Metallo Plaster Finishes by Venetian Application Inc
Metallo is a metallic Italian plaster system known for its luminous qualities, sophisticated depth and refined surface movement. It is a finish that blends traditional mineral plaster with elegant metallic elements to create surfaces that shimmer gently when touched by light. Venetian Application Inc applies Metallo with decades of experience grounded in authentic Italian plastering traditions. Artisan Dean Baker brings more than forty eight years of knowledge to the application of this distinctive finish, shaping the material with control and precision to reveal its understated reflective character.
Metallo is a favored choice in both residential and commercial environments where visual interest and quiet drama are desired. The finish can produce subtle metallic highlights or more pronounced reflective qualities depending on the layering technique and compression level. It works beautifully in entry halls, feature walls, dining rooms, stairways, master suites, office environments, hotel interiors and boutique retail spaces. Because Metallo is mineral based, it offers breathability along with durability, giving clients a long lasting surface that feels both modern and timeless.
Venetian Application Inc provides Metallo finishes throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Hollywood and many surrounding communities. Its elegant metallic character complements a wide variety of interior design styles.
The defining qualities of Metallo plaster
Metallo is a lime based plaster enriched with metallic powders that create reflective highlights across the surface. The finish does not behave like paint or synthetic metallic coatings. Instead it blends mineral depth with subtle shine, resulting in a sophisticated balance between natural and decorative elements.
The defining qualities of Metallo include:
• gentle reflective highlights
• smooth mineral depth
• subtle tonal variation
• soft sheen that shifts with light
• handcrafted movement shaped by the artisan’s trowel
The metallic powders embedded within the plaster catch light in controlled ways. When sunlight or artificial light passes across the surface, highlights emerge while maintaining overall surface elegance. This quiet shimmering effect gives Metallo a distinct identity among Italian plaster systems.
Metallo in interior and architectural design
Metallo introduces a sense of refinement and atmosphere into many types of spaces. In modern interiors it adds visual richness without interrupting clean architectural lines. In traditional environments it provides a luxurious accent that supports stone, wood, iron and other natural materials.
Designers use Metallo to create a range of effects:
• subtle metallic movement on feature walls
• reflective focal areas in dining rooms or living rooms
• softly shimmering hallways and staircases
• elegant surfaces in hotels, lounges and reception areas
• sophisticated backdrops for artwork or lighting installations
Metallo works especially well in areas where light is a design feature. Its reflective quality interacts with natural and artificial lighting to create surfaces that feel alive, changing throughout the day.
How Metallo differs from other Italian plaster finishes
Metallo is distinct within the Italian plaster family because it blends mineral plaster with metallic content. While most Venetian plasters rely on stone based movement, Metallo introduces reflective qualities that elevate the appearance of the wall.
Compared to Veneziano, which has a polished stone like shine, Metallo offers a more subtle metallic luminosity. It does not aim to be glossy but rather provides a soft reflective presence. Marmorino and Marmorino II offer smooth mineral clarity but do not contain metallic elements. Metallo brings sparkle and depth not found in those finishes.
Metallo also differs from textured systems such as Travertino, Pietra or Romano, which focus on strong tactile impressions. Metallo stays smooth and refined, using metallic elements instead of texture to create visual interest.
The Metallo application process
Applying Metallo requires technical understanding and artistic awareness. The process begins with proper surface preparation. The wall must be smooth, stable and corrected for imperfections. Any unevenness can affect the uniformity of the metallic finish.
Metallo is applied in multiple thin coats. The first coat establishes the foundation and begins building the mineral structure. Subsequent coats incorporate the metallic powders which are shaped using controlled trowel movements. The artisan adjusts pressure, direction and speed to create consistent reflective transitions.
During the final stages, compression may be used to bring out the soft shimmering quality of the finish. Timing is essential. If compressed too early, the plaster may smear or lose clarity. If compressed too late, the metallic highlight may not develop correctly. Dean evaluates the curing stage of the plaster continuously to guide the surface into its finished state.
Depending on the environment, a protective treatment may be added to support durability while preserving the reflective character.
Areas served
Venetian Application Inc provides Metallo plaster finishes throughout Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Culver City, Carson, Gardena, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Inglewood and many surrounding Los Angeles communities. Services also extend into selected regions of Orange County and San Diego County.
Design possibilities with Metallo
Metallo is highly versatile. It can produce:
• warm metallic tones such as bronze or copper
• cool metallic tones such as pewter or silver
• soft pearl like finishes
• deeper atmospheric metallic surfaces
• refined contemporary finishes
Because the metallic powders interact with mineral pigments, Metallo colour options are nearly limitless. Clients can choose finishes that complement lighting, furnishings, flooring and architectural elements.
Colour selection and custom sampling
Every Metallo project begins with a custom sample. Venetian Application Inc prepares sample sections based on the client’s selected colour and sheen level. Reviewing a sample in the actual room helps determine how the finish will respond to natural and artificial lighting.
This process ensures that the final result aligns with the client’s vision. Adjustments to tone, sheen or movement can be made before application begins.
Maintenance and durability
Metallo is durable when cared for correctly. Routine maintenance usually involves dusting with a soft cloth. Because the surface is mineral based, it resists peeling and surface failure. If minor marks occur, an experienced artisan can often blend or adjust the area without affecting the overall appearance.
Over time the finish retains its reflectivity and gains additional character as the lime continues to mature.
Contact for Metallo inquiries
For details about Metallo plaster or to request a custom sample, you may contact plaster artisan Dean Baker during business hours from Monday through Friday, nine in the morning until six in the evening. Project details and photographs may also be sent to the office for review.
