I was recently decorateed a wall (and a few more things, but for now, lets talk about the wall, more later) at Google’s new Washington DC headquarters. They wanted an accent wall by the lobby that would fit the urban/industrial décor. knew that Bernini’s Pozzolan cement plaster (dry mix) was the perfect product to achieve their vision.

Preparation

Before I could start applying the plaster, I needed to properly prepare the wall. I carefully cleaned the surface, removing any dirt and debris, and made sure that the wall was completely dry before moving on to the next step. I then applied a coat of quartz bonding primer.

Mixing the Color

To prepare the color for the plaster, I first placed a quart on the scale and added various colors of oxide pigment. Using oxide pigment ensures that the color will not fade or have adverse reactions to the lime in the plaster, which could cause premature color fading. As I added the color, I watched the scale drip by drip and made notes of the amount of each color used for my records. This allowed me to recreate the exact color by hand.

I wanted to create a unique shade that would complement the rest of the space’s modern design, so I took my time mixing the pigments until I achieved the desired hue. After mixing the color, I had to dry the plaster because it dries 30-40% lighter when dry. Once the plaster was completely dry, I was able to see the true color and make any adjustments if necessary. This personalized touch is something that I truly appreciate in the world of generational craftsmanship, and it’s always a pleasure to create something unique and special for a client.

Applying the Pozzolan Cement Plaster

Once I had prepared the color, I was ready to start applying the Pozzolan cement plaster. I mixed the plaster with distilled water (distilled water has no improprieties and you know the mixture is chemically consistent) .

After mixing the plaster to a nice consistency (a little thicker than peanut butter, but just as creamy and smooth and easy to apply), I picked up my Pavan finishing trowel and loaded my hawk. I applied the first coat to act as the “bed coat,” which would anchor the finish layer to come. I then applied two additional coats with a light compression on the final coat to enhance the trowel marks, but not to burnish them.

The Final Result

After allowing the plaster to dry completely, I was able to see the final result, and it looked cool, everyone loved it.

In Conclusion

Bernini’s Pozzolan cement plaster for Google’s new Washington DC headquarters was nothing short of exceptional. From preparing the wall to mixing the color by hand and applying the plaster, every step of the process was a testament to the timeless craft that I have such a deep appreciation for. And the final result is something that I am proud to have contributed to, a stunning accent wall that welcomes guests and employees alike with a beautiful, polished finish.