Author: Volterra

How to Apply Venetian Plaster

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Venetian plaster is a wall and ceiling paint finish that creates the smooth and elegant look of polished marble and natural stone with the illusion of depth and texture. Venetian plaster — sometimes known as lime plaster — is essentially a putty made from fired limestone or marble dust mixed with water. After the application, it develops a finish that has created that renowned genuine marble look.

Many people wonder how venetian plaster is applied to achieve that luxurious look. Traditionally, Veneitan plaster would need to be applied by a skilled craftsman using unique materials to get the proper effect. The good news, however, there are a variety of new products that make it possible for do-it-yourselfers to create similar results in just a few simple steps and with no special training or skills required. Volterra Architectural Products carries Italian plasters as well as other highly-recommended plaster finish products. In this blog, we’re going to share our tips and techniques that will make it easy to achieve a professional, old world finish. If you would like to see these steps, we encourage you to check out this video.

How to Apply Venetian Plaster

Of course, before you can apply Venetian plaster in your home, there are a few supplies that you will need. Most importantly, you will need a high-quality plaster product as well as a hand trowel for application and a smooth wall finish. In the video we referenced above, the applicator is using Tivoli Grasello Italian lime plaster and Volterra’s Flat Sealer finisher. When you have these right products and have properly prepared the surfaces of the wall and applied a bonder, follow these steps:

Step #1: Apply the First Coat of Italian Plaster

Make sure to properly mix the plaster before applying it. Starting at a corner of the room, apply the first coat of the plaster to the wall surface using a hand trowel. Apply a thin coat of plaster while holding the trowel using random, short strokes with medium pressure. You should hold your trowel at a 15- to 30-degree angle to the wall. Remember, you don’t have to be concerned with covering every square inch of the surface evenly. Let some of the original wall surface show through in spots for more color variation in appearance, but keep the surface reasonably smooth.

Step #2: Use a Shop Light for the Second Coat

If you have a shop light you can use it to see if there are any imperfections that need to be fixed with the application of the second coat. Simply shine the light towards the wall you will be working on. You’ll want to flatten the material using medium pressure to bring out minimal mottling. Make sure to cover the surfaces thoroughly, filling voids and removing high spots. You should let the plasterdry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step that involves applying the finish.

Step #3: Apply Volterra Flat Sealer

Oftentimes, applying a topcoat is an optional final step when applying Venetian plaster. We recommend finishing as it adds durability to the surface. This is vital for plaster that is applied in rooms with high moisture — such as bathrooms — and areas with high traffic. If possible, use an HVLP sprayer for more efficient and guaranteed coverage when applying the finish. You should spray enough material to wet out the wall. We also recommend applying a second coat of Flat Sealer. Once the top coat finish is dry, you have the option to burnish the surface to create a more polished look.

You can easily transform the plain, bland walls in your home into stylish and elegant looking structures by applying just a few strokes of Venetian Italian plaster. If you appreciate the old world aesthetic and elegant simplicity of classic European-style homes, then Venetian plaster might be the perfect finish for you. Not to mention, it looks great when paired with our faux wood beams.

Shop Volterra’s Selection of Italian Plasters

If you want to achieve the classy and elegant look that Venetian Italian plaster can offer, check out our selection of plaster products. As one of the leading plaster companies in Phoenix, you can trust we carry the best products. Contact us today to learn more information.

