Classic plaster moulding design and installation is one of our greatest strengths at K. Salowe & Co. We integrate modern tools and technologies with classic plaster moulding applications for use in many of our original interior design schemes. Please visit our Specialties page to see numerous applications for decorative ceilings, walls, paneled rooms and fireplace mantels like the one shown in the image ABOVE. We often integrate ornamental mouldings using other media into cabinetry, integrated mirrors and other architectural features.
Plaster moulding can be very heavy and messy to work with. Historically it is a very faithful material to capture detail. It is also very hard and pleasing to the touch. With proper cure time and preparation, it can be painted beautifully to your hearts desire. Once in a while I will cross paths with an old school designer or artist who will ask me, “Is that gesso?” Gesso is the Italian word for plaster in this context.
ABOVE is a two-tiered ceiling detail as we are wiring the edge lighting around the perimeter. Layers and layers of ornamental moulding to achieve this classic detail. Notice how we integrated a fret to minimize the unattractive a/c register.
When we make fireplace mantels and surrounds for example, plaster feels like stone to the touch. In my travels through France and the Loire Valley, I toured many incredible chateaux. Much to my surprise, I discovered that a great many of fireplace mantels were made of plaster with a faux marble finish. I was a young faux finish painter at the time and did not expect that. I read more about it later to learn that the art of faux painting was then and still is a highly regarded art form. In the time of these great chateaux being built, it was difficult to quarry and transport marble so plaster with faux marble was a common solution for those that could afford it. Faux art can cost as much as the real thing in some cases but is still the most desirable choice. How cool is that?
ABOVE is a detail of a plaster fireplace mantle with faux marble finish at historic Hotel Biron aka Musee Rodin, Paris, FR. Notice where the paint finish is worn away on the front of the mantel shelf, to the left.
BELOW is a detail of one of our plaster fireplace mantles with faux marble finish
Modern technology has introduced catalyzed plaster material which is even harder and more long lasting than traditional plaster. It is also a great choice when making architectural detail and statuary to be used outdoors. At K. Salowe & Co. we use a combination of materials on our projects depending on the several factors. We always want the best possible outcome. Cost is not always a factor but it is a factor most of the time and waste is waste even if no budget concern. Compromise on beauty and quality is the last thing we want to do. I like to think we can have it all without compromise. This is where the alternative technologies come in. In the early days of plaster, there we very few alternatives. Today we can mould with urethanes and resins for an equally faithful casting that can be even longer lasting with less weight. We work with wood and integrate with plaster for similar reasons. Cost, availability, mess, workability. Below is an example of a combination of technologies with a rich faux walnut finish.
The ABOVE image is a detail at the top of a 20′ tall over-mantel. The cornice is 24″ h x 14″ projection. IT is a good example of our team using a combination of materials to achieve the desire effect. We proposed the idea of a quote or statement at the top of this feature piece. Using this concept I asked the owner what she felt would have meaning for her. She was a woman of faith and chose the inscription as you see it. “IN PACE DOMINI” translates to mean, “In peace of the Lord” See the full design here.
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