Ampio has applied Stucco Lustro in Denmark, Norway and Sweden for more than 30 years. To ensure high quality we work with experienced Italian specialists, and we import materials directly from our developers in Italy. We conduct the task from idea to presentation of finished surfaces that match the wishes of owner and architect. We typically follow this process:
If you consider using Stucco Lustro, do get in contact with us early in the process, to allow advice on foundation, materials, time planning, etc.
Stucco Lustro can be applied to all kinds of surfaces - e.g. plaster, concrete, gypsum boards - as long as they are even, stable, dry and without irregularities and cracks. It is even possible to apply Stucco Lustro to ceilings, curved surfaces, columns. Application takes a minimum of 3 days and for areas of more than 30 square meters approximately 1 day per 10 sqm. The ordinary progression is as follows:
In case of more complicated applications with multiple colours or addition of e.g. mother of pearl or gold, the work will take more time, and the price will be higher.
Stucco Lustro is produced by Ampio as an all comprehensive task of highest quality. We give advice about where and how to use Stucco Lustro, about the range of materials and textures, colours, degree of sheen and we make an offer - deliver materials - apply - present. Price is calculated in each individual case. Call us or write us an e-mail for an offer or a piece of advice. That does not cost anything. Or make an appointment to visit us in Raadvad.
Stucco Lustro is a classical surface which has been used for centuries in the Mediterranean. Some very early examples are still to be viewed in Pompeji, and they are more than 2000 years old. The tradition is kept up Italy, e.g. in Venice. The material is moisture permeable, non-organic and moderately alkaline, therefore it will naturally resist microorganisms and mold. So in addition to being a sustainable, natural product it also contributes to an outstanding indoor climate.
Stucco Lustro has two basic components, lime and crushed marble. Lime, most often from the Dolomites, will be heated to 600-900 degrees celcius for many hours, then slaked in water for 1-2 years. Thereby the CO2 will evaporate, and the material will absorb water. The lime stone becomes a white paste. It is mixed with 50% marble powder - which produces the light reflection when it crystallizes. This is the reason why the material is called luminous plaster.
When fine coats are applied with a powerful and precise pressure water will evaporate and it dries in the course of 12-14 hours. Over the following months CO2 will gradually be recovered from the air, and we are back at the original stone that we started out with. You have obtained a rock wall in your living room. A surface that will last for many years without maintenance.
UApplication of Stucco Lustro requires two hands and one trowel. But the specialist who owns the hands must be experienced, proficient, diligent and patient. For decorative tasks artistic talent is required. There are no shortcuts if the result is to be right. Therefore only the best artisans work for Ampio.
The material for Stucco Lustro is a mixture of slaked lime and crushed marble which is dyed with pigments to obtain the desired colour. Mother of pearl, black sand, gold leafs or other natural additives can be added to obtain a specific effect. Each wall will be a unique surface.
At the starting point the lime is a lime stone - CaO3. When heated to high temperatures for many hours it gives off CO2 and becomes CaO. When the lime then is slaked it becomes Ca(OH)s, slaked lime, which is soft and moldable. It is then mixed with crushed marble, and when spartlet to a wall it dries, gives off water, absorbs CO2 from the air - and becomes a lime stone again.