Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it expensive?
- Why is it called a "distinctive finishing system"?
- Why would I choose Silk Plaster® as a wall treatment?
- What if the surface is damaged?
- What if I want to change it in the future?
- How do I know it will last?
- How do I know that repair is virtually invisible?
- How is the fresh look maintained?
- How long does it take to complete an average size installation?
- How can I be assured it is installed to my liking?
- How do I know if it's right for me?
- What surfaces can it be installed on?
- Are there fumes?
- Can you do an existing area?
- Can it be done in any color?
1. Is it expensive?
It was developed as a high quality plaster veneer finishing system for large-scale application. It will endure with a "like-new look" for at least 20 years under any use conditions. It has a range of application systems and pricing capabilities - it always offers exceptional value and "top-shelf" quality.
"I love using Silk Plaster® on the walls throughout our client’s homes. It gives depth and dimension, particularly as a backdrop for walls with art. We have found it very easy to repair from nicks to very large patches. The pricing is workable, allowing us to fit the material into various projects". — Pamela Smith, Pamela Smith Interiors
2. Why is it called a "distinctive finishing system"?
Silk Plaster® is a cutting edge solution to satisfy customer desire to add beauty of high quality over large areas. Combined high performance materials, efficient production methods and unusually easy repair put Silk Plaster® in a class of its own. It was developed to ensure consistent results even when using many craftsmen. It coordinates easily with construction schedules and condensed timeframes and any architectural shapes can be efficiently finished.
3. Why would I choose Silk Plaster® over other wall treatments?
First, Silk Plaster® is a natural, seamless and elegant finish. It is a truly custom look because the surface sensitively registers changing light over architectural contours, which are unique to every space. Secondly, it coordinates appropriately with other fine architectural elements such as wood and stone. Thirdly, it brings timeless beauty while maintaining a “like new” look for many years due to easy maintenance and repair . Its sophisticated beauty, great value, and exceptional endurance make it a practical choice for the entire interior of large-scale projects.
"Wallpaper used to be the media for creating a living environment. Today plastered walls can illuminate a room with natural tones and the casting of light. Silk Plaster® creates a feeling of wonderment and creates a fitting backdrop for the art we love. Not only do we love the feel of our rooms, but know they are easy to repair and can be enhanced to another tone using this as a base." —Cher C. – owner
4. What if the surface is damaged?
The surface is designed for virtually invisible easy repair. It delivers worry - free maintenance for many years. Made with Endure Technology™, involving both the materials and the application processes, Silk Plaster® is easily repaired placing it in a class of its own and making repainting a thing of the past. To substantiate this claim it is standard procedure to damage and repair an area. Properly stored materials have a proven shelf life of 12 years. All color formulae are cataloged for future reference. Small maintenance repairs due to everyday wear and tear can be handled by maintenance staff minimal training.
"Not only is the process quicker than other plasters, trades made many holes and marks and touch up was perfect. One can't discern lap or blend lines and color match is perfect. It is very washable: if a stain cannot be washed, then touch-up works very well."—Chuck Lang, Lang Contracting - builder of fine homes.
5. What if I want to change it in the future?
Silk Plaster® can be painted over and also be custom designed to be color- enhanced in the future. In any case, Silk Plaster® creates a smooth foundation for any future wall treatment.
6. How do I know it will last?
Made with Endure Technology™, its virtually invisible easy repair accounts for its 20+ year long life. The source materials have been manufactured and used for over 25 years and proven to last for 10 + years on exteriors. Its extraordinary ability to be repaired sets Silk Plaster® apart making it literally indestructible.
7. How do I know that repair is virtually invisible?
We damage an area as standard procedure and repair it for approval. "Road- testing" the installation itself is the surest way to back up the claim to ensure future success.
8. How is the fresh look maintained?
A free annual inspection is offered and a maintenance plan is suggested for every project. A maintenance kit for everyday wear and tear is available that anyone can easily use.
"Silk Plaster® achieved the sophisticated look we hoped for and is an incredible finish if you have young children as we do. This finish is really something."—Rochelle B. owner
9. How long does it take to complete an average size installation?
It involves 2, 3 or 4 efficient steps, based on the application. Completion time depends on the number of steps, and the number of craftsmen. Highly flexible installation procedures allow deadlines to be met consistently – co-coordinating well with other trades and completion requirements. Virtually invisible easy repair allows for damages or changes by other trades to be made without having to redo entire surfaces. Made with Endure Technology™, its application procedures ensure that many craftsmen can be used without compromising high quality and uniform results. This in turn eliminates time restrictions sometimes associated with fine veneer plaster installations.
"Not only is the process quicker than other plasters, trades made many messes/marks and touch up was perfect. On can't discern lap or blend lines and color match is perfect. It is very washable: if a stain cannot be washed, then touch-up works very well."—Chuck Lang, Lang Contracting - builder of fine homes.
10. How can I be assured it is installed to my liking?
Samples from a 1ftx1ft to larger 4ftx4ft boards are generated before a sample wall is finished for sign off. Uniform results are maintained using many craftsmen trained in large scale applications and quality control at each step. This eliminates the normal time restrictions of using a few custom artisans without compromising high quality workmanship
11. How do I know if it's right for me?
It has a very sophisticated and natural look. We think it's because like silk, Silk Plaster® captures a human fascination with light. It fits a wide range of styles and will stand the test of time not only as a classic, but also through its outstanding easy maintenance that puts it in a class of its own.
"I wake up very day feeling as if I'm wrapped in silk."—Karla l. owner
"Silk Plaster® made our whole house glow. It gave life and a natural depth to the whole space with a timeless feel that was not trendy, complementing our fine art and furnishings without being dominating."—Debbie R. - owner 10,000 ft2 estate home
12. What surfaces can it be installed on?
It requires a level, properly sealed and dust free surface that is either smooth or is a flat and low "skip-trowel". It installs directly over drywall, plaster or any stable surfaces including previously painted surfaces. It applies efficiently over complex architectural detail. See specification section – 3.02. Substrates.
13. Are there fumes?
Silk Plaster® is 100% water based with low VOC. Under normal drying conditions odors may be reside in enclosed areas for one hour and most odors disappears within 4 hours.
14. Can you do an existing area?
Yes. It installs over painted surfaces and can it be painted over. It is designed for large-scale new construction and remodel projects. Extra charges apply for moving furniture and covering floors. Areas to be finished are isolated from other areas.
15. Can it be done in any color?
We normally work with light to medium natural integral colors that are keyed to other architectural elements such as floors. The overall color is usually monochromatic with subtle shifts from light to mid-tone values.
