Venetian plaster is a wall and ceiling finish consisting of plaster mixed with marble dust, applied with a spatula or trowel in thin, multiple layers, which are then burnished to create a smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture. The material, which has been used to finish walls since ancient times, has a depth and beauty that is unequaled.
When applied correctly, Venetian plaster can be used to create a highly polished, rock-hard, marble-like finish. Venetian plaster is especially useful on surfaces where marble panels could not be installed easily. Venetian plaster can be tinted, or colored using natural or synthetic colorants. Through the application of a top layer of wax sealant, Venetian plaster can also be rendered waterproof.