Hi
I am trying to teach myself fresco painting,so if I ask a stupid question give me a fools pardon HaHa! I was recommended silica sand to add to lime putty, is this suitable and will it give me the fine finnish like marble dust etc. ?

I have aluminium trays 2'.5" * 1'.5" 1" deep, I am going to build the plaster up in them, so I can keep them reasonably low weight, when I finnish I can tip the plaster out and start again.

I would appreciate any advice on the practicality of what I intend to do,would there be any problems using the aluminum trays?

The messages on the topic " whether it is necessary to add c..."
have gave me the push to get started,the information has,to me, been really invaluable, great no nonsence advice.

Thanks
Ed

P.S. Can some one give me a brief description on the methods and materials used to make imitation marble (stucco lustro), I read about it in a book and I'm curious.