Be sure to apply thin layers of Venetian plaster, letting them dry between applications. Plaster applied thickly will crack and be less durable.
Venetian plaster comes in colors, but if you buy the neutral base, you can tint it with acrylic paint (mixing thoroughly). Your surface will be absorbent and the paint will absorb into it, changing the color. You can then carve or scratch into the surface, revealing the underlying color, or you can seal the surface with a coat of matte polymer medium.
Embedded paper in layers of tinted Venetian plaster.
Stencil covered with colored Venetian plaster and sanded back.
Stamping, scratching and layered Venetian plaster stencils.
Texture added to wet Venetian plaster and painted when dry.
Venetian plaster added to acrylics for impasto look.
Carved Venetian plaster.