Specialist finishes, London
Venetian and Polished Plaster in London
We apply Venetian and polished plaster to walls and ceilings in London: Marmorino, Stucco Lustro, polished, metallic and textured or matte finishes. Each is built from thin layers of lime-based plaster, applied by hand. Cost depends on the finish, area, substrate and access, and is confirmed after a survey.
About Venetian plaster
What is Venetian plaster?
Venetian plaster is a hand-applied, lime-based wall finish with roots in Italian craftsmanship. It is built from multiple thin layers that are compressed and burnished to create depth and a distinctive sheen. Light plays across the surface differently depending on the angle, so the finish changes through the day.
Microcement is a different material: cement-based, and used for floors and wet areas. The comparison of microcement and Venetian plaster sets out how to choose between them.
Terms
What is the difference between Venetian plaster and polished plaster?
In UK use the two terms overlap, and the difference is one of technique and finish. Venetian plaster is the layered, burnished, lime-based technique. Polished plaster is one of our Venetian plaster finishes: smooth, with a controlled sheen that runs from matte to high gloss depending on specification.
Finish options
Which Venetian plaster finishes are available?
We apply five finishes: Marmorino, Stucco Lustro, polished plaster, metallic and textured or matte. Each is a lime-based finish, built in thin layers and applied by hand. The descriptions below set out how the five differ in surface and sheen, and the project brief decides which suits each wall or ceiling.
Marmorino
A polished, marble-like finish with subtle veining and a deep lustre.
Stucco Lustro
Highly polished and reflective. Each layer is burnished by hand.
Polished plaster
Smooth surfaces with a controlled sheen, from matte to high gloss depending on specification.
Metallic finishes
Copper, gold, bronze and silver effects integrated into lime plaster.
Textured and matte
Natural, organic textures with a matte finish and a tactile, hand-worked quality.
A client review on Google
“Robert and his team have completely transformed our restaurant with their exceptional Venetian plaster work. … The finish they created is absolutely stunning and has become one of the standout features of our restaurant. Customers regularly compliment the walls and ask who carried out the work. … The team worked efficiently, kept the site clean, and delivered exactly what was promised.”
Applications
Where can Venetian plaster be used, and where not?
Venetian plaster suits interior walls and ceilings: reception areas, living and dining rooms, feature walls, archways and ceilings. Showers and floors are the exceptions, and the water exposure answer below explains why.
- Reception areas and entrance halls
- Living rooms and dining rooms
- Feature walls and accent panels
- Ceilings and archways
- Commercial and hospitality interiors
Water exposure is covered under Is Venetian plaster waterproof?
Water exposure
Is Venetian plaster waterproof?
We do not specify Venetian plaster for shower zones or floors; for water exposure we apply microcement over a tanking membrane. Microcement is water-resistant once sealed; waterproofing comes from the tanking membrane beneath. Venetian plaster is a lime-based wall finish.
For showers, wet rooms and floors, see microcement bathrooms and wet rooms or the wider microcement installation service in London.
How much does Venetian plaster cost?
We do not publish a rate for Venetian plaster. The cost depends on the finish chosen, the area, the condition of the substrate, access to the space and any colour or metallic specification. Pricing is confirmed after a survey. Figures in the microcement cost guide apply to microcement only.
How do you prepare walls for Venetian plaster?
Preparation starts by assessing the wall: its condition, moisture levels, alignment and stability. The assessment sets the preparation required before any plaster is applied. Whether a wall can be finished as it stands depends on that assessment, and each wall is assessed individually.
Large walls and ceilings in reinforced lime are covered on the services page.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Venetian plaster waterproof?
We do not specify Venetian plaster for shower zones or floors; for water exposure we apply microcement over a tanking membrane.
How much does Venetian plaster cost?
No Venetian plaster rate is published. The cost depends on the finish, the area, the substrate, access, and any colour or metallic specification. Pricing is confirmed after a survey.
Does Venetian plaster come with a warranty?
The written warranty applies to microcement installations.
What is the difference between Venetian and polished plaster?
In UK use the terms overlap. Venetian plaster is the layered, burnished, lime-based technique, and polished plaster is one of its finishes: smooth, with a controlled sheen from matte to high gloss.
Can you apply it over existing walls?
The substrate assessment decides. The condition of the existing wall sets the preparation required, and each wall is assessed individually before work is agreed.
Photographs of plaster surfaces are shown in the photograph gallery.
Enquiries
Discuss a Venetian plaster finish
Tell us about the space and the finish. We review the details and reply with the next step.