Projects

Faux Venetian Plaster

Project Overview

Mimic the timeworn look of plastered wall by applying layers of undiluted paint with a trowel. The paint layers give the wall a textured look that is actually smooth to the touch. Start at the top of the wall and work down toward the floor. Watch for drips that run down the surface and smooth them out immediately before they dry. Once the paint begins to dry and the trowel scratches the surface, move to a new area and come back after the paint has dried completely. Add more tones and highlights as desired. Although this technique can be done on any surface, it's best to apply it to a flat, smooth one. Fill holes and sand the wall completely to prevent the trowel from catching on bumps and in crevices, creating streaks while you're pulling the trowel across the surface.

Step 1

APPLY PAINTS TO THE TROWEL

Pour Wood Lily, Seahorse, Haymarket, and Crème Brulee latex paints into separate paint trays. Dip the trowel into the Crème Brulee latex pain and then immediately into the Haymarket latex paint. Starting at the top of the wall, trowel on the paint using vertical and horizontal motions. Continue to dip the trowel into various color combinations of all four colors as you build layers. Apply darker colors to the top edges and corners for a more authentic aged look.

Step 2

SMOOTH OUT DRIPS OF PAINT

Watch for drip on the lower section of the wall and smooth them out before they dry. Occasionally apply Wood Lily alone using light pressure and skipping the towel across the surface. Holding the trowel perpendicular to the surface as you drag it across the surface will leave more dramatic deposits of paint.

Step 3

DRAG THE TROWEL IN ALL DIRECTIONS

Use vertical and horizontal dragging motions, varying your pulls from left to right and right to left as you add layers of color. Avoid overworking an area. As the paint dries it will become unworkable, so move on to another area. After a section dries, come back to it if you aren’t happy with the results. When you are satisfied with an area, make a final application of pur Wood Lily for highlights. Continue to work across the wall. After you have completed the entire wall, step back and evaluate the effect. Add more deep tomes and highlights as desired. Remove tape and allow to dry.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 3 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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