Has anyone done these techniques and used both the quartz paint and the acrylic primer suggested? I am wondering if I need to do both, given that I have new walls (remodel, but all new sheetrock) which will be primed by the contractor. I want things to turn out fabulous, but it seems like I'm doing an extra layer of primer here....

Igloochic

I have done both. On the job site, we were required to give the walls (sheet rock with a amazing 5*star finish) 2 coats of primer. Then the scratch coat, and then the top coat. The was for the Marmorino. Keep in mind, at least with the marmorino technique that we were using (smooth, flat, with a burnished sheen), that patches cannot be applied. A few walls had to be completely redone due to the sheetrock not being completely screwed down and a crack showed up later. Also, in the baths and kitchens, a penetrating sealer had to be applied to prevent stains (at least try to prevent).

Venetian is a bit more forgiving (depending again on techinique) with patching. My friend ruined her kitchen with grease splatters (it was a beautiful plum venetian). I am not familiar with the quartz paint recommended.

We always did sample boards (4x8 sheets) for client approval, and to make sure the were no surprises for us too!

Good luck! Would love to see photos!

Thanks for the response. I'm not shooting for the smooth, flat finish with the marmorino (because it's my first time with this medium and I don't want to attempt the toughest finish LOL) so it will be a bit more forgiving. I talked to the company I'm ordering from and they gave me a bit of mixed information, so they're going to chat with each other and come up with one answer verses the two I got.

One said "use both the fixative and the quartz primer" and the other said that on new drywall (if it's new, no stains, with a high quality acrylic primer on it and the proper finish) that I could skip the two (fixative and quartz) and apply the plaster directly on the primed drywall. So much for the experts agreeing :)

I don't mind skipping the first two steps if possible, but then again, I don't want to work my bumm off and have a bad final outcome (I think the trick is all in the prep frankly when it comes to this stuff) so we'll see what they come up with.

We did chat about techniques, and they talked to me about the smooth finish on the Marmorino just in case I was going for that. I've seen the pictures, it's gorgeous, but I'll stick with a more traditional look and save my guys having to do a 5* drywall finish as well as killing myself to get to a perfect look.

I'm using the Marmorino in the kitchen and baths because it's supposed to be a better finish than standard venetian for areas that could get wet since it breaths. We'll be using an oil based wax to seal (it's for professional use in high traffic areas and wet areas) and they guarantee it will be enough to protect the walls in these areas. I'm also not putting it right behind the new stove...it will be on that wall, but with a large backsplash (marble mural of chickens in a farmyard heh heh) with a frame of black granite around that. I doubt the walls will see much grease, but I'm going to do the extra step just in case! Same in the bathrooms, because splashes happen :)

I'll play with sample boards first since I haven't done Marmorino and it is somewhat different (I know you burnish when it's wet verses typical burnishing when dry on venetian and it can't be sanded). It should be fun. We'll be in a couple magazines when this is all said and done, so I'll be sure to post the links as well as the home pictures (the mags are always nicer heh heh).

I wish you the best of luck! I worked in this house (with a team of 6-8) for over six months. Most of the finishes were the smooth, but areas like the wine cellar are basement hallways we did a rougher technique (almost like a skip trowel). It was my first time working with it, challening. Practice for sure. Keep me posted. I would love to see photos!

Princess,

Why do you always have to be so different? And what the heck is quartz paint? LOL (I guess you can tell I already had my glass of Cabernet...)

Never heard of Marmorino but my friends did their house in Venetian plaster and it was nice. My entire house was faux-finished when we bought it but I never figured out the name of each finish (the techniques were great but all the colors were so wrong). I am (very) slowly having it all re-painted. I just paid a few $$$ to skim-coat over one textured paint and Lord is my witness I am not going faux ever again (well, for 5 years, at least).

Sorry, I could not be of help, just wanted to say 'hi'. I see that your remodel is not going as fast as you'd wished. And that means no trip to Ireland, I guess? Best of luck with Murmurrino! If you decide you had enough of remodeling and wish to escape for 3-4 days, post a message and I'll let you know the name of the hotel we are staying because I am putting all that remodel "stuff" on hold and going away...

LOL You've reached "move out for a few days" syndrome already heh heh

We're progressing too fast in some areas and not fast enough in others (plumbers...did I mention? heh heh) but all in all I can't complain. We're so remodel happy we're going to expand our deck across the front of the house 20' out. NUTS!

The Marmorino is apparently what you need to use if you're using VP in a bathroom. It literally breaths, so it won't mold. (It has lime in it). And of course, you know me, chickens, feathers, and plaster...I like to be different :o)

Let me know the hotel name...I'm not making it ot Ireland, so I'll need to escape somewhere! Will you stay up with the baby?

I sure will stay with him! He is ADORABLE!

I know people say that 'adorable' ends in an hour and a half or so...