Choose a Roof Truss Design Carefully to Bring out the Best in Your Home

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The truss is traditionally a triangular structure built to disperse the weight of the ceiling and the roof to other parts of the home that can handle all of that pressure. Given that they are usually purely functional mechanisms, it makes sense why they are often hidden from plain sight. The complex design of the truss, however, leaves a lot of unused potential. Seeking out an exposed truss for the sake of an appearance is a wiser investment than it might seem, and the proper roof truss design can heighten the allure of your house. A visible truss, or an exposed truss, is the answer to the lingering question of the grand design. The vast space of the ceiling gets quickly filled with a truss, given how it expands widely. Faux trusses are created from synthetic materials, but they have the ability to replicate the appearance of natural wood. Authentic wood has long been popular as a structure for its natural beauty, evoking the old-world atmosphere of oaken trees. The system of wooden beams within the framework of the truss has a traditional look, but various designs can be chosen from to suit a more unique dream for the finished product. Volterra Architectural Products manufactures innovative fake wood truss systems that vary from one another, all designed to look just like natural wood but created with lightweight materials that ensure easy installation. The Cascade truss features a patchwork of vertical and horizontal beams, with curved beams that turn away from each other. The Aspen features a trio of beams entwined with arching fixtures. And the Hawkeye is a team of uniform beams that slowly increase and then decrease in size, intercut by a curving piece as the bottom. A curious architectural oddity like the truss can be one of the most attractive parts of a building. Volterra lets you choose the faux wood truss that best suits your vision. To find out more about the roof truss that is right for you, call Volterra Architectural Products at 602.258.7373 today.

Millwork for Universal Application

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The distinct charm of a well-lived-in home often lies in its details, where every element, from floors to ceilings, plays a pivotal role in creating an inviting atmosphere. This is where the subtlety and impact of millwork come into play. At Volterra Architectural Products, we understand the transformative power of millwork in tying together the various aspects of a house, giving it a cohesive and polished look.

Framing Spaces With Millwork

Millwork provides essential framing that helps define and highlight the architectural elements of a house. Whether it’s doors, windows, or walls, the right millwork can make these features stand out, offering a sense of structure and connection. It’s this strategic use of moulding and trims that lends a finished, refined look to a space, distinguishing it from a bare, new house.

Creating Smooth Transitions

A key aspect of millwork is its ability to create smooth transitions between different areas of a home. Without it, spaces can feel disjointed and cluttered. Properly implemented moulding and millwork ensure seamless flow from one area to another, enhancing the overall harmony and aesthetic appeal of your home.

The Art of Detailing With Moulding and Trims

Think of moulding and trims as the picture frames of your home. They may not always be grandiose, but they certainly add a special touch to the overall presentation. Volterra’s collection of moulding and millwork offers a range of options to embellish your doors, walls, and more with creative, subtle trims.

Enhancing Aesthetic and Functionality

Millwork isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality. Well-designed millwork can improve the utility of spaces, providing additional structural support or concealing unsightly wiring and plumbing. This dual purpose of beauty and functionality makes millwork an integral component of any home design.

Personalization and Customization

At Volterra, we believe that every home is unique, and our millwork reflects that. Our products can be painted, stained, and cut to fit specific dimensions, allowing for personalization that matches your individual style and needs. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of hardwood or the sleek finish of modern designs, our millwork can be tailored to your preferences.

Millwork is a universal solution that adds depth, character, and cohesion to any home. At Volterra Architectural Products, our diverse range of moulding and millwork is crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and design. To explore how our millwork can elevate your home, contact us at 602.258.7373 and let us help you transform your space.

A Faux Wood Beam Goes a Long Way

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The ceiling of a generic building does not do much in the way of creating an appealing design or aesthetic. Whether it is a house or an office building, there are guaranteed to be many pipes, beams, and wires running all along each other near the ceiling, creating an unsightly and dull appearance. The faux wood beam can be incorporated to breathe some serious life into this layout. Faux materials might not sound much more exciting than generic materials, but the truth is that faux wood is a high-demand product that has become a staple for many builders and designers. Faux wood beams are created with the intention of copying every aspect of authentic wood beams, mirroring their natural beauty. Wood beams are used for holding a roof up, contributing not only durability, but also warm, enchanting ambiance. Faux beams evoke that same exact feeling, all while transforming the ceiling from a lackluster mess to an arrangement of breathtaking display. Another advantage of the faux beam is its hollow interior. This emptiness permits the strategic camouflage of any suspended fixtures that you don’t want visible. In fact, this benefit allows even greater freedom with installation. Speakers, lights, sprinklers, and more can fit into the easy-to-alter surface of faux beams, their wires and cables safely tucked inside. These beams will not create a mess or require intensive planning to be properly cut into for the sake of any additions. Volterra Architectural Products is an expert manufacturing company that understands the necessity of clean, beautiful building layouts. These master producers create faux beams out of a high-density polyurethane foam that never needs any special attention or care after being installed. The beams are also available in striking colors, such as the dark chocolate brown color of the Espresso, and real-wood textures such as the Doug Fir. For more information and details on faux wood beams, call Volterra Architectural Products at 602.258.7373 today.

