Patching and Plastering - Venetian Plaster

We have a kitchen where the walls covered with a fake brick. It is applied with a cement like adhesive. The bricks can be removed, but we are left with a very rough wall. Short of replacing all the drywall, I see the only solution is to plaster over the wall. We are considering venetian plaster since the finish is not supposed to be smooth with this type of finish.

I would appreciate any comments and advise regarding this project before we start tearing bricks off the wall.

Thanks.

Venetian plaster might be your solution but it's rather labor intensive. You have to burnish (rub with a flat trowel or plastering knife) and apply carefully for it to have the true venentian plaster look. I did a ceiling which was so labor intensive I took short cuts, it looked very little like actual venetian plaster, but everyone liked it anyway.... I am sure working on a wall, instead of overhead, eases the burden though :-) (I did gain appreciation for the Michaelangelo's work however!)

My first experience with venetian plaster was a tray ceiling. I followed the directions on the HD Behr product which read, if you're topcoating, don't burnish. Bad advise, as HD employees will tell you you have to burnish. Now you tell me. Why do the product directions and the employees directions selling the product differ? Anyway, ended up with a smooth surface that is dull and flat, but does show some contrast due to the skip trowel undersurface. Everyone says it looks good, but I'm disappointed, especially after my second experience, wall in nursery. Used the same product, but this time I burnished and it looks great. Major tennis elbow. Burnishing is a lot of work and if I ever try this again, I may see what affect a powered palm sander with extra fine 600 grit might produce. Anyway, from all examples that I ever witnessed, venetian plastering is a smooth finish to touch, but the contrast caused by the embedded color and shine makes the finish look rough. When attempting, please consider my mistakes by following the product directions. Burnish your work in order to capitalize the affect.