Customer project: How Wim created a classic Italian arch with Flex Mouldings

At Velida, we see our flexible decorative mouldings featured in beautiful interiors every day: from clean wall frames in a new-build home to stunning arch shapes. But occasionally we receive a project that genuinely surprises us with its creativity.

Last December, Wim got in touch with us. His mission? To create an authentic Italian arch for a project in sunny Italy. A challenging undertaking: how do you finish a curved archway neatly and classically without dealing with plaster moulds? The result was so successful that we are delighted to share the story with you.

The challenge: curved shapes and raw materials

An arch or curved opening in a home (or garden) is a stunning focal point, but for the average DIY enthusiast it is often a headache when it comes to finishing. Cutting straight skirting boards is something anyone can manage, but following a perfect curve with wood or MDF is almost impossible.

Wim approached the project thoroughly. He built the base structure of the arch himself from 15 cm thick Ytong blocks (cellular concrete). A solid foundation, which he then had neatly plastered. But a bare plastered arch still lacked that typical, stately Italian elegance. He was looking for depth, relief and a classic framing detail.

The solution: flexibility is key

Wim came to Velida because our decorative mouldings are flexible. This makes them ideally suited for vaults and arches. Where you would normally have to hire an expensive plasterer to apply traditional mouldings, with our strips you can simply follow the curve of the wall.

Since this project was outdoors, Wim had to be creative with the finishing. Our mouldings are primarily intended for interior use, but with the right treatment, many things are possible.

The Wim method for a perfect finish

To seamlessly blend the mouldings with the plastered wall and make them weather-resistant, Wim applied a clever technique:

• Step 1: Installation. He placed the flexible mouldings in the arch. Thanks to their flexibility, they conformed effortlessly to the Ytong construction.
• Step 2: The mix. This is the secret. Wim did not treat the mouldings with standard paint, but with a mixture of plaster and slightly diluted white exterior paint.
• Step 3: The result. This mix gave the mouldings the same plasticity and texture as the wall. The result looks as though the framing was carved from a single piece of stone. Thanks to the combination of exterior paint and plaster, there is also a protective layer over the mouldings.

The result

The photos speak for themselves. The arch now has an absolutely high-end appearance that stands up to classical restoration work. It proves that with the right materials and a little insight, you can achieve a luxury result without the cost of a contractor.

"Here is the finished product of my Italian arch. I built the arch itself from 15 cm thick Ytong blocks and then plastered it. I treated the decorative moulding with plaster mixed with slightly diluted white exterior paint for flexibility. The moulding fully met my expectations: a beautiful product. Many thanks!"

– Wim

Want to work with curved shapes yourself?

Do you have an arch, a round window or a curved wall at home that could use some extra character? Don't let the shape put you off. With Velida's flexible mouldings (such as the models Wim used), you can neatly finish any curve.

Wondering which moulding suits your project? Browse our collection or send us a message for personalised advice.