The hotel is in Italy (a few of them, actually) and it will be very hot but it's the only time we could go. DH made the reservations without my particpation. (For the first time EVER. I still cannot believe it! I must have complained profoundly enough about hardships of remodeling I had to endure alone while he was gone ... just like yours... Perhaps, you should start complaining too... Oh, I forgot, you are "remodel happy"!) My thoughts are dancing around and I have no idea how I am going to get ready for this trip. OK, back to work! I'll get that hotel name when I see DH (IF I see him...)

Milan or Venice? (Say Venice!) I was there about ohhh seven years ago...oh gad, the wine, the architecture, the Italian men....heh heh (I was single then) If you can ditch DH (sure you love him, but it's Italy silly) and go to a gondola driver's party...be sure to do so LOL

I went to Venice during their gondola races (big big thing there). I was single, traveling with a Russian friend of mine...two skinny little red heads during major testosterone week in Venice...I could have been a terrible tramp ;oP but instead I just had a great deal of fun flirting, and free gondola rides on the canals. Oh and beleni and beleni and beleni's...between wonderful glasses of wine and the FOOD!

Hey wait...you could pick up my venetian chandelier...How big is your suitcase? heh heh

Both - Milan (1 day) and Venice (2.5 days) (and a few more...) A friend of ours is joining us for a few days starting in Venice. She is leaving her DH at home and we are going to "ditch" mine for a couple of days while he is busy with some work stuff. BTW, DH does not mind me flirting - as long as I don't do anything "silly" - he knows that girls need an emotional outlet (or they might do something "silly". LOL)

It is supposed to be fabulous - if I survive this week at work and make it to Italy in one piece.

The suitcase is small (too many cities to visit), but if you have a chandelier picked out in Milan (the port of departure), I'll see what I can do... Or, better yet, you can "ditch" your DH and join us there for food, wine and beleni (what the heck is that? Wait, let me guess: either Russian *blini* or an Italian word for music by Bellini. Was I close? LOL)

Completely forgot - you already have your Rooster chandelier - why would you still need a venetian one? The rooster was cute and VERY high class, BTW. I wanted to 'chime in' but by the time I read the post, it had gone WILD!

OK, arrivederci and buona serata! Sleep tight and may the most handsome Italian guys come to you in your dreams (hope your DH is not reading this... LMHO)

LOL the only thing I dream of any more is this danged remodel job! Beleni (which I'm sure to be spelling wrong) is a drink that is everywhere in Italy, but particularly a specialty in Venice, of champagne and fresh peach necture. Drink one or five :) while you're there for me.

DO NOT drink them in St Marks square! My friend and I had 3, which came with free chips, and would have sat in the sun and drank them all day until I realized that the three drinks I'd had cost as much as our hotel room for a night! (over $150 US) Yes for three drinks and some chips :oP Go one block off the square and order one, which will cost about $5 bucks verses $50 (and that is not an exageration)

I love my chicken, but I do have a rather large collection of venetian glassware from the late 1800's that is the focus of my dining room. Some day I'll go ahead and pick up a venetian chandelier, preferably in person in Venice :) As soon as the little guy can travel out of the country we're ready for a trip (his doctors want him to be stronger before we leave the US). There's a lovely harbor across the way in Venice we plan on mooring in :) Mind you, I don't know where I will put the chandelier in the boat, but heck, a girl could have worse problems to reason through couldn't she?

You are going to have such a good time! Do look at the glassware. A couple souvenier glasses can be shipped home pronto :) and every time you have wine in them you'll remember Venice fondly!

Don't buy a size 36 shirt in Milan...it's actually about a size 0 and your boo...ummmmm tata's will hang out in a very dramatic fashion (just a little tip from one who's been there heh heh)

Sorry, I "spaced out" for awhile (things have been rough).

Tell me about dreaming of the remodel... One of the reasons why I need to get away!

Thanks for the tips! BTW, I always go a block or two off the main tourist paths - not only prices are better but so is food.

Got the hint about glasses. Will try... But if you find online your dream venetian chandelier sold by a store in Venice or Milan, let me know. :-)

When I get back, I'll write a detailed report about the number of glasses of beleni (and - maybe - about the number of free gondola rides too... LOL)

Would you please check this post from time to time? I may need details about other "secrete" places in Venice. LOL.

LOL Happy to do so :) I wish I knew the name of the restaurant we ate in way way way in the bowels of venice. Little tiny family place that made their own wine and grappa...do have grappa darling (and bring asprin!) If you get lost in venice and see a darling restaurant full of old italian people...that's it!

(THat's pretty much every restaurant in Italy by the way!)

Oh in Milan..see the Last Supper of course, but remember the lines are long (over an hour normally) and you should take cold water. There's not really anything around there except the last supper and a bunch of warehouses.

One question about the Venetian Plaster technique; is it true that if a you get tired of the look it practically takes a jackhammer to remove this stuff?

Forget all the blasted Cafe's, Gondola rides, & "secret places" in Italy!!! ;)

Can't one of you gals take me to Modena, where Ferrari's are born...pleeeez!!

(I'd love you forever...?!)
Faron ;)