(908) 245-3001

100 N 12th St., Kenilworth NJ 07033

​Ornamental Plastering

Ornamental plaster has its lineage clearly defined by the changes in architectural design throughout the centuries. From the intricate plaster embellishment found to adorn Baroque palaces – to the stately plaster work in Federal buildings – it is the plasterer who is called upon to fabricate and install the ornamental work that defines the historical era of a place of dwelling.

                                    V&J OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF FINE ORNAMENTAL

                                    PLASTERING SERVICES. WE ARE PREPARED TO PROVIDE

                                    THE EXPERTISE NECESSARY TO INSTALL EVEN THE

                                    MOST INTRICATE OF ORNAMENTAL PLASTER SYSTEMS.

Whether your architectural vision calls for imported crown moldings, coffered plaster ceiling systems, plaster medallions and appliqués, or perhaps the restoration of a priceless historical room in need of careful attention, you can count on our plaster artisans to deliver expertise and attention to detail on every project.

Traditional Three-Coat Plaster on Lath

Traditional plaster refers to a system of plaster application where a surface is formed in a succession of plaster layers. Generally, a sturdy wire mesh of steel called lath is secured to a framework of wood or steel to form the overall desired shape of the finished surface. From this point a base coat is applied to fill out the lath, forming keys that hold the entire plastered surface securely and safely in place. Upon the base coat, a second coat called the brown coat is added. This levels out the first coat and brings the surface to a finer level of finish. The third coat in this succession is called the white coat, or veneer, and brings the plastered surface to a very high level of finish. At this point it is ready for further plaster application, as in the case of Venetian plasters, or it is a perfectly smooth surface prepared properly for paint application.

WITH CUSTOM PLASTER WORK THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SOLUTION.  EACH INDIVIDUAL PROJECT, LOCATION, AND PERSONAL PREFERENCE IS DIFFERENT, AND THEREFORE CALLS FOR A UNIQUE PLASTERING TECHNIQUE AND SOLUTION.

Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster has enjoyed a well-deserved revival in modern times. As a finish it requires an artistic touch to produce, yet many are not aware just how diverse the term ‘Venetian Plaster’ truly is;

                         AN INCREDIBLE NUMBER OF AUTHENTIC LIME

                        PLASTER FINISHES ARE POSSIBLE, VARYING IN

                       TEXTURE INTENSITY. THROUGH THE ADDITION 

                      OF VARIOUS MATERIALS WE ACHIEVE CREATIVE

                      DISTINCTIVE FINISHES TO SUITE EVERY TASTE.

Highly polished marmorino plaster finishes never fail to please those in search of luxury wall treatments. However, there is no need to limit plaster work to mirror polishes. Softer, more meditative finishes can also be achieved. Custom stenciling can be employed to lend an etched sandstone appeal; shimming flakes of mica stone can be added to create a naturally jeweled surface that sparkles at the eye; cast columns can be plastered to appear as imported old-world stone work; metallic finishes and pearlescent waxes can be applied to create stunning effects. Venetian plasters have adorned the surfaces of all corners of fine residences – from towering foyers to the walls of the master suite.

The potential that plaster provides for expression and definition of living spaces need not necessarily be confined indoors, as many authentic lime plasters are perfectly suitable for exterior use. Venetian plaster has lime stucco as its roots, and to this day instills an old-world grandeur to exterior facades. It chemically cures into a veneer of limestone, so you can be assured that its color and luster will stand the test of time.

Modern Two-Coat Veneer Plaster on Blueboard

Current building trends call for an economical alternative to traditional three-coat systems on lath for large-scale production plastering such as when plastering the entire interior of a custom home. The solution is often found in the form of a synthesis of technologies – old and new. Modern gypsum wallboard is combined with the benefits of rock-hard plaster. Instead of wire lath, a special type of gypsum wallboard called “blueboard,” forms the foundation. This blueboard is factory-treated with a bonding agent which ensures excellent plaster adhesion and is installed in much the same manner as typical drywall. However, the similarity to drywall ceases here and the great advantages of plaster begin to emerge.

The seams are taped with a strong mesh tape and the entire surface is plastered with a base coat of plaster. The base coat is actually two successive coats applied on top of each other before the plaster sets. This provides a smooth, solid foundation for the next step. The second coat or veneer coat is most often a high-strength gypsum plaster that is applied once the basecoat is fully set.

This veneer coat is what leaves the wall perfectly smooth, eliminating the many annoyances found in the building industry regarding drywall application. Troublesome spots common to drywall such as pop-outs and joint lines only seem to catch the eye once a home is already painted and nearly finished. These problems can be avoided simply by applying a continuous rock-hard layer of plaster over the entire surface.

BEFORE

AFTER

Do you have curved walls?  Not a problem

Two-coat veneer plaster is applicable to a wide range of custom design needs. It always provides the strongest possible wall and ceiling surface at the best price, ensuring homeowner satisfaction and enhancing the reputation of architects, builders, and designers.