Faux Ceiling Beams: Simple Solutions for the Best Results

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Builders and installers, whether they are professionals or amateurs, find it hard to resist the allure of wood beams. It is easy to see why, given their durability and natural beauty. How many materials can mimic the sort of elegance that is captured by a structure that is carved, cut, and sawed entirely from natural wood? While there are not many that can create this same effect, there are some that can not only mirror that beauty, but also improve upon it: faux ceiling beams. Dense beams built to withstand the weight of ceilings and roofs are sometimes maligned by dull or unsightly features. Metal and steal beams do not do much to excite the imagination, especially if the wires of televisions and speakers mingle with them, resulting in a particularly messy look. Faux ceiling beams are the perfect disguises for these blemishes. As structures that are hollow inside, faux beams can strategically mask anything that needs to be covered up, and it does so in style. Faux beams are created as synthetic cousins to natural wood beams, all the way down to the last grain. Friends, guests, and family members will never be able to tell that they are marveling at pieces that were created from high-density polyurethane foam. Volterra Architectural Products creates faux beams for these needs and more. Adorning a ceiling with ceiling beams from this leading manufacturer of faux wood products means that you are guaranteed beams that will withstand extreme elemental factors, age, cracking, rotting, and more. The polyurethane foam negates the necessity of any maintenance, something that cannot be said for authentic wood. After completing the layout of a home, with all of its fixtures properly placed on the walls and floors, the lingering knowledge that the ceiling needs care can be a frustrating feeling. Faux beams alleviate this frustration with simple application and unmatched beauty. To learn more about the faux ceiling beams available from Volterra Architectural Products, call 602.258.7373 today.

How to Prepare VolterraFlex®Faux Iron Beam Straps and Other Beam Accessories

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By installing Volterra’s high-quality faux wood beams, you can easily add depth and elegance to any room in your home. Faux wood beams are versatile, functional, and are very easy to install compared to real wood ceiling beams. Of all the benefits that faux wood beams offer, perhaps the most appealing is that they replicate the appearance of ceiling beams that are manufactured from real wood.

While installing faux wood beams is sure to enhance any space, you can make them appear even more realistic while simultaneously adding more charm to the space by adding VolterraFlex® faux iron beam straps and other flexible beam accessories. We manufacture these products using a highly-durable and flexible resin material. They are incredibly easy to install on faux wood ceiling beams, too. Before installing them, however, we recommend properly preparing them so that they look even more real and last longer. In this blog, we are going to share some simple steps that will help you prepare your faux iron accessories. If you would like to see these steps, we encourage you to check out this video.

How to Prepare VolterraFlex® Faux Iron Beam Straps and Other Beam Accessories

Preparing faux iron beam straps and other beam accessories does not require a lot of work or supplies. We recommend spraying these flexible beam accessories with rattle-can spray paint. The color choice is up to you, but using a flat matte spray paint will make these faux iron straps and accessories look even more like authentic forged iron. Applying spray paint will not only make it look better, but it will also help it last longer. In the video, Tim from Volterra Architectural Products walks you through how to prepare flexible beam straps, which we will reference for the sake of this post. Keep in mind, a similar process can be used for hangers, plates, t-plates, and other beam accessories. Before you are ready to paint your beam strap, make sure you have measured and cut it to the necessary size, then follow these steps:

Step #1: Prepare Work Area

If you want to keep the mess minimal you should create a workspace to paint your flexible beam straps. We recommend setting a table up outside with an old bed sheet laying over the top so that it does not get paint on it. Make sure you have your spray paint and that it has been well-shaken and ready to go.

