Traditional Venetian plaster is made of a limestone base putty, marble dust and sand. It was used extensively during the Roman Empire to imitate natural stone surfaces inside palazzos, villas and cathedrals. Skilled artisans would apply it to walls and ceilings with a trowel in multiple thin layers to achieve the desired finish. It has a semi-uniform, slightly opaque appearance. It can also be enhanced with bespoke tinted resins to create beautiful tones and gradations of colour.

What are the benefits?

As Venetian plaster is lime-based, it’s one of the most natural materials you can use in your home. It’s non-toxic with very low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it hypoallergenic. The smooth, stone-like finish is incredibly hardwearing and waterproof. It’s breathