3 Ways to Apply Decorative Plaster for Wall and Furniture Treatments

Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters can be applied using a variety of techniques to create one-of-a-kind textured finishes on walls and painted furniture. In this tutorial, Jim teaches 3 different simple techniques – trowel, roller, and stippling with a brush. These 3 basic applications are a good way to develop your skills and practice applying plasters with confidence.

Basic Texture Application Methods for Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters

In the video Jim is using VP Antico (Venetian Plaster), but all 3 methods could also be used to apply Fine Stone and Pearl Plaster.

Supply List

STEP ONE

Surface Preparation

Surface Prep! Surfaces should be free of cleaner residue, dust, dirt, and debris. Surfaces should be dry before VP Antico application.  If painting/staining/layering before VP Antico application, make sure the basecoat of paint/stain/layers are completely dry before application of plaster. For best results let surfaces dry overnight before VP Antico application. Note: Raw, stone, or untreated surfaces may need to be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Topcoat prior to plaster application.

STEP TWO

Stir Plaster

Stir VP Antico! Stir from the bottom up before every use to make sure plaster is fully mixed.

STEP THREE

Application – 3 Basic Plaster Textures

Basic Trowel Application

VP Antico can be applied to flat surfaces using a trowel, palette/drywall knife, or Color Shaper to achieve an overall plaster effect. To begin, load a small amount of plaster on to the edge of the tool. Apply plaster to the surface while holding the tool at an angle of 30 – 45°, working from wet to dry areas, to cover the entire surface. As the plaster begins to set-up, keeping the edge of the tool at an angle, smooth the surface to eliminate ridges and uneven areas.  Allow the first coat to completely dry. To build additional texture, reload the tool and repeat the process if desired.

Basic Roller Application

VP Antico can be rolled on to flat surfaces. For a smoother texture, use a low-nap high density foam roller cover. For a heavier textured look, use a thick-nap roller cover. Dip the roller into the VP Antico product. Make sure the roller has good coverage of VP Antico for an even coat. Roll the VP Antico onto a piece of cardboard or paint tray to test the consistency. Off-load any excess or an over loaded roller as needed. Apply VP Antico to the surface, slightly overlapping the previous roll with each pass to avoid lap lines and voids. Reload roller and repeat until surface is covered. Similar to stippling, rolling VP Antico creates small peaks in the finish. If desired, as the plaster begins to set-up the peaks can be knocked down by dragging a drywall knife over the peaks to achieve a slightly smoother effect. Once first coat is dry, a second coat can be added for more coverage and heavier texture.

Basic Brush Application – Stipple

VP Antico can be stippled with a round brush to create light to heavy texture plaster effects. To load the brush, hold the brush vertical and upright, dip the bristles of the round brush into the VP Antico. To apply the VP Antico to the surface, while still holding the brush upright, “pounce” the brush up and down on to the surface. Pouncing pushes the bristles into the surface to create the stippled effect. Reload the brush and repeat until surface is covered. The up and down lifting action creates small peaks in the stippled pattern. If desired, as the plaster begins to set-up the peaks can be knocked down by dragging a drywall knife over the peaks to achieve a slightly smoother stipple textured effect. Once first coat is dry, a second coat can be added for more coverage and heavier texture.

STEP FOUR

Seal

Seal! VP Antico applications can be sealed with Artisan Enhancements™ sealers or wax. (See Sealer Tip sheet for proper sealer application)

Thanks for following along <3

Download the VP Antico Basic Technique Sheet

Download the Fine Stone Basic Technique Sheet

Download the Pearl Plaster Basic Technique Sheet

To learn more about Artisan Enhancements™ plasters, visit your local Artisan Enhancements retailer, review tip sheets, and visit FAQ section.