Venetian plaster originated over 500 years ago in Venice, Italy. Basic materials consist of crushed marble and lime putty, which can be applied to a surface to add a different texture to the interior of a home. Venetian plaster gives the appearance of marble with its rock hard, polished finish. It is great for areas where marble would be too expensive and where marble panels cannot be easily installed, such as on curved walls, corbels, and columns.  It can be tinted to any color that you want, which is helpful when a specific color of “marble” is desired.