Stucco: walls that imitate marble

Having walls that mimic marble doesn't have to mean a big investment in coatings. Stucco is what you need to give your walls that palatial look.

Its application gives the surfaces it dresses a luxurious, smooth and shiny texture reminiscent of marble finishes, both on walls and ceilings. But what exactly is stucco, how is it applied and can it be used on all types of surfaces? Here we give you all the details of this technique with centuries of history.

What we know today as stucco is nothing more or less than a paste composed of different materials. In essence, it includes lime, powdered marble and other components such as cement, plaster or different natural pigments. It is usually applied on walls, although it also stylishly coats the ceiling, giving both a texture that imitates that of natural stones such as marble.

And not only that. It is an extraordinarily versatile material that, beyond its aesthetic appeal, reinforces and insulates walls. In addition, it can be applied on cement, plaster or wood and different stains can be added to achieve the desired finishes, which, in practice, multiplies its aesthetic possibilities. However, nowadays it is possible to find the products ready for application without the need to mix them separately.

Although you can apply it yourself, if you want your stucco to look flawless, it never hurts to call in the experts. You'll save time, effort and worry on the task.

To achieve the stucco effect, however, requires the application of different layers of the material -previous preparation of the walls- starting with a base coat. You can apply it with a textured roller, although you will have to smooth the surface with a spatula. It is important to alternate the direction of application to achieve that unmistakable texture.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying times and, once the drying time has elapsed, apply a new coat. Do not forget to alternate the strokes as with the base coat. Repeat the operation once more and finish the application by rubbing the paint with a clean spatula to achieve a perfect finish.

Decorating the wall with stucco has its advantages. The main one has to do with the durability and resistance of this material which, according to experts, has a useful life of between 50 and 70 years. Of course, to keep it always in perfect condition you must maintain it properly, although the simplicity of cleaning is another of its benefits.

It is also worth noting its attractiveness as a factor to revalue the rooms it dresses. Not to mention that its price is much more economical than that of the materials it imitates.

Durability and resistance, in addition to its overwhelming aesthetics, are just some of the advantages offered by stucco over other materials and techniques for home wall decoration.

As with everything, this decorative technique also has its drawbacks. For example, although you can apply it yourself, it does not hurt to leave it in the hands of professionals. In fact, for the results to be at the height it is important that the walls are well prepared which can also be a handicap. If we talk about investment, it is true that it is cheaper than stone or marble but it is a more expensive material than paint.

In any case, if you have decided to decorate your walls with stucco, you should know that it is advisable to pay some attention to it. A biannual maintenance can be enough to return your walls to the splendor of the first day. You only need to clean them with warm water and neutral soap. Then, apply a wax with a cloth on the surface and polish the area with a wool glove and voila! You will be able to enjoy their pristine appearance again.

Now that you know its benefits, are you seduced by the idea of decorating the walls of your home with stucco?