Step #2: Apply the First Coat of Spray Paint

When you are ready to apply the first coat of paint. You really only need to dust the flexible beam strap with the paint. Press down on the tip with the can about 10″ to 12″ away from the strap, aimed to one side, then, in one fluid motion, sweep the paint horizontally across the surface and release the tip when you reach the other side. For complete and consistent coverage, be sure to start the spray before reaching the surface, and release it after passing it. You’ll also want to make sure that you get the edges.

Step #3: Add A Second Layer

After the application of the first layer, wait a few minutes and then get ready to add a second layer. Following the same application method, dust the beam strap with paint again. This additional layer will create a special finish, making the faux beam strap appear like real iron.

Step #4: Install the Beam Strap

Once you are finished, you’ll want to let the beam strap dry before you install it on a faux wood beam. Once the material is dry, make sure to remove any dust and debris (acetone works great). When you’re ready to install your faux beam strap, watch this video or check out this blog.

See? It is as simple as that! Adding depth and detail to faux wood beams has never been easier! If you would like to transform your interior or exterior space, check out Volterra’s selection of faux wood beams plus the faux iron straps and other beam accessories. As one of the leading faux wood beam manufacturers in the US, you can trust that we offer quality products at a competitive price. Contact Volterra Architectural Products to learn more!

Fill in the Empty Space with Beautiful Exposed Trusses

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The ceiling is a wide, open space that often gets neglected in the decorating of a building in favor of more immediately visible parts, such as living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. But a ceiling’s emptiness can be a glaring oversight when taking into consideration the detailed adornments lining every other area of a space. Exposed trusses are big, space-filling marvels that beautifully fill ceilings with unique architectural elements. The conventional truss is a triangular-shaped structure that is built to carry the heavy loads that roofs and ceilings bear down on houses. The complex design of the truss carefully transfers this weight to strong and sturdy parts of the house like the walls. Usually, however, the truss is kept hidden in the area between the ceiling and the roof, so it is up to the exposed truss to provide an exciting and captivating appearance. Natural wood is often the material of choice for the most beautiful appearance, but natural wood trusses also come with a range of setbacks that rear their ugly heads sooner or later. Rotting, cracking, and warping are inevitable symptoms that result with age, leading to tedious and time-consuming maintenance. What is the alternative? Decorative trusses made of synthetic materials. Faux trusses from Volterra Architectural Products are manufactured specifically to imitate the exact appearance of natural wood, copying its color and texture, as well as the beauty that accompanies it. They are created to be lightweight to ensure a quick and easy installation process. These trusses also come in a variety of designs to match your taste, such as the curved Oxford and the baroque-looking Aspen. Exposed trusses absorb negative space quickly, and with their elaborate design and beauty, they embody everything positive about traditional wood structures. To learn more about the virtues of exposed trusses and how they can enhance the charisma of your home, call Volterra Architectural Products at 602.258.7373 today.

