Topic outline

  • Plastering

    Stucco / plaster

    This short course introduces, in a concise way and with practical examples, an approach to the universe of stucco, of lime and plaster pastes, with the most diverse fillers and dyes, their manufacture, and their use as an eminently decorative element integrated in the architectural universe, incorporating a craft tradition that has been of enormous importance, especially from the 18th century and after the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, with great influence from plasterers from Italy. These decorative elements complement the mural surfaces, atriums, staircases, and ceilings, qualifying the houses that have them, protecting them with an effective coating and endowing them with rich and varied aesthetic compositions.

    The aim is to present all the stages of the stucco manufacturing process, and the various types of manufacture of ornaments, figures, marbling, paintings, escutcheons and decorative friezes, and to make known all the equipment necessary for the proper execution of this decorative resource. Types of stucco, mixtures, surface preparation, ornament manufacture, on the table and in situ, manufacture of a sliding profile, frieze manufacturing techniques, gluing of ornaments on ceilings or walls, approach to the construction of figures by moulding, old and new products, and all the necessary equipment for the stucco work.

    This course is structured in the following way: 12 films will be shown in total, some being tutorial films, with images of practical examples and explanations of the techniques. Moreover, 1 film will address, in a geographical context, the thematic variability of the stucco in the North of Portugal. It is necessary to consider that to work in stucco it is necessary to have some equipment, and it is fundamental to have access to facilities that provide adequate space and working comfort. Stucco work is a task with great tradition that can be carried out on large surfaces with large ornaments, or in the studio, moulding or modelling small decorative figures. It has a role in the restoration of historic buildings, but can be equally pleasurable as a small individual artistic manifestation.

    Master of the course: António Jorge Cruz, artisan (Portugal)
    Format of the modules: 12 pieces of video tutorials, subtitles and text-form descriptions
    Full playtime of tutorial videos: 55 minutes 11 seconds

    • Part 1

      • Tutorial Video - 1 Page
        SHORT INTRODUCTION TO STUCCO. TRADITIONAL PROCESSES

        Shortfilm - Length: 5 minutes 19 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student should have an introduction to stucco as a traditional constructive and decorative technique. Understand the context, utility and essential components of this practice.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student must know the architectural and historical framework of the stucco practice.
        • The student must understand the general process of the stucco work
        • The student must have a general notion of the initial, intermediate and final phases of the stucco process. ... MORE >>

    • Part 2

      • Tutorial Video - 2 Page
        MATERIAL TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT

        Shortfilm - Length: 7 minutes 16 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student must learn about the materials themselves, visualise the various tools linked to mixing the paste, its application, as well as the profiles and cutting.

        Learning objectives:

        • It is intended that the student becomes familiar with the materials, the procedures and the work spaces.
        • The student should become acquainted with the different tools.
        • The student must know the essential components of the mortar of plaster. ... MORE >>

    • Part 3

      • Tutorial Video - 3 Page
        PREPARATION OF PLASTER

        Shortfilm - Length: 6 minutes 43 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student should watch and understand the application process of the first stage of preparing the surface for the final stucco, on top of a lathed wood simulating a traditional wall, Visualise the way of mixing between components and application with appropriate material Should pay attention to the quantities and materials used.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should understand the essential components of the mortar of this first phase.
        • The student must know the quantities of water required and the mixing time.
        • The student must know the drying time that precedes the subsequent application of the draft.
        • The student must know how to apply the render and know the appropriate tools to do so. ... MORE >>

    • Part 4

      • Tutorial Video - 4 Page
        PREPARATION OF “ESBOÇO”

        Shortfilm - Length: 4 minutes 56 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student visualises the application of the last phase of the traditional plastering process of a wall.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should always understand drying times and the components of the mixture in the final mortar.
        • The student should understand the relationships of these components to the requirements of a good finish ... MORE >>

    • Part 5

      • Tutorial Video - 5 Page
        PROTOTYPE BY CASTING AND CARVING
        Prototype execution, materials and techniques used, elaboration of a piece by addition and another by extraction.

        Shortfilm - Length: 8 minutes 46 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student should visualize and understand the difference of execution and application of prototypes of decorative models. Knowing materials and techniques used, understanding correctly what is the elaboration of a piece by addition and another by extraction. With the help of moulds, forms or profiles it is quicker and perhaps more perfect, whereas the work of carving or modulation, similar to that of ceramic paste is slower and technically much more demanding.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student is expected to be familiar with the methods of execution.
        • It is intended that the student is aware of the notching and modulation work.
        • It is intended that the student understands how to proceed to the casting of the stucco in various types of moulds or shapes, and possibly to combine with other methods of manufacture of prototypes.
        • The student must be able to proceed to the adequate mixture of the plaster mortar.
        • The student must be able to know and understand the products and equipment needed for the creation of decorative elements in plaster work.
        • The student must be able to make a prototype of a decorative element in two ways ... MORE >>

    • Part 6

      • Tutorial Video - 6 Page
        MOULD MAKING
        Silicone mould execution according to contemporary techniques

        Shortfilm - Length: 3 minutes 1 second
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student will learn about the various types of mould construction for decorative elements banners and other ornaments. Some types of moulds: lost shape moulds, tassel moulds, flexible moulds, latex, gelatine, silicone moulds. Must understand the notion of moulds and counter-moulds, supports and spacers. Should know various resins of quick use and more contemporary manufacture. Visualise the construction of a silicone resin mould.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should understand the potential of synthetic resins in moulding elements.
        • It is intended that the student is able to make a silicone mould.
        • It is intended that the student understands the mechanisms of execution of a mould in its relationship between materials and their compatibilities.
        • Know the execution times.
        • Know the demoulds and materials to support the moulding.
        • Know the adequate equipment for the execution of moulds ... MORE >>

    • Part 7

      • Tutorial Video - 7 Page
        ORNAMENTS
        Execution of an ornament: flowers, decorative friezes, etc.

