Kolcaustico - Venetian Plaster

Good surface preparation is the base for beautiful Kolcaustico walls. Remove any surface imperfections. Seal new sheetrock or joint compound skim coat with a
flat latex primer. Previously painted surfaces should be prepared in the same manner required by a high quality paint finish. The sealed surface should be clean, dry and free of dust and wax.

The primer or base coat may be tinted to establish a base color for the project. Using a tinted base coat is a cost effective way to begin the project as it may reduce the number of Kolcaustico layers. Base coats or primers should be fully cured before applying Kolcaustico. Follow the instructions provided by the primer or paint manufacturer.

Kolcaustico can be easily tinted using universal tints, such as Mixol, up to 10% by volume. Do not use tints containing oil, or acrylic dryers. Other materials, such as
dry pigments and marble dust, can be used for special effects and should be limited to 5% by volume.

Mixol Universal Tinting Paste is the recommended colorant for tinting Kolcaustico, due to its exceptional tinting power and wide range of colors. Add Mixol up to 10% by volume to Kolcaustico. Wet Venetian Plaster will dry lighter in color. For large quantities, use a helical mixing rod attached to a heavy duty electric drill. Once tinted, Kolcaustico can be stored, tightly sealed with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mix. Record your recipes for later duplication.

One or more layers of a single color of Kolcaustico are applied over a base color of latex paint or primer. The base color is subtly visible through the translucent, lightly tinted Kolcaustico layer creating a surface depth with visible texture and pattern. This is the simplest application technique requiring only one color of Kolcaustico.

The primer or base color may be tinted to match the layer of Kolcaustico or may be a complimentary color to further enhance the layering effect. This method may be left matte or waxed to a soft sheen or a high gloss. Burnishing Kolcaustico before waxing will result in a smoother and glossier finish and may also be done between layers. Mica powders mixed with wax create glowing highlights with a metallic pearlescent appearance, or a wood tone wax may be used to create shaded highlights or an antique appearance.

Burnishing Kolcaustico will result in a smoother and glossier final appearance and is generally done 4-6 hours after the final application. Burnish the surface with a
clean blade by lightly rubbing the surface with the lower third of the blade. Plastic blades work well on light color applications and will not leave dark streaks on the
surface. Burnishing between coats will result in a highly polished finish. The best results are obtained when the surface is burnished soon after it is dry.

FOR ADDITIONAL APPLICATION TECHNIQUES REFERENCE HANDBOOK

The last step in a traditional Venetian Plaster application is the application of wax. Wax enhances color, blade patterns and sheen of Kolcaustico, and is a surface sealer that can be buffed to a soft sheen or a high gloss. After the last coat of Kolcaustico is thoroughly dry and possibly burnished, apply wax using a clean blade or cotton cloth. A heavier coat of wax is applied when working with a
blade and this will enhance blade patterns. A thinner coat of wax can be applied with cotton material, since it can be dabbed and feathered as it is applied, and is softer and more subtle. Wax darkens the surface and the test sample should always be taken to the final step to determine the end results.

Kolcaustico is durable and water-resistant but not waterproof. Traditional Venetian Plaster applications are waxed to add gloss and to seal the surface, but wax is not
water, oil or solvent resistant. A high quality oil or water based sealer may be used to protect the surface from prolonged exposure to moisture, abrasion, rough treatment and cleaners that contain ammonia. For heavy traffic areas like kitchens, baths or commercial space, an oil or water based sealer may be substituted for wax as the finishing step. Sealers will deepen the color and can add gloss. A test of all procedures on a similar surface will help determine the end results.