What is the production process of Vero Italian plaster products ? The initial production process starts with limestone rocks from rivers and quarries in Italy. After a 24 month holding period, the seasoned limestone turns into an amazing "lime putty" or "Grassello di Calce" in Italian. Please see History of Lime.
Make note, the term Marmorino refers to a type of Venetian plaster throughout the industry. Marmorino, an Italian word that refers to small particles of marble, is commonly considered as a slaked lime plaster type product capable of creating smoooth and medium textured effects, polished walls with depth, and gentle shades and color tones with the use of a trowel or spatula. Vero currently offers a Marmorino product called Marmorino Blend.
What are the differences between Marmorino Venetian plaster and Vero's Antiqua finish? Vero's Antiqua plaster finish has a similar look to some Marmorino Venetian plasters, but is far superior in flexibility, appearance, application, and durability.
Vero's Antiqua Venetian plasters are 100% genuine seasoned slaked lime consisting of fine Carrara marble aggregate, and all components come directly from Italy ; Some competing Marmorino Venetian plasters have lime elements, but 10%-20% is made up of cement.
Antiqua Venetian plaster can be used for interior and exterior plaster finishes, while some Marmorinos can only be used as an interior faux wall finish.
Because of the cement component, some Marmorino Italian plasters must be applied the same day the product is mixed or it will set up. Vero's Antiqua Venetian plaster with 100% seasoned slaked lime can be stored for years after the product is mixed.
Vero's Antiqua Venetian plaster can be tinted in the Vero studio or by the applicator at any time prior to application, while the color pak for Marmorino Italian plaster must be mixed on the job site immediately prior to use.
Vero's Antiqua Venetian plaster is more forgiving in terms of application, making it a favorite of applicators.
What is the difference between Vero Italian plaster finishes and faux wall finishes?
The term "faux wall finishes" is sometimes used to refer to all enhanced wall finishes, including Italian plaster finishes and painted surfaces. Most commonly, however, "faux wall finishes" refers to texturing techniques using paint, not plaster. The disadvantage of painted faux wall finishes is that paint is a thin surface, which means that if the surface is scratched the base wall surface will show through. Paint eventually needs touching up after the paint chips or peels. Vero Italian plaster products are much stronger and more durable than any painted surface, as they are much thicker than paint, and their natural limestone state is much harder than paint.
What product(s) are suitable for exterior application?
Antiqua I & II, NLP, Epoca Spatolato, Epoca Ottocento, Velasil, and Solution.
Which plaster products can be used on interior wall surfaces?
All of our plaster finishes can be used on interior wall surfaces. Resin finishes can be used on interiors only, except for Solution. Solution is the only resin based finish that can be used on interior as well as exterior walls. Our lime finishes can also be used on both interiors and exteriors
Why is your basecoat/primer coat named "Finish"? It is rather confusing.
Rialto Finish is a special product that ensures adhesion and aids in water repellency. It is also used as a faux wall finish like paint, and therefore is named Finish. Just remember, Finish is always used as the primer coat when using the Rialto Plaster products. Finish = basecoat/primer coat.
How long does it take for "Finish", the base coat, to dry and be ready for the first application?
Finish takes at least three (3) hours to dry.
What substrates can Rialto products be applied over?
Provided all surfaces are sound and dry, Rialto products may be applied over lath, plaster, dry wall, and brown coat.
What tools are necessary to apply these products?
You must use hard chrome trowels and spatulas, which are available through our dealer network.
What is the average drying time of these products?
Lime based products, which include Antiqua I & II, NLP, Epoca Ottocento, Epoca Spatolato, and Marmorino Blend must rest 24 hours before applying additional coats.
For the shiny interior finishes, what preparation do the walls need?
The walls must be level 4 or 5. If there are imperfections in the walls, they must be repaired before application of the resin based products.
What is the cost of your exterior finishes verses conventional exterior stucco?
The cost is about twice as much as conventional stucco on the wall. However, you will achieve rich and varied affects that are not achievable in any other product with the same amazing ease of application. It is also less likely to crack because it contains no cement, only seasoned slaked lime as its most predominate ingredient.
What should I do before putting Epoca over Antiqua?
Always moisten the wall with a spray bottle. This finish cannot be hurried. Excess material will peel or delaminate if applied over wet coats.
What kind of weather conditions do you need to apply the exterior products?
When applying Antiqua I and Antiqua II the exterior air temperature should be at least 50° F and not above 95° F. When applying Epoca Spatolato do not apply when temperatures are below 48° F. If you are working on a job where temperatures exceed these limitations, please contact Vero for advice.
How much does it cost to become a certified applicator?
Our one day demonstration Applicator Training class at our studio in Orange, California runs $25 per person. You will spend time learning about our lime based finishes, Antiqua, Epoca Spatolato and Marmorino Blend, along with our resin based finishes, including Solution. You will practice each finish using a chrome trowel, and you will be able to take your samples boards home to add to your client portfolio. Classes will take place the second Thursday, every other month, and will be limited to 20 students. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.
Can I use any of the Rialto products in a shower or bathtub?
Yes, you may use Solution in high moisten driven areas like bathrooms, kitchens, showers, and powder rooms.
History of Lime
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