First Stages of Fresco

At the beginning of making fresco we need to prepare a support for the application a lime plaster. It can be a wall or stone or any other surface where you want to make a fresco. Afterwards a scaffolding: in a small space scaffolding is built across the space, with wooden poles stuck into the walls. Like to make a frame. These parts then are filled in; However, It is known that fresco itself is really difficult to make, because of the limitation of time, on which the work must be done. It is called '' giornata'' ( one day work). That is why during the class we were assigned to make a small models of frescoes which we could finish in one lesson. We took 30 on 30 cm wood frames which would work as a support for plaster fillings.

The Fresco has 3 layers of plaster ( intonaco) which makes a base.

1) RINZAFFO ( rough plaster) - First layer of plaster. It is prepared with an old lime and coarse , gritty well washed river sand mixed with ox-hair or white asbestos cut into small bits. This layer has the function to make the wall adjust and homogeneous. Afterwards, on top of it you apply malla di fibra ( fiber mesh).

2) ARRICCIO- Second layer of plaster. It has the surface lightly wrinkled, rough, but less irregular rough coal. The top of this surface are slightly sliced to make a net. Afterwards you need to leave it for 5 days to dry out. Also, on this layer runs a first design.

The design can be transferred by few techniques:

• The drawing with charcoal

• The method of Spolvero

• Indirect engraving or tracing

• The Sinopia

3) TONACHINO/ VELO/ INTONACHINO- The third and the last layer of lime plaster. It is made with by mixing frankly old lime and well washed river sand. It is the slimmest layer of Fresco and it is the one which is kept wet and receives a color.

#Fresco #StudyAbroad