Hotel Lincoln: Decorative and Venetian Plastering
A welcoming boutique hotel in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Hotel Lincoln is unique in many ways. The front lobby, created by renowned hospitality designer Andrew Alford features a unique ‘wall of bad art’ and beautiful wall finish, Venetian plaster, created by the master craftsmen of ZMartin Plastering.
If you have ever had the pleasure of taking in some of the magnificent sights of Venice, you will know that it is a city packed full of wondrous design and old world beauty.
It’s no surprise this special plastering technique, which comes from this northern Italian city, has the same awe inspiring passion, beauty, elegance and depth as the city itself.
Traditional Venetian plaster, otherwise known as marble plaster, Italian plaster or polished plaster is made of lime putty and marble dust and gives a highly polished finish to walls and ceilings, which can look like stunning marble itself. As a result it’s very often used successfully for decorative effect.
The process of applying Venetian plaster, using a trowel or spatula, requires skill and expertise, as it involves techniques such as layering, burnishing, and polishing to achieve the desired effect. The resulting finish has a depth and richness that mimics the look of polished marble, making it a popular choice for adding elegance and sophistication to interior walls and ceilings.
Venetian plaster is also known for its durability and versatility, as it can be tinted to a wide range of colors and used to create various textures and effects, from subtle to dramatic.
It’s popular, not only for the striking and luxurious effect that it gives, but also because lime-based Venetian plaster is made with less harmful chemicals, which makes it hypoallergenic, as well as mold and algae resistant.





