Welcome to The Italian Wow

​

If you have ever stood in front of a beautifully plastered wall and thought, how did they do that, you are in the right place. The Italian Wow is the official blog of Picasso School of Venetian Plastering, where lead instructor and licensed contractor Bill O'Malia shares over 35 years of hard-earned knowledge on the art of Venetian plastering and decorative Italian finishes.

​

This is your go-to resource for practical tips, professional techniques, product insights, and step-by-step guidance covering everything from surface preparation and material selection to polishing, burnishing, and achieving the most sought-after finishes in the industry. Whether you are a curious beginner, a working trade professional looking to sharpen your skills, or a current student wanting to deepen your understanding between sessions, The Italian Wow was created to help you grow.

​

New to Venetian plaster? We will walk you through the fundamentals. Ready to push your craft to the next level? We have got advanced techniques and insider tricks that only come from decades of working with authentic Italian materials on real walls and ceilings. Whatever stage you are at, every post on The Italian Wow is designed to bring you one step closer to mastering one of the most beautiful and timeless decorative arts in the world.

​