Tonachino Firenze: A Refined Sand-Finish Plaster for Interior & Exterior Walls

What Is Tonachino Firenze?

Tonachino Firenze is a genuine lime-based sand finish plaster — a contemporary take on an early Italian plaster tradition. It's made from a blend of slaked limestone, river sand, marble dust, and polymer admixtures, giving it a smooth, fine sand texture with the warmth and adhesion that comes from natural lime. Unlike Moroccan Clay, Firenze is rated for both interior and exterior use, making it a good choice for a facade, fireplace surround, or feature wall that carries the same finish indoors and out.

Why Contractors and Homeowners Both Reach for It

• Old-World character, modern durability: the natural lime and sand composition replicates a genuine historic Mediterranean sand finish while offering strong adhesion and water repellency.
• High coverage per coat: because it's applied in thin layers, a little goes a long way relative to heavier plasters.
• Interior and exterior rated: one product for continuous design from an interior wall out to a covered porch or exterior facade.
• Fully tintable: ships as a white paste, tintable to any of Meoded's curated colors or a custom match.

Coverage & Spread Rate (per Meoded's official specs)

• Quart (1 KG): covers approximately 5–8 sq ft, 2-coat application
• Gallon (5 KG): covers approximately 25–40 sq ft, 2-coat application
• 5-Gallon Bucket (20 KG): covers approximately 100–160 sq ft, 2-coat application

Firenze's coverage numbers are lower per unit than Lime Wash or Moroccan Clay because it's a denser, sand-textured plaster rather than a thin wash — plan your quantities accordingly, and always round up.

How to Apply Tonachino Firenze

1. Prep: surface should be smooth, clean, and free of contamination — ideally a level 4–5 wall.
2. Prime (new surfaces): PVA primer, let dry fully, then one coat of Meoded Quartz Primer (3–5 hours dry time).
3. Prime (existing/sheen surfaces): light sanding, clean and dust-free, then a water-based multi-purpose primer, followed by one coat of Quartz Primer.
4. First coat: apply with a stainless steel trowel in a smooth, even fashion — similar to applying joint compound — keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks. While still moist, use a wet sponge or plastic float for a more uniform texture. Allow at least 12 hours to dry.
5. Second coat (if needed to smooth): lightly sand the first coat with 180–320 grit sandpaper, remove dust, then apply the second coat the same way — using a wet sponge or plastic float while still moist to avoid dark trowel marks.
6. Sealer: once fully dry, seal with two coats of Meoded Stain Shield to lock in water repellency and protect the finish, indoors or out.

A whiteout or plastic trowel is recommended over a straight stainless trowel if you're working with lighter colors, since sand-based plasters can leave noticeable burnishing marks.

Current Pricing

Prices current as of publication and subject to change — visit us in-store or check westhillhurstpaint.com for the latest.

DIY It, or Bring in a Pro

Tonachino Firenze rewards a steady hand and a bit of patience with the trowel work, but it's absolutely something a motivated DIYer can take on — especially with a small practice board first. If you'd rather have a professional handle a larger room or an exterior application, we know some of the best plaster applicators in the city and are happy to make a referral — just ask us in-store or give us a call.

Want to see Tonachino Firenze in person, feel the texture, and check colors against your lighting? Stop by West Hillhurst Paint & Design at 321 19 St NW, Calgary — we stock Firenze alongside Quartz Primer and Stain Shield, with tinting available on the spot.