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 59 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student will learn about the execution of a stucco ornament and will observe the necessary procedures as well as the sequences and materials used. In general, the execution of these works requires some attention, due to the quick hardening characteristics of the pastes. It is necessary to pay extra attention to the mixing of mortars when applying ornaments directly on the site for which they were designed. Sometimes they need to be filled in.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should be able to understand the manufacturing process of an ornament "in situ" and directly on the render.
        • The student should be able to recognize the different materials and products for the execution of an ornamental piece.
        • The students must understand the different possibilities of building an ornamental piece according to its volume, weight, shape, etc.
        • The student should understand the problem of the relationship between weight and adherence of an ornament in the plaster.
        • The aim is that the student is able to execute an ornament. ... MORE >>

    • Part 8

      • Tutorial Video - 8 Page
        FRAMES

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 14 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Execution of a running mould and elaboration of a frame. Visualisation of linear ornaments and mouldings applied directly onto the plaster, with the aid of the "running mould", a mould consisting of a metal plate cut to the desired design and curvature, attached to a wooden structure, which can be handled, and which slides through a system of guides fixed to the walls. A system that uses a particular tool to be applied generally on the roofs of houses. The operation consists of the systematic application of mortar, bonding work in the corners of the ceiling and the final cleaning of the plaster.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should understand the construction system of the "molde de correr" (running mould?).
        • The student must visualize and understand the whole system of applying the guides for sliding the trolley.
        • The student must understand how the stucco is applied to the trolley and how the successive layers of stucco are applied until an optimum result is reached.
        • The student must understand all the finishing work in the corners of the ceilings.
        • The student must understand how to finish the application of stucco in the mouldings.
        • The aim is to allow the student to build a profile mould for ceilings and to execute a decorative frieze. ... MORE >>

    • Part 9

      • Tutorial Video - 9 Page
        PAINTING AND PRETENDING
        Decorative techniques used in stucco decoration, tools and material applied.

        Shortfilm - Length: 13 minutes 43 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Visualisation and knowledge of decorative techniques. An approach to tools and materials final coatings by painting over white stucco. Understanding the possibilities of colouring stucco. Coloured stuccos in preparation and application, or painted with lime or resin paints, glue and oil. Fresh painting and methods of transferring designs of decorative elements on stucco such as stamping or using tracing paper and charcoal powder. Some types of pretenders such as wood and natural stone, usually marble.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student must understand the variety of possible stucco colours.
        • The student must know how to use adequate paint for the material he is working with.
        • The students must be able to transfer drawings to the stucco using several techniques.
        • The student should have a notion of the painting equipment with which he can apply paint to create pretend.
        • The student should be able to execute a painting on a stucco surface.
        • The student should know decoration techniques and be able to perform some ... MORE >>

    • Part 10

      • Tutorial Video - 10 Page
        GILDING

        Shortfilm - Length: 12 minutes 49 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        Gilding as a decorative element of stucco or of embossed elements in stucco. Simple gilding by painting with gold paint. Sometimes a more personalised finish can be given by using gold leaf on decorative elements made of stucco. This process shares the Portuguese tradition of gilded woodcarving, another decorative element, eminently religious in nature, which competes with stucco. Visualisation of a preparation of a piece for gilding, use of mordents, brushes, gold leaf and burnishing devices, tools and materials used in different types of gilding.

        Learning objectives:

        • It is intended that the student understands the various types of possible gilding.
        • It is intended that the student understands the whole process of applying gold leaf in stucco elements.
        • The student must know the times and care of application as well as the characteristics of gold and mordents.
        • The student must know the materials necessary for the proper operation of the gilding.
        • It is intended that the student can gild a decorative element in stucco. ... MORE >>

    • Part 11

      • Tutorial Video - 11 Page
        SCAGLIOLA

        Shortfilm - Length: 10 minutes 21 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        The method consists in a mortar preparation, mainly made of plaster, pigments and some drying retardant components of the plaster - like rabbit glue for instance - that allow an infinite variation of colours and an imitation of marble, or other type of stone. These pastes, after mixed and sliced, are applied to the spoon with a certain thickness, and pressed for total filling, while maintaining a certain degree of plasticity, reproducing randomly the veins, imperfections and colours of the natural stone. Afterwards, the process finishes with polishing, sanding and various finishes. It is a relatively simple process to perform and understand.

        Learning objectives:

        • It is intended that the student understands the possibilities that they have with the pigments and colourants in a stucco paste.
        • The student must understand the possible variations in the composition of pastes for the production of marbled scagliola, according to the final objective.
        • The student must understand the whole process of mixing, cutting and application of the marbling.
        • The student must understand the drying times and the several finishing possibilities.
        • The student must understand the moments of the process and all the material and equipment involved in it.
        • The student must be able to perform a wall finishing made in scagliola by himself. ... MORE >>

    • Part 12

      • Tutorial Video - 12 Page
        SAMPLING HISTORICAL “STUCCOS“

        Shortfilm - Length: 17 minutes 16 seconds
        Original language of the film: Portuguese
        Subtitles: English, Estonian, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian

        In this module the student can view some historical decorative stuccos on display and then understand the immense possibilities that this technique provides as an architectural decorative element.

        Learning objectives:

        • The student should be aware of the possibilities that traditional mouldings can offer.
        • The student should be aware of the characteristics of the different materials that some traditional mouldings are made of.
        • The student should have a sense of the enormous decorative potential offered by stucco from the historical sample visualised.
        • The student should have a more complete understanding of the craft, its historical frameworks and its potential. ... MORE >>

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