DIY Project, Wall Treatment
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Venetian Plaster Look With Lusterstone
DIY Project, Wall Treatment: This wall treatment,
which uses a product called Lusterstone, results in a Venetian
plaster-type effect with a beautiful sheen. Although the
application of Lusterstone is not difficult as far as skill level, the process is very
labor-intensive. However, the finished walls are so stunning that it's worth
all the hard work.
Lusterstone comes in a variety of colors, and is similar
in consistency to slightly watered-down joint compound. It is
applied to the walls with a trowel, and although it can be applied to
textured walls, application is easier on smooth walls with no texture.
Bathroom designed by
Kristi Linauer Interiors, Waco, Texas.
Please note: There are many different techniques
for using Lusterstone. This is the technique that I use, and have
found works the best for me. However, as you use the product, you may
determine that another method works best for you.
Skill Level:
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Project Cost:
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$120+ (depends on size of room) |
Materials:
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1. Lusterstone in
your choice of color
2. Latex paint in a color to match the
Lusterstone, in an eggshell or satin finish
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Tools & Supplies:
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1. Paint brush (I like to use a 2.5 inch sash
brush)
2. Paint roller
3. Italian trowel
4. Sandpaper, 220 grit
5. Drywall mud pan
6. Drop cloth
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Instructions:
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1. Using the paint roller, paint the wall with one coat of latex paint.
Use the brush to cut in around corners, ceiling, and baseboards.>
2. Using an Italian trowel, begin applying the Lusterstone in medium strokes (about 12 inches long). Do not apply thick
layers. You should still be able to see the paint layer in some places.
3.
Let the plaster dry completely, and sand with a fine grit sandpaper to
remove any ridges.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at least two more times.
The more layers you have, the better the finished wall will look.
5. Using a mixture of Lusterstone and water (about 30% water), apply
a VERY thin coat using the Italian trowel. This coat needs to be
SUPER thin, and may even look like you're not applying a coat at all.
However, you should be able to see a difference in the sheen of the wall
with this coat, as the "luster" will begin to show. Be certain to not leave
any ridges.
6. Let dry completely. Repeat at least one more time with a
watered down Lusterstone coat. This can be repeated until you've reached
the desired effect, and again, the more coats you apply, the better it will look.
These super thin, watered down layers are what will give your walls that
gorgeous "luster".
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Helpful Hints:
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1. This is a very labor-intensive wall treatment.
Be sure to set aside enough time to complete it. It took me five
days to complete the treatment in the bathroom shown above.>
2. Be VERY CAREFUL with the trowel.
When it's new, the edges are very sharp, and can easily injure you.
However, as you begin applying the Lusterstone, the repeated movement of
the trowel over the wall actually SHARPENS THE EDGE of the trowel, and
it can become sharp like a knife. Handle with extreme caution, and
KEEP THE TROWEL OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN!!!
3. Patience is key with this wall treatment.
Do not get discouraged after the first coat, or even the second, as they
may look terrible. However, as you add layers, the beauty of the
Lusterstone will appear.
4. Do not try to get the walls "perfect".
Just as with any Venetian plaster-type treatment, the imperfections add
to the character of the wall treatment.
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Variation:
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For more variation in your final wall color,
you can layer two or more different colors of Lusterstone.
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Have you done this wall treatment? Share your
work with us!
Have you used Lusterstone in your home? We'd love
for you to show off all of your hard work!
There are so many different possible techniques with
Lusterstone, and so many ways in which it can be used. We'd love
for you to share your technique.
Simply use this form to share your technique with us.
And please...share a photo of your work!
