st and 2nd coats: slightly firmer and “greasy,” not too watery
- final coat: adjust to be slightly creamier—but only to the extent that the plaster still holds well on the trowel and does not run off
Can you sand Stucco Veneziano to make it shinier?
Generally speaking, no—sanding is not the standard method for achieving a higher gloss with Stucco Veneziano and should only be performed by someone with the appropriate experience.
With Stucco Veneziano, the gloss is primarily created by the compaction of the surface during smoothing and polishing, as well as by the fineness of the material—not by subsequent material removal. Subsequent sanding can open up the surface, reduce the depth effect, or alter the characteristic texture.
If post-processing is necessary, it is performed only very finely and in a controlled manner—for example, to level out minor unevenness or to prepare for another coat. The surface is then compacted again or, if necessary, finished with a suitable final treatment.
If a higher gloss level is to be achieved, in most cases additional polishing or reworking the final coating makes more sense than sanding. One option, however, is polishing with fine polishing discs. But as mentioned, this should be approached with caution, because if the machine is not guided carefully or if any protrusions are sanded down, the gloss is ruined.
Additionally, whether after using polishing pads or directly on the surface pressed with the Venetian trowel, a wax polish can be applied. Punic wax has proven effective. It is transparent, making it suitable for white and light colors, and is relatively easy to apply.
For high-quality high-gloss surfaces, however, the application technique is always more crucial than subsequent mechanical finishing.
I rent an apartment. Can I paint over the Stucco Veneziano when I move out?
Yes, Stucco Veneziano can generally be painted over—but only under certain conditions. The key factors are the condition of the surface and the choice of a suitable mineral-based paint system.
The existing topcoat plays the most important role here: If the surface has been treated with wax, this layer must be removed before painting or at least sufficiently opened up. If the topcoat remains, the new paint will not adhere permanently.
Surface Preparation
Before each coat, you should check whether there is still a sealed wax layer on the surface. Depending on the application, this can be treated with suitable cleaning or dewaxing methods. Options include, for example, special wax removers, very fine surface sanding, or carefully loosening the layer with moisture and a cleaning cloth. The goal is always a stable, mineral-based surface. Find the right wax remover here.
Which paints are suitable
Only vapor-permeable coatings are suitable for Stucco Veneziano.
Lime paint is particularly well-suited because it harmonizes with the mineral character of the substrate and preserves its open-porous structure. Pure lime paint without any synthetic resin additives is available here.
Silicate paint is also a proven solution. It bonds permanently with suitable mineral substrates and creates a robust, durable surface.
In practice, two coats are usually applied: first a more heavily diluted base coat, followed by the opaque final coat.
Which paints should be avoided
Classic emulsion, latex, or other plastic-based wall paints are not recommended for Stucco Veneziano. Such coatings can restrict the surface’s moisture regulation and often exhibit adhesion problems, particularly on inadequately prepared surfaces.
When repainting may be a good idea
A fresh coat of paint can be a good solution if the desired color has changed, the original design no longer suits the room, or the surface already shows significant signs of wear.
However, it is often worth exploring alternatives first.
Are there better options than repainting?
Not every stucco surface needs to be repainted. Often, it is sufficient to simply refresh the existing wax layer or touch up smaller areas. This preserves the typical depth and appearance of Stucco Veneziano. Only when the surface is significantly altered or damaged overall may a complete overhaul be the more sensible solution.
For the final selection of materials and application, it is always recommended to assess the surface directly on-site—especially for older surfaces or those that have already been treated multiple times.
