This blog post is sponsored. All opinions are mine.
When I started looking into the makeover of our kitchen, one of the items that I wanted to add was a Venetian plaster custom range hood that blends in with the style and organic materials we chose when building our kitchen island.
So, I researched various materials that could be used on a range hood cover and designed the actual hood. While there are many you can order to measure, we wanted to DIY it. After some searching, I decided to go with Venetian plaster as it would fit perfectly with the concrete look of the kitchen island and it has an organic feel to it.
I got the materials from Venilux Quebec, a company that sells various materials such a plasters, concrete, stone and other finishes. Then I started sketching and drawing. Of course, an arched design was on my mind because of the architectural element it adds but also to be cohesive with the rest of the Modern Mediterranean style I try to achieve in my home.
Sketching the custom Venetian plaster range hood
I was looking for something simple, structural and unique to our kitchen. I wanted it to be subtle yet make an impact in the kitchen because I think a hood, just like counters and lighting is one of the design elements that makes a kitchen stand out
Getting to the DIY phase
There are four parts to the process of building this range hood.
First, we needed to build the frame, then prep the drywall sheet to the shape we wanted, fix it to the frame and apply drywall compound, and finally apply the plaster.
I thought it would be interesting to see the different steps in photos, so you can find them below.
Materials and tools you will need
- 1/4″ drywall for the curved front (it can more be easily flexed)
- 1/2″ drywall for the side pieces
- 1/4″ plywood
- 1″x2″ pine wood slats
- Wood screws for the plywood
- Drywall screws
- Drywall compound
- 1/4″ flexible vinyl corner bead for drywall
- Venetian plaster kit
- Rounded edge trowel
- Small spatula
- Compound mixer
- Small foam roller
- 220 grit sandpaper
Preparing the frame of the range hood
We started by drawing the shapes of the side and front of the hood. Then, it was time to create the frame on which the drywall will be fixed. The slats have to be close together especially where the drywall curves the most (approx 3″ apart) in order to properly secure the wet drywall with the desired shape. You can space them more when you get to a more straight drywall installation. We then measured the dimension of the frame to include the curve and cut the drywall to size.
In order to create the curve in the drywall sheet, we generously soaked the back of the drywall with a hose by paying close attention to not over water. This step is crucial and takes some time in order to get it right. You don’t want to rush the process, over watering can break the drywall sheet and under watering won’t allow it to be flexible enough so it can also break. When it’s all wet, let it sit for about 10 minutes, if it needs more water, repeat the process. If not and it’s not dripping, you are ready to install it.
Use drywall screws to attach the sheet to the plywood and don’t hesitate to screw as much as you can to make sure it is properly secured. We used the 1/4″ drywall for the curved part and the 1/2″ for the rest. We also covered the plywood on the inside and outside in places where both sides are apparent. Once it is completely dry, you can move onto screwing the drywall corners, filling the holes and applying a coat of joint compound to cover it all. Let it dry, as per usual, and sand. This is very messy, so make sure you cover everything around to minimize the dry compound dust.
how to apply Venetian plaster
Next step is the Venetian plaster. Start by cleaning the hood with a damp cloth to remove any dust remaining from sanding. Then, you will need to prime, apply the plaster in two or three coats, and finally seal.
Applying Venetian plaster on a range hood is quite easy, you just need to look out for a few things in order to have the best results. Because this is a textured material with marble powder, it’s important to use the right tools and do the right movements.
First, apply the sealer and wait 24 hours to completely dry.
Then, properly mix the plaster with a compound mixer. Use the small spatula to scoop small quantities at a time of the plaster from the container and transfer it onto the trowel. Apply the plaster from top to bottom in a half circular-like movements. You need to ensure that the plaster is spread properly and in a thin layer. You will see texture as you apply, you can go over what you have already applied in order to get the desired texture. The beauty of Venetian plaster in its imperfections, the objective is not to get a smooth, perfect finish but rather a textured and organic feel.
When you apply the first coat, let it dry completely. The you can slightly sand with a 220 grit sandpaper any extra bumps of plaster you want to remove. Repeat the process once or twice to get two or three coats. When you are satisfied with the look, it is time to seal.
You will need to mix the sealer as indicated since it comes in two separate products – the catalyzer and the varnish. Apply one coat evenly with a small foam roller and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
The final result!
And voilà, the surface will be smooth but textured when it’s all done, and you will have a beautiful statement and organic look in your space. I cannot recommend this product enough, I absolutely love it and doing our custom range hood with it made all the difference in our kitchen.