Bring timeless elegance to your furniture with a linen-wrapped, fresco-style finish!

In today’s tutorial, Lyonella Cook walks you through how to use Caproni Wrap, Venetian Plaster, and custom pigments to create a beautifully textured, designer-inspired look—perfect for consoles, nightstands, side tables, and more.

Materials Needed:

• Caproni Wrap 

• Venetian Plaster

• One Step Paint (we recommend Ballet White as a base)

• Pigment Powder (for custom color washes)

• Matte Sealer

• Clear or Light Antique Wax

• Clean Slate

• Various Brushes (bristle and foam)

• Sponges and Lint-Free Rags

• Buckets for Mixing

• Trowel (Metal or Plastic)

• Water and Mineral Spirits

• Protective Apron and Gloves

Step 1: Prep Your Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning your piece using Clean Slate to remove any oils or residues. Proper cleaning ensures that your paint and plaster adhere perfectly and prevents bubbling or peeling later.

Apply two coats of One Step Paint in Ballet White, using a cross-hatch pattern to ensure full coverage—especially on open-grained woods like pine. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Caproni Wrap

Caproni Wrap is a linen material coated in plaster. When preparing your piece:

• Measure generously. Always allow 1–2 inches of overhang to account for shrinkage when wet.

• Identify the sides. Use the thicker-textured side facing up for easier blending and a smoother surface.

• Soak the Wrap. Lightly dampen your Caproni Wrap using cool water and a sponge or brush. Avoid submerging it fully, as this can cause the material to tangle or rip.

Step 3: Apply the Caproni Wrap

Lay your damp Caproni Wrap onto your painted surface, smoothing it out gently with a brush.
Tip: Start in the middle and work outward, using soft strokes to avoid tearing the linen. Slight overlaps at seams are fine and will later be hidden by plaster.

Step 4: Mix and Apply Venetian Plaster

Mix Venetian Plaster to a consistency similar to sour cream or yogurt. Always use cool water—hot water will cause the plaster to set too quickly.

Spread a thin, even coat of plaster over the Caproni Wrap using your trowel. Focus especially on overlapping seams to help blend them into the surface.

You can leave areas of the Caproni Wrap slightly exposed for added texture and depth!

Step 5: Create Your Fresco Color Wash

Prepare your custom color wash:

• Slack pigment powder in water overnight for even distribution. (For blues, use vodka instead of water to avoid streaking!)

• Mix lightly. Your pigment wash should have a watery, translucent quality—not too heavy or opaque.

Once your plaster is semi-dry (matte but still slightly cool to the touch), brush the color wash across the surface. Then use a damp sponge as a negative tool to soften and manipulate the color for a natural, aged look.

Step 6: Seal and Protect

After your surface is completely dry:

• Apply a Matte Sealer for long-lasting durability, especially on tabletops and high-use furniture pieces.

• Once sealed, add a layer of Clear or Light Antique Wax for a soft, natural finish. Light Wax can also add a slightly antique patina.

Optional: Add gold leaf accents to the edges for an elevated, finished look!

Final Thoughts

The combination of Caproni Wrap, Venetian Plaster, and custom pigment washes creates a one-of-a-kind finish that's both artistic and timeless. Perfect for adding sophistication to any piece—whether you're working on a small table or a large console.

✨ Pro Tip: If you're layering multiple colors, allow each layer of plaster to set before applying the next pigment wash for depth and dimension.

Ready to create your own masterpiece?

Shop all the materials you need for this project at Amy Howard at Home!