Lavage

Description

The lavage - or finition lavée - (washing - or washed finish -) highlights the richness of the material with a slightly grainy finish with visible aggregates.
It can be done on a flat or uneven surface.
Lavage is done after cutting when the plaster has set further.
Run water over the surface without pressure, then brush vigorously with a hard plastic bristle brush raising to the surface a translucent milk. Finally rinse under running water.
If lavage results in a thick creamy film, the surface must set considerably before continuing.
A thorough rinse is very important. Otherwise, an opaque, uneven, white film appears upon drying.
After rinsing, aggregates in the plaster will clearly appear.

For best results, proceed in successive small areas that overlap each other, from the top down.
The lavage can be done the next day using a wire brush (be careful not to leave marks).
Alternatively, an electrical hand brush may be used.