What do you like to use for VP?

Paul K · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 5:57 pm Post subject: What do you like to use for VP?

Hi. Yeah I know I've been talking a lot on this forum lately. So sue me. I need to make good friends with a new plaster. I loved FE's olde world veneziano and they discontinued that product. So now I want a new plaster. Of couse I want one which burnishes up well and is easy to use, guess that goes without saying. I've used Texston, which is "ok" I don't think it's very burnishy though. And I've used Modern Masters, also just "ok"

So what do you like best?

strongv · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 11:54 pm Post subject:

Behr.... MM.... and even though it isn't exactly the same thing, Vella Plasters with the wax buffed bright.

anita · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 2736 Location: upstate New York

Have you tried FE Stuccolux? It is my new fav. Burnishes easily, repairs easily. Have even used worn out 22o grit sandpaper on orbital sander to buff to mirror like shine. The olde worlde venetian wax is gorgeous on it.

painted spaces · Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Posts: 1022 Location: omaha, ne

I agree on the FE Stuccolux; nice sheen and burnishes easily.
Here's a pic using the Stuccolux with Old World Venetian Wax and Gold Mica.

Paul K · Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 6:22 pm Post subject:

I'm not really sold on the StucoLux, which might be just that I don't 'get it', but I found it difficult to tint and then I also found it drying several shades lighter than what you tint it, which makes color-matching difficult. Also it's really thin, like yogurt, so getting the first layer down is challenging and although it's incredibly smooth I don't think 3 layers builds up enough, so, maybe more layers. I may just need to play around with it more? Kind of pissed off about the olde world switch.

Paul K · Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 6:25 pm Post subject:

That's a pretty bar Tara. Do you have a close up?

painted spaces · Joined: 26 Sep 2006 Posts: 1022 Location: omaha, ne

Paul, the wall in this bar was done in a finish created and taught by Rebecca Slaton of Surfaces in Kansas City. The Stucolux does dry much lighter than the color of the wet tinted plaster, but knowing this and working with samples, it's not too difficult to get to a specific color. The Stucolux is a little like yogurt, but this finish calls for a base coat of FE Old World Texture Coat (comes in Fine and Extra Fine) and have no problem getting it to stay where I want it on the wall. Here is a close-up of the bar, as you requested. Perhaps you can see that there is quite a bit of texture with this finish.
I believe you can order the Stucolux pre-tinted as well.

mpg · Joined: 10 Sep 2007 Posts: 603 Location: Nebraska

Wow Tara, that is gorgeous!!!

anita · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 2736 Location: upstate New York

I have gotten my stuccolux tinting down pat by so far using only the Stuccolux tinting base. The color it is when wet, will be the color of the darkest burnished areas. The dry UNburnished stuccolux is very light, but burnishing brings up gorgeous colors.

I also do not try to skim trowel all my layers. I usually plan on 5 layers. First layer on normal painted wall is a skim trowel, just to give tooth. Layers 2 and 3 are applied more liberally (less pressure on trowel) but not going for lumpiness. Layer 4 is a skim layer. Layer 5 is a skim layer. Burnish.

I plan on every 80 ft2 needing one gallon of Stuccolux with my method of application. For a 500 ft2 room, I would plan on 5 days.

Of course, difficult layouts (such as kitchens) 500 ft2 would take longer.

anita · Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 2736 Location: upstate New York

I also used a brand called arte antico out of arizona several years ago. I liked the plaster very much. I am not sure if they are still in business.

shines · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 19 Location: Fishers, IN

Love love love Varaince Plasters!! Especially "Brio" which is there high polish! If you hit is with the trowel when it is 2/3 way dry, it will look like mirror.

tzan · Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 235 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

I agree with Shines, I love Variance plaster it goes on like melted butter and burnishes beautifully with little effort.

Paul K · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 1:17 am Post subject:

K Thanks everyone. I'm not confused now.. lol

Paul K · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 11:43 pm Post subject:

I forgot to say thanks Anita for that Stuccolux information..

Paul K · Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 11:45 pm Post subject:

Also Tara that wall looks pretty killer.

Pat · Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 6:30 am Post subject:

I want to try the Stuccolux. That was a great tip Anita!

We go back and forth with the Oiko's Rafael and the NEW Sherwin Williams. It depends on the clients budget really with which one we go with. Although lately we have been using the SW and finding much luck with it. Very good open market product imo.

Jeanne S · Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 1521 Location: New York

I love Oikos Rafael too! Burnishes nice and they are easy to deal with!!!! Paula is awsome! Maybe you could try samples from each company, and compare if you have time! Good Luck! and show pics! Very Happy