History of Polished Plaster

• Although in appearance a very stylish, modern surface finish, polished plaster is an ancient art.  Its origins are to be found in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and it is very similar in composition and application to ancient stuccos. 

• The Roman architect Vitruvius (active 45-30 BC) wrote that “it will have strength and brilliancy and an excellence that will last to a great age.”

• Polished plasters enjoyed a revival of interest in 17th century Italy, where Venetian plasterwork reached new heights of perfection and craftsmanship.  In particular, the finish called ‘Marmorino’ – with marble powder added to the basic recipe to emulate marble – became very popular in Venice and Florence. 

• It was used to reproduce the effect of rusticated stone and its use for decoration reached a zenith in the late eighteenth century.  The yearning for stone extended to stone-like effects:  scagliola – a form of polished plaster made from sand, lime, gypsum and crushed stone or other colouring agent – was prized for its highly polished appearance. 

• The traditional techniques had to be virtually rediscovered in the mid 20th century and the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa is credited with having mastered the modern application of polished plaster.

• Armourcoat took the lead and, after extensive investment, research and development, propelled the art and craft of polished plasters to new heights of excellence. Since then, polished plaster has made a dramatic comeback and that success has been attributed almost entirely to the perseverance, creativity and skill of Armourcoat.