Lavage (~washing/watering)
Description
- The lavage - or lavé finish - (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.
Tips
- 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.
Tools
- Hard plastic bristle brush
- Running water
Video
How to make a "lavé" plaster ?