Vigo Mosaici

Marble Grit Floor a la Genovese

The Genoese craftsmen learned the technique of the realization of marble grit floor by the Venetians in the seventeenth century.

An irresistible urge to shy but enterprising Genoese masters that in the next century began to characterize these floors with own decorations in marble mosaic of every cut and shape.

As for the cuisine of Genoa founded on simple ingredients and with no particular value but capable of combining refinement fragrances and flavors, so the materials used for the realization of these floors were all poor but cleverly harmonized.

The “Genovese Floor” was born in the early years of the 900 when craftsmen began to use cement as a binder.

The novelty consisted in being able to get a wide range of colors in the decorations not only changing the color of the marble but even that of the binder by iron oxides.

Realization

The realization of the terrace is divided into 4 main phases:

1 Preparation of the sub-base

The sub-base is made of a mixture of crushed pottery and sand – with particle sizes ranging from 4 mm to 12 mm – mixed with lime. Once laid the sub-base is flattened with a roller (about 90 kg) and tool (steel bar with a handle). Once this phase has been completed, a second layer of sub-base is laid and subsequently flattened to prepare it for the laying of the decorative mosaic.

2 Marking the decorations

The decoration is drawn on a sheet of glossy paper which is then perforated and deposited onto the substrate. The “dusting” technique allows to deposit white lime in the holes, which will trace the de-sign after removing the sheet of paper.

3 Installing the decorations

On the design traced with the “dusting “technique the craftsman extends the “pastina” which will tie the marble cubes. The decorations are performed directly on the spot or, when more complex, made in laboratory on fiberglass. After laying the decorations we proceed with the drafting of the mixture of marble grit and cement. Then we press with a roller to compact and remove excess cement.

4 Polishing

Since the floors are made of cement, drying time is about thirty days. After that we can polish. Sub-sequently, as the floor is dry, we can proceed in treating with linseed oil and ,after a short period, we will continue with the refinement and polishing by using wax or lead.

Techniques

Crushed pottery

Crushed pottery

simply breathtaking beauty

CRUSHED POTTERY FLOORINGS

Cobbled Pavement

Cobbled Pavement

Outdoor places with cobbles: gardens, streets, squares…

COBBLESTONE

Mosaic

Mosaic

The ancient technique of Mosaic

MOSAIC

Venetian floors

Venetian floors

This classical Venetian style realizes a remarkable variety of colors thanks to the marble…

VENETIAN MARBLE GRIT FLOOR

Genoese floors

Genoese floors

Simple materials skillfully harmonized with the use of the cement as binding agent

GENOESE MARBLE GRIT FLOOR

Our company has an expert team of qualified and experienced employees that work hard with professionals, architects and designers to ensure we can always completely fulfil our customers’ desires.