Venetian plaster is a finishing technique using thin layers of of a specially formulated plaster product with a spatula or trowel.  Then the plaster is burnished.  In most cases, this creates a smooth, mirror-like surface with the illusion of depth and texture.  With other techniques, the finish has actual texture, but with an overall smoothness.  There are a number of different Venetian plaster products, as you can see by the above images.  Depending on the application technique and the product used, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Venetian Plaster
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Lusterstone
Below are just a few examples of finishes offered by Artisan Painting, shown by product and style.  For a more extensive viewing of finishes, please click on "contact" to the left to schedule a free consultation.
Lusterstone is an architectural finish and is one of the most popular faux finish products due to its application flexibility.  Similar effects to Venetian plaster can be obtained, as well as a wide variety of textural finishes. 
Textures
Urban Contemporary
Textured finishes range from old world plasters inspired by worn European facades from days gone by, like Italian textures and fossil stone  to more modern appearances, such as hammered copper.  You can also achieve a combination, with partially exposed foil as a background.  These finishes are great for accent walls, or maybe a wine cellar.  The only limitation is your imagination.
Carrara Fine
Veneziano
Veneziano
Montavano
Calcenova
Carrera Stucco Lustro
Venetian Plaster
Marblestone
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This section shows a small sampling of the flexibility of faux finishing.  Again, the only limitations are your imagination.   From marble to wood grain, to leather and beyond, faux finishing can truly fool the eye.
Metallics, Glazes, Waxes, & Leathers
Cutting edge and very chic.  Perfect for a downtown loft or condo.  These finishes often incorporate several different materials to achieve a unique appearance, such as metallics, glass beads and foils.  Again, great for an accent wall.  These finishes are also great as a large piece of moveable framed art.
Lusterstone Blend
Merlot-Suede Tissue
Cobalt Lusterstone
Striped Two Color
Birdseye Lusterstone
Desert Wind
Metallic Strie
Bi-Color
Embossed Sabina
Cracked Plaster
Eroded Plaster with Foil
Hammered Copper
100 Years of Wear
Italian Texture
Distressed Plaster with Copper Highlights
Foissil Stone
Nightscape
Patina Softex
Waterfall
Aspen Lark
Carnival
Faux Gold Leaf
Kyoto
Metallic Linen
Metropolitan
Urban Loft
Circles & Swirls
Geometric Flash
Raku Porcelain
Village Sand
Brushed Metal
Embossed Leather
Corenthian Leather
Metal Glaze
Two Color Glaze
Three Color Metallic Glaze