MARMORINO
spencer fitzgerald - ds 224 - fall 2020
Marmorino, also referred to as a classic Venetian plaster, is a plaster made from crushed marble and lime putty, which can be tinted in a wide array of colors. The material dates back to ancient Rome and is known for its waterproofing and antibacterial properties. The material is used for both interior and exterior applications and can be finished in a variety of ways (matte, satin, glossy).
One of marmorino's appeals is its low maintenance. The material is very durable and long-lasting and doesn't need to be refinished. It can be wiped with a damp cloth and mineral wool can be used to remove deep scuffs.
a rough, textured application of marmorino
marmorino compliments the marble flooring
Marmorino is a relatively sustainable material. As stated above, the plaster is very durable and lasts for quite a long time. Marmorino has a lot of great environmental benefits as well—it absorbs carbon dioxide, regulates humidity, prevents mold and mildew, and contains no harmful toxins or gases.
A popular application of marmorino is on walls. Once the surface is properly primed (if necessary), a thin coat of the marmorino is applied with a trowel. After a thin layer is applied and let sit to dry, a second layer is applied. Finally, the surface is burnished with fine sandpaper, and an optional topcoat can be applied. While this is one standard technique, there are multiple ways to apply the material depending on the texture and finish desired.
International Masonry Institute
marmorino applied to a curvilinear ramp
a black marmorino
a green-tinted marmorino
the use of neutral tones highlight the texture of the marmorino