Aquarello Plaster Finishes by Venetian Application Inc

Aquarello is a refined Italian plaster system known for its soft movement, mineral character and natural elegance. Venetian Application Inc applies Aquarello with precision developed from more than forty eight years of plaster experience. Artisan Dean Baker understands how the unique mineral blend in this finish responds to pressure, timing, layering and light. His approach produces surfaces that carry gentle transitions, quiet depth and a handcrafted quality that elevates both traditional and modern interiors.



Aquarello is appreciated for its subtle tonal variation. It does not draw attention with dramatic texture. Instead it creates a calm, graceful surface that feels settled and architectural. This makes it well suited for bedrooms, dining areas, living rooms, feature halls and boutique commercial spaces where a sense of natural refinement is required. Because Aquarello develops depth through the artisan’s trowel work, every installation has its own character and movement.


Venetian Application Inc offers Aquarello to clients across Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Culver City and many surrounding communities. The finish is selected for both new construction and renovation projects, giving designers and homeowners a way to introduce mineral based beauty into a space without overpowering the room.

Person using a trowel to apply drywall mud on a wall. The person wears a red and black glove.

The qualities that define Aquarello

Aquarello is a lime based plaster that contains fine minerals which create a layered, almost watercolor like movement across the surface. It sits between a smooth polished plaster and a lightly textured stone finish. This balance makes it extremely versatile. It appears soft from a distance, yet reveals complex tonal shifts when observed up close.



Because Aquarello is mineral based, it remains breathable and contributes to a comfortable indoor environment. It matures over time as the lime continues to cure. This natural process gives the surface authenticity that cannot be replicated with paint or synthetic wall coatings.


Light plays a significant role in the appearance of Aquarello. The finish absorbs light in some areas and reflects softly in others. Morning light brings out the lighter tones, while afternoon and evening lighting deepen the mineral character. This changing nature is one of the reasons clients choose Aquarello for rooms used throughout the day.

Aquarello in architecture and interior design

Aquarello works well with many architectural styles. In modern homes it adds warmth and quiet movement to clean forms. In traditional interiors it supports natural materials such as stone, wood and handcrafted elements. The finish offers enough variation to stand as a feature, yet remains subtle enough to complement artwork, furnishings and architectural details.



Designers often choose Aquarello for long continuous walls, entry halls, stairways, feature rooms and master suites. Its balance of softness and sophistication makes it ideal for areas where a strong visual impact is not desired, but refinement is essential.


Commercial spaces also benefit from Aquarello. Boutique retail interiors, hotel rooms, meeting spaces and reception areas often require finishes that feel intentional and crafted without appearing overwhelming. Aquarello provides that understated elegance.

How Aquarello differs from other Italian plaster finishes

While Aquarello is part of the Venetian plaster family, it has a distinct identity. It is less reflective than Veneziano and more controlled than Marmorino. It does not contain the pronounced mineral texture of Travertino, nor does it carry the sculptural depth of Pietra or Romano. Instead, it sits in a quiet category of its own, offering soft mineral veining and delicate cloud like transitions.



For clients who want movement without strong texture, Aquarello is often the most suitable choice. It is also ideal for spaces where lighting is a key component of the design, as the finish responds beautifully to natural and artificial light.

The Aquarello application process

Aquarello is applied in multiple thin coats. Each layer is placed with controlled trowel movement that influences the final appearance. Dean begins by preparing the substrate carefully, ensuring that cracks, uneven surfaces or previous coatings are corrected. Proper preparation ensures that the final finish adheres correctly and develops its intended character.



The first coat establishes the foundational tone. Subsequent coats introduce variation and refinement. The artisan controls the direction of movement, the pressure of the trowel and the timing between coats. These stages build depth gradually. In some cases gentle compression is used to create soft sheen. In other cases the finish is left matte for a more natural stone like quality.


Aquarello requires patience and understanding of the material’s behavior. It is not a finish that can be rushed. Each phase must be completed with attention to detail so that the final result feels balanced and harmonious.

Gloved hand using a putty knife to apply white joint compound to a seam on a wall.

Areas served

Venetian Application Inc provides Aquarello plaster finishes in Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Culver City, Carson, Gardena, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Inglewood and many other surrounding communities. Services are also available in selected sections of Orange County and San Diego County.

Colour selection and custom samples

Aquarello accepts mineral pigments well, allowing for a wide range of tones from light neutrals to deeper earth based colours. Before application begins, Venetian Application Inc creates a custom sample for every project. This sample reflects the exact colour and finish requested. Clients can view the sample in their space to see how it interacts with lighting, furnishings and flooring.



Sampling ensures that the final work matches the client’s expectations. It also provides an opportunity to adjust tone or movement before application begins.

Maintenance and longevity

Aquarello is a durable finish when cared for properly. Day to day cleaning usually requires only light dusting with a soft cloth. Because the finish is mineral based and breathable, it ages naturally and gains character. If a section ever becomes marked, an experienced artisan can often blend the area so it integrates smoothly with the surrounding wall.



The longevity of Aquarello comes from its lime base. As it carbonates, it strengthens and becomes more resistant. Many clients enjoy that the finish matures gracefully rather than wearing down.

Contact for Aquarello inquiries

For details about Aquarello finishes or to request a custom sample, you may contact plaster artisan Dean Baker Monday through Friday from nine in the morning until six in the evening. Project details and photographs may also be sent to the office for review.