Non-Functional Architectural Beams Provide a Beautiful Aesthetic

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Every facet of a building needs to work together to keep it standing strong and tall. An enormous feature like the ceiling doesn’t just stay suspended on its own, supported by just a few walls. It takes carefully placed structures that will absorb the pressure and disperse it to stronger areas. Beams achieve this feat, sitting high above in a building and transferring all of the weight to walls and columns. Sometimes, however, these beams are for function only and do not meet the design and aesthetic standards of builders, designers, and homeowners. Non-functional architectural beams are equally valuable additions. Standard beams do all of the hard work of bearing the weight. It is the job of the decorative beam to make a space shine as brightly as it can with its beautiful exterior. Faux beams that garner the most attention are typically those that duplicate the appearance of natural wood. Natural wood is a desired material because it has an elegant appearance that evokes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, the cons of natural wood makes it a less enticing prospect when a builder is looking for purely aesthetic use. Its tendencies to wear, rot, and warp become problems down the line that require regular care. Faux beams, fortunately, avoid these problems, given their entirely synthetic makeup. The quality of beams will inevitably vary while looking for the ideal producer, but Volterra Architectural Products is the best bet for people who want consistently excellent products. Volterra has been in the business of manufacturing faux wood products for years. Volterra’s beams are created from high-density polyurethane foam for the sake of easy installation and round-the-clock immunity against the elements. With hollow interiors, these beams can fit around functional beams to adorn them with the breathtaking colors and textures of natural wood. Volterra has also garnered a reputation as a leading manufacturer of hardwood moulding and millwork products in Arizona. For more information about the unique products from Volterra Architectural Products, call 602.258.7373 today.

Use Stained Moulding or Color for Trim

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A house that is absent of moulding is unheard of in this day and age. Moulding is practically beneficial for all surfaces of a house. The tops and bottoms of walls become adorned with attractive crown and baseboard moulding that add character. Windows become prominent and distinguished with a frame going around its edges. And doors become almost regal when walking through them. These decorative trims can become even better with a tint of color that brings to life its presence from above or below. Stained moulding opens up possibilities for an even more beautiful home layout. These trims exist to conjure the seamless, attractive transitions between walls and floors and walls and ceilings. With a beautiful color finish, your home becomes further indented with subtle yet remarkable details. Where can a person find moulds with colors? Volterra Architectural Products in Phoenix is the prime choice. Specializing in moulding and millwork, these expert manufacturers have a vast array of styles and wood species to choose from. Their profiles range from simple contemporary to hand-carved ornate and traditional moulding, in addition to complement any house design imaginable. For a posh and classic aura, there is the White River line of hand-carved ornate mouldings.  For more simple styles, Volterra mills hundreds of profiles ranging from 1” in size to build-up mouldings that span 10” in width, all of which can be painted in any color or stained to accentuate the wood grain. These remarkable crown, base, case and panel mouldings are available to contractors and the public at Volterra Architectural Products in Phoenix, AZ.  For more information about these and other architectural products, call Volterra at 602.258.7373 today.

Essential Phoenix Millwork for Homes

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The interior of a home is never complete without a few subtle additions that both decorate its features and strengthen its functionality. Millwork is often the factor that results in this enhancement, providing practical and aesthetic use. Phoenix millwork specialists, Volterra Architectural Products, provide hardwood moulding and trim that can customize any residential or commercial space and give it value for years to come. Millwork in Phoenix can fit around your doors, windows, and more to cover bare areas and provide a sturdier surface. The best kinds of millwork can fit around any area, whether it is rigid and with corners or has curves like a circle. Base trims at the bottoms of walls and doors are useful in providing a special accent of taste, distinguishing the different components of a space, such as an entryway, the bulk of a wall between its top and bottom, and the outline of doors and windows. The sorts of transitions that this millwork creates from surface to surface, like from the floor to the wall or the wall to the ceiling, are smooth, seamless, and a lot easier on the eyes. Houses without any sort of millwork just look naked and bare, as if they have not yet been finished. The magic of millwork solves this problem with ease. Only the best producers create millwork that maximizes functionality with quality. Volterra Architectural Products, a manufacturer of fine millwork and moulding products in Phoenix, creates millwork of all kinds, providing base moulding, panel moulding, crown moulding, casing, and more for special touches to all houses. These expert producers create hardwood millwork in most any wood type, along with flexible moulding to match. To learn more about millwork in Phoenix, call Volterra Architectural Products at 602.258.7373 today.