How do I keep my unused plaster from drying out once the container has been opened?
After opening and exposure to air, plasters can become thicker and dry out over time due to moisture evaporation. Always make sure to close containers tightly after each use to maintain consistency. You can optionally add a small amount (thin layer) of clean water over the used product to to create a "skin" or barrier to the air inside the container.Why does my plaster seem watery or loose in the container?
Our plasters are thick bodied water-based mediums. Overtime, the plaster can settle. When this occurs, liquid can rise to the top. Before beginning any project, it is important to always stir the product from the bottom up in the container. Making sure any potentially settled materials are reincorporated.How do I polish or burnish VP Antico?
VP Antico can be burnished and polished once dry. To burnish VP Antico, using a fine grit sandpaper (400 - 1000 grit depending on level of polish desired) very lightly sand the plaster. Work in small circles until the level of sheen or polish is achieved. The higher grit sandpaper will produce a smoother higher polish. Wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove plaster dust from sanding before adding additional layers or sealer.Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be used outdoors?
Yes! All Artisan Enhancements™ plasters can be used outdoors with proper prep, application, sealing, and care. Review product tip sheets to learn more about outdoor applications, sealing, and care.Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be combined?
Technically…Yes! But it may take some experimentation to determine the desired effect, mixture, and dry time.Mix Fine Stone and VP Antico to achieve a heavier textured application. As the combination dries, a natural crack pattern can appear depending on the ratio of Fine Stone to VP Antico.
Another popular combination is Fine Stone and Pearl Plaster to achieve a shimmery stone finish!
Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be used to create relief stencils?
YES! All Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters can be used to create relief or embossed stenciled techniques. To create a relief stencil, load a small amount of plaster to a roller, stencil brush, or edge of a Color Shaper/Palette Knife. Using desired tool, push the plaster through the stencil with light pressure. Lift the stencil to reveal a relief pattern!Can Artisan Enhancements™ plasters be tinted?
YES! All Artisan Enhancements™ Plasters come as a tintable base. Our plasters can be tinted with a variety of pigment sources including universal tint systems, water-based paints, and mineral pigments. When tinting we recommend starting with a mix of 3-part plaster to 1-part tint. Add more tint or pigment source as needed to achieve the desired color.What tools can be used to apply Artisan Enhancements™ plasters?
Our plasters can be applied with a variety of tools! Brushes, rollers, trowels, sponges, Color Shapers, and drywall knives are just some of the tools used to apply our plasters. Review product tip sheets to learn more about various application methods and different tools.What is the difference between Fine Stone, VP Antico, and Pearl Plaster?
Artisan Enhancements™ Fine Stone is a thick water-based plaster medium with added natural sand aggregate used to create textured plaster effects. Fine stone can be used to achieve gritty and stone-like finishes. Fine Stone is an ideal medium for textured, embossing, relief, and trowelled techniques. Great for a variety of interior and exterior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls.Artisan Enhancements™ VP Antico is a thick water-based plaster medium used to create smooth and textured Venetian plaster effects. VP Antico’s unique formula contains linseed oil to make it easier to smooth, polish, and burnish. An ideal medium for stippled, embossing, relief, and trowelled techniques. Great for a variety of interior and exterior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls.
Artisan Enhancements™ Pearl Plaster is a thick water-based acrylic plaster medium used to create opulent pearlescent effects. Pearl Plaster can be used to develop shimmery finishes, reminiscent of a luxurious velvet. Pearl Plaster is an ideal medium for embossing, relief, and trowelled techniques. Pearl Plaster can be combined with Scumble to create a pearl glaze. Great for a variety of interior and exterior projects such as: furniture, cabinetry, decorative arts, and walls.
All Artisan Enhancements™ plasters are non-toxic, zero VOC, and eco-friendly!