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In the hands of a master craftsman, ornamental plaster can be breathtakingly beautiful, capable of creating incredible optical illusions and imitating the appearance of much pricier materials. In fact, next time you find yourself standing in front of decorative, century-old marble work with intricate designs and inlaid stones, take a closer look. It may actually be a plaster technique known as scagliola, which can recreate the appearance of a wide variety of materials.

First popularized in 17th century Tuscany, scagliola uses a special type of pigmented plaster mixed with glue. Using this material, artisans can create columns, walls, and even sculptures virtually indistinguishable from marble, limestone, and even semi-precious stones. This process may be time-consuming, but it can result in astonishingly lifelike reproductions that are much lighter and less expensive than using stone.

ornamental plasterTo replicate the veins in marble, the artist might pour the plaster, then pull a few strands of raw silk dipped in pigment while it’s still wet. They can also create the impression of inlaid stone by carving a design into the scagliola after it dries, then pouring in plaster of a different color and polishing the entire surface smooth.

Unlike other forms of ornamental plaster, scagliola can be very hard, durable enough to make table tops, vases, and balustrades. The color also goes all the way through the material, which makes chips, scratches, and other marks much less visible. With proper care and maintenance, a well-crafted scagliola piece can last for hundreds of years.

 

Whether you’re looking for a skilled plastering contractor to restore a historic building or give old-world elegance to a new project, Old World Plastering in Cincinnati, OH, has the expertise and commitment to quality to deliver results that will amaze you. Combining old-school quality with today’s technology, they will meet the demands of almost any project. Visit their website to see some samples of their work, follow them on Facebook for updates, or call (513) 481-1122 to discuss your ornamental plaster project and request a quote.

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