Are you looking to renovate your bathroom but you cannot decide between tiles or Venetian plaster? If so, this is the article for you. We’re going to look at whether Venetian plaster is cheaper, if it’s difficult to install, and how easily it can be repaired, for your reference.
Is Venetian plaster cheaper than tiles?
Is Venetian plaster cheaper than tiles? That all depends on the quality of tile that you are going for and whether you are paying for professional installation.
For Venetian plaster, with installation, you are looking at approximately $150.00 AUD per square metre. As for tiles, depending on the type of tile you go for, it can cost anywhere up to $160.00 AUD per square metre.
So, while you can get tiles installed for cheaper than Venetian plaster, if you want the highest quality tiling, it will typically be more expensive.
The other question is, are tiles better than Venetian plaster? In the bathroom, many people opt for tiles, but Venetian plaster is actually a superior finish:
- Venetian plaster is low-maintenance with no visible grout lines
- The upkeep is easy
- It’s a breathable material making it easier for moisture to escape
- It uses natural and non-toxic materials (limestone putty, marble dust, and water)
- It is durable and less prone to cracking
- Venetian plaster can be applied over existing tiles, making it versatile.
How hard is it to do Venetian plaster?
For first-timers or anyone without much experience in DIY, applying Venetian plaster is very difficult as opposed to traditional wet plaster. Ideally, you will want to hire professional Venetian plasterers to get the best possible application and finish. However, if you want to save as much money as possible, it is possible to do it by yourself.
Bear in mind that should you want to install it by yourself, you will need the following materials:
- PPE (eye protection and dust mask)
- A paintbrush
- A roller
- Paint tray
- Gloves for working
- Quality steel trowel
- Sandpaper
- A drop cloth to cover the floors
- The Venetian plaster product
- Roller covers
- Painting primer
- Topcoat and a paste wax
- Colorants (if you want to customise the finish)
Once you’ve got all of your equipment you will need to begin preparing the room for plastering. This includes detailing the target surface to ensure that all cracks and holes have been filled in properly. Following that, you will need to proceed through the following steps:
- Apply primer to any discolorations
- Apply the first Venetian plaster coat
- Apply the second coat of Venetian plaster
- Burnish the surface
- Proceed to wax
- Apply your topcoat
Bear in mind that this is a highly simplified summary of the installation process. Just because it is a shortlist, do not make the mistake of assuming that it is going to be easy. If you want to learn the ins and outs of applying Venetian plaster like a boss, there are plenty of guides out there for your reference.
How do you repair Venetian plaster?
So, how do your repair Venetian plaster when it gets damaged? The good news is, that Venetian plaster is highly durable compared to most other wall finishes, however, it can get damaged from time to time.
If you want to make light work of it, it’s always best to hire professionals to come in and make any necessary repairs, such as Platinum 3 Painting. However, in the spirit of saving money and doing these tasks yourself, here’s a brief guide to repairing Venetian plaster:
- First, you must apply drywall to the damaged area. How much you apply depends on the extent of the damage. Typically speaking, you will use a spatula and spread it over the damaged area, smoothing it out as close to level as possible. Then you must allow it to dry.
- Next, you should sand the dried material until it is nice, smooth, and even. After using an up and down motion while sanding, you can then use a cloth to remove any excess dust.
- The third step is to apply your Venetian plaster using a spatula (steelworks best to avoid discoloration). Allow this to dry. It should take around 24-hours depending on the exact Venetian plaster variety.
- You can apply anywhere between two and seven coats of Venetian plaster depending on what you are using and the extent of the damage.
Conclusion
Venetian plaster is cheaper than tiles if you are going for the highest quality tile. However, there are far cheaper alternatives. Then again, Venetian plaster is a superior product with a host of amazing benefits.
Installing Venetian plaster without a professional is difficult, though not impossible. If you have all of the necessary equipment and guidance, you shouldn’t run into too many problems.
Finally, Venetian plaster can be repaired, though again, it is labour intensive, and hiring a professional to take care of it might be preferable.
