Hi there, I am an artist/house painter/ decorative painter...jack of all trades type...been painting in Bay Area for 13 years. I have done many decorative processes during that time, but mostly alot of prep and painting. I have currently a job doing a "textured plaster" in two rooms. I would appreciate information on what product I might use on already painted walls that can be tinted with client's paint color. Should I just stick with the readily available products, "Venetian Plaster" from Home Depot type things. I have alot of experience with repairing plaster, Berkeley Hills earthquake cracks and general restoration work. I would appreciate your help. Thanks.pam

Hi Pamela,

Does the plaster need to be somewhat elastic due to earthquakes?
Do they want a shiny or matte finish?
Will you please explain "textured"? It can mean different things to different people.

David

Hi David and Gail, The job in question is not in earthquake area but in the valley and is a Spanish Hacienda design. They want the finish matte and the texture should be simple and subtle, not too much visual flourish. They do want it to match their color paint. What do you think? Pam

Store brand plasters are generally available in limited colors. It's possible that one of the stores will tint to match the existing paint, but it's not too likely they will succeed, if they try. Box stores don't usually think "out of the box" about coloring.
You can try and see if they will add the tint that equals the paint you are wanting to match to their white base if a pastel, or to their neutral if dark. The probably will want you to buy the results any way it turns out. Ouch!

Hope it goes well.

David

David,Thanks for your input.
It turns out that my favorite paint store in Berkeley is having a seminar this week on Sydney Harbor paints and finishes. They have a line of plaster finsihes too. I will go to that and see about the tinting issue with their product. The universe does always provide., Thanks again,
I will let you know how it goes, Pamela

Pam, use the Venetian plaster from Lowe's, it looks better and has more depth than the Home Depot products. It is made by Val-Spar.
Get the paint swatch that they used for their paint color and have them tint the plaster the same matching color.
Just tell them nothing is ever exact, but will be close.
Have confidence and youll be fine