If you want to create a stunning, yet different look to your kitchen renovation project, you might want to consider creating a backsplash from Venetian plaster. Venetian plaster offers a versatile, inexpensive, and easy to apply option that adds colour and texture to your walls with minimal fuss. You could choose a matte finish for a rustic look, or buff-up the material as it dries to achieve a high, satin sheen for a more sophisticated vibe.

Here's how to create a Venetian plaster backsplash in your kitchen in just a few easy steps.

What you'll need

• 2 metal spatulas
• paint stirrer
• steel wool
• Venetian plaster
• acrylic top coat

You'll find everything you need for this project at a DIY store. You don't need a huge amount of DIY experience to successfully complete this project; just follow the guidelines below.

How to do it

1. The first step in the process is to prepare the wall that you wish to plaster. Make sure that the surface is clean and free from dust. Allow the wall to air dry thoroughly before proceeding.  
2. Next, open the tin of Venetian plaster and use the paint stirrer to give it a thorough stir.  
3. Take one of the metal spatulas, and use the paint stirrer to drop a blob of plaster onto it. Now take the second spatula, scrape the plaster off the first, and spread it onto the wall using a quick, circular motion. Repeat the process until you've covered the whole area. Don't worry if there are a few bare bits of wall showing through the plaster as this will be covered up later in the process.  
4. Allow the first coat of plaster to dry thoroughly, as per the manufacturer's directions, (this usually takes about four hours). When the initial coat of plaster is dry, apply a second coat in the same way as the first. Repeat these steps until the plaster attains the thickness that you want.  
5. You now need to let the coats of plaster dry out fully before finishing off the job. If you want to achieve a shiny finish, use the steel wool to gently rub the surface of the plaster. Begin at the centre of the backsplash and gradually work your way outwards, using a smooth circular motion. Use a damp sponge to remove any surface dust that's left behind.  
6. Finally, apply an acrylic top coat to the plaster using the method outlined in step # 3, and allow it to dry fully, as per the manufacturer's directions.