Scagliola is a type of ornamental plaster traditionally used in fine homes. If you need to identify it in your house, it’s helpful to know its characteristics, applications, and how to care for it. Below is a brief guide on scagliola.

What Is It?

Scagliola is a decorative gypsum or lime plaster that imitates stone. It will have veining similar to marble or limestone but will be warm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped.

It was used in the Renaissance to resemble expensive stone and was introduced to England in the 17th century, where it was used in walls, fireplaces, ceilings, and tabletops of palaces and upscale homes. 

Scagliola became commonplace in America in the 19th century, where it was used primarily in sophisticated legal and public places, like courthouses, churches, and capital buildings.

It gives a sense of refinement and luxury to any space and is versatile in its applications. It can be used to create the appearance of a seamless wall or column of stone, like marble, or can be carved into elaborate ornamental designs to resemble stone inlay.

Can It Be Restored?

If your home has this form of ornamental plaster, it likely shows some wear. Since it is delicate and uses bonding agents, exposure to moisture can cause pits, ruts, and runs where the material is eroded.

Long-term exposure can cause it to break down and crumble or fall away. It’s prone to cracking with age, especially on support structures like columns where it can become compressed. 

It’s crucial to eliminate leaks and high humidity levels to preserve scagliola and inspect it for any damages like cracks and faded carvings. Avoid improper plaster repairs that can lead to further damages, such as by using the wrong materials or painting over it.

An experienced ornamental plaster contractor will fill in cracks with material that will flex with the plaster during temperature changes, so it doesn’t crack more. They may also use scagliola plaster to restore diminished ornamental designs that have been worn by age or moisture. 

 

If you have damaged scagliola or other ornamental plaster in your home, Old World Plastering serves Cincinnati, OH, with highly skilled plaster repairs and restorations, as well as new applications. The owner, Greg Colina, has worked on prolific projects like the Cincinnati Art Museum, and their work is guaranteed. View their services online, and call (513) 481-1122 to request a consultation or services.