Valsetin — Application Guide

System overview

Valsetin is a silk‑effect decorative system for interior walls and ceilings. It behaves like liquid textile: a tinted Primer 400 body builds depth and stability, then 1–2 coats of Valsetin are worked by hand to create different silk languages: Spatolata, Striata, d’Oriente, Lamata, Fiorata, Parato and others.

If you know Valsetin 2 as the modern low‑VOC silk system, think of Valsetin as the classic, highly flexible sibling — the one used for artistic and heritage work, while still fitting inside the same architectural finishes framework.

Step‑by‑step method (core cycle)

1. Assess & prepare the substrate
   Ensure walls are sound, clean and dry. Remove loose or flaking paint, efflorescence and contaminants. Fill cracks and joints with appropriate filler, sand smooth and de‑dust thoroughly. Silk finishes show everything under grazing light; surface quality is non‑negotiable.
2. Primer 400 — tinted base
   Roller or brush one or two coats of VALPAINT PRIMER 400, always tinted in the same family as the chosen Valsetin colour. On very absorbent or patchy substrates, use a first diluted coat and a second neat coat. This step:
   • Equalises absorption and masks joints.
   • Provides colour depth and a “safety net” behind the silk film.
   • Improves workability and open time on large walls.
   Allow the final coat to dry for at least 4–6 hours at around 20 °C.
3. First Valsetin coat — silk base
   Apply a thin, continuous coat of Valsetin with a stainless‑steel trowel / spatula or brush, depending on the technique. Spread evenly, removing excess material and aiming for coverage rather than effect. This establishes the silk film.
4. Second Valsetin coat — create the effect
   Apply a second thin coat and, while still workable, model the surface to achieve the desired finish:
   • Brushed / Striata / d’Oriente: run strokes in a controlled direction, slightly overlapping to create a continuous grain across each wall.
   • Spatolata: shorter, more sculpted trowel movements for a richer, artisanal feel.
   • Fiorata / Parato: use Setomat pads, sponges or special cloths to create wallpaper‑like motifs.
   Always work wall‑by‑wall, maintaining a wet edge and a consistent stroke language.
5. Optional Soft / V30 cycle
   Where the brief calls for a softer sheen, higher coverage or greater resistance (corridors, circulation spaces, high‑use residential areas), upgrade the system using V30 additive and Finish V16 as described in the Valsetin Technical Data Sheet and Soft cycle documentation.

Application video

The film below shows a Primer 400 + Valsetin cycle in action. Use it alongside this written guide and the Technical Data Sheet when planning samples or on‑site mock‑ups.

Professional tips from the London Studio

• Choose the technique first. Decide whether the project needs brushed silk, sculpted Spatolata or wallpaper‑style Fiorata / Parato, then sample that technique under project lighting.
• Work from natural breaks. Complete each elevation in one pass, from corner to corner or between architectural breaks, to avoid lap marks.
• Keep coats thin. Valsetin performs best in thin, well‑spread films. Heavy build‑up reduces elegance and makes repairs harder.
• Pair with the right systems. Use Valsetin for silk walls, Meteore 10 Intonaco for concrete and stone, Klondike Classic for metallic accents, Sabulador Soft for sand shimmer and Valsetin 2 where low‑VOC documentation is critical.
• Think in systems, not products. In specifications, write Valsetin as “Primer 400 (tinted) + Valsetin silk coats (+ optional V30 / V16 Soft cycle)”.

Drying, curing & maintenance

At around 20 °C and normal humidity:

• Primer 400: overcoatable after about 4 hours.
• Valsetin coats: touch dry ≈ 2–3 hours; recoat after ≈ 6–8 hours.
• Careful use and light cleaning: from around 5–7 days.

After full curing, maintain Valsetin by light dusting with a soft cloth or microfibre duster. Occasional marks can be removed with a slightly damp cloth and mild neutral detergent. Avoid abrasive pads, harsh chemicals and steam cleaning, which can burnish the silk film.

Keep Valsetin to dry, ventilated interiors. For shower interiors and permanently wet areas, use Evolution Plus as part of Waterproof Artistic Walls as the waterproof body, and continue the silk / textile language on adjacent dry walls with Valsetin or Valsetin 2.

Technical & project resources

Use the links below to move from demonstration to live specification, training and network support for Valsetin as part of the broader Italian Surface Finishes system.