MF-SG-02 · Revision A · Incanto · Carrara · Teseo · Tatto
Specifying Decora Venetian plaster
Lime-based finishes shaped by the hand and the light. Select the product, application technique and protection together to establish the intended surface.
Choose the finish
This guide covers four Decora lime finishes: Incanto, Carrara, Teseo and Tatto. Each has a different texture and finish character. Name the product in the specification rather than using Venetian plaster as the complete selection. [1-4]
| Product | Character and published finish thickness |
|---|---|
| Incanto / D001 | Textured lime finish; wavy or worked effects. Interior use. 1.00 to 1.50 mm. [1] |
| Carrara / D004 | Medium-grain lime finish, worked smooth with a semi-gloss appearance. Interior use. 0.80 to 1.10 mm. [2] |
| Teseo / D005 | Travertine effect with scratched texture and smoother worked areas. Interior or exterior use, subject to the project system. 1.00 to 1.30 mm. [3] |
| Tatto / D006 | Smooth satin finish with a soft, velvet-like touch. Interior use. 1.00 to 1.30 mm. [4] |
Agree the surface, not only the colour
The physical sample should establish trowel scale, direction, texture, sheen and the amount of movement. For a travertine effect, agree pore density, scratch direction and the contrast between open and polished areas. For broad walls and ceilings, review a site sample with the proposed lighting before completing the room.
Thickness is the coating only
Thicknesses above refer to the decorative coating, not the complete wall preparation. Product suitability and the final appearance depend on the selected system and application technique.
Start with the substrate
The product sheets identify plasterboard, gypsum board, concrete and several existing finishes with suitable preparation or primer. [1-4] The following are Medida Forma coordination requirements for the project specification.
| Substrate | Preparation and acceptance |
|---|---|
| Plasterboard and gypsum board | Agree the required wall finish under the actual lighting. Complete joints, fasteners and repairs; sand evenly and remove dust before the accepted primer. |
| Concrete, masonry or render | Review curing, surface strength, laitance, porosity and moisture. Repair defects and agree levelling where the existing surface will affect the decorative result. |
| Previously painted walls | Identify the coating and check adhesion. Remove weak material, treat contamination and agree a compatible preparation and primer. Trial uncertain surfaces. |
| Existing lime plaster | Assess soundness and absorption. Repair weak or hollow areas. Confirm whether direct application or a primer is appropriate for the selected product. |
| MDF or decorative joinery faces | Obtain written acceptance of board, fixing, edges and joints. Address movement and moisture exposure. Limit use to the accepted decorative application. |
| Wet, cracked or mixed substrates | Resolve the cause of damp and movement first. Agree repairs, reinforcement and transitions before decorating. A decorative coat is not a structural repair. |
Before work starts
Approve the substrate and sample, confirm lighting and complete service cut-outs. Agree where the finish stops at doors, ceilings, skirtings and joinery. Record the extent of corners, reveals, curves, columns and access equipment in the scope.
Build the complete system
The product and the hand establish the finish.
- 01Protection if specifiedCompatible wax or protective treatment, sample-approved
- 02Worked finish coatFinal texture, compaction or polishing to accepted sample
- 03Lime plaster base coatIncanto, Carrara, Teseo or Tatto as scheduled
- 04Compatible primerMineral Primer / DOC Primer as directed by product data
- 05Accepted wall or ceilingPrepared, sound and stable substrate
Typical decorative wall concept, from exposed face to substrate. Products and coat sequence follow the selected finish data sheet.
| Published reference | Meaning for specification |
|---|---|
| Application conditions | The four referenced data sheets state +10 to +30 °C and relative humidity below 85%. Observe the chosen primer and protection limits too. [1-4] |
| Protection | Decora lists Natural Wax and Marseille soap protectors for smooth interior lime finishes. Suitability must be confirmed for the particular texture and use. [5] |
| Coat sequence | Use the selected product instructions and accepted technique. Agree drying and access periods before setting the programme. |
Bathrooms, exteriors and fireplaces
This guide does not specify shower interiors, floors or benchtops. Obtain a separate system recommendation for direct water exposure. Exterior use is product-specific; the cited Teseo sheet includes exterior surfaces, which does not extend approval to the other finishes. For fireplace surrounds, confirm the appliance clearances and substrate temperature with the designer and manufacturer before selecting the decorative assembly.
Suggested specification clause
Copy into the project specification
Provide Decora [product name] lime plaster to the scheduled walls and ceilings, installed by Medida Forma. Submit current product data, the preparation and primer schedule, and a physical sample showing the specified colour, texture, sheen and application direction. Prepare the accepted substrate and apply the selected product in accordance with its current technical instructions and the approved sample. Include the scheduled protective treatment only after compatibility and its visual effect are accepted. Maintain designed joints and complete corners, reveals, junctions and terminations to approved details. Protect adjacent work and the finished surface. Provide final product, colour and care records at handover.
Project selection schedule
| Selection | Project information |
|---|---|
| Finish code / extent | Rooms, walls, ceilings, reveals and columns |
| Product | Incanto / Carrara / Teseo / Tatto |
| Colour / sample | Supplier colour reference and approved sample ID |
| Technique / sheen | Texture scale, direction, burnishing and approved effect |
| Substrate / primer | Accepted preparation, repairs and named primer |
| Protection | Named treatment or agreed uncoated finish |
| Junctions / lighting | Stops, joints, edge details and sample lighting conditions |
Care, handover and warranty
Care
Issue cleaning instructions for the actual plaster and protective treatment. As a proposed care approach, begin with gentle dry dusting and test any supplier-approved cleaner on a discreet area. Avoid abrasive pads and vigorous local scrubbing. Have Medida Forma review stains, impact damage or proposed recoating before treatment; local repairs may remain visible.
Handover
Provide the selected product and primer, colour and sample reference, protective treatment, batch records and care instructions. Record accepted visual characteristics under the agreed lighting. Explain any protection and access restrictions during drying. Confirm with the supplier how the selected finish is to be cleaned, repaired or renewed before handing it to the building manager.
Workmanship warranty
Medida Forma installations carry a 7-year workmanship warranty covering delamination and other installation defects, provided the issued care instructions are followed. Structural movement in the building is not covered. Manufacturer product warranties apply separately.
Performance evidence
Any required fire, emissions or other performance evidence must cover the selected products and relevant assembly. A European material classification is not, by itself, a project-specific Australian compliance assessment. Obtain current technical advice before tender or construction issue.
Sources
- [1] Decora Incanto D001 MTDS 001ENG, issued 9 November 2018.
- [2] Decora Carrara D004 MTDS 004ENG, issued 9 November 2018.
- [3] Decora Teseo D005 MTDS 005ENG, issued 9 November 2018.
- [4] Decora Tatto D006 MTDS 006ENG, issued 9 November 2018.
- [5] Decora primers and protective products: current product descriptions and technical download links.
MF-SG-02 Revision A, 11 November 2026. This guide is not manufacturer certification or a project construction specification. Confirm current manufacturer instructions, and obtain evidence for the actual assembly, before tender or construction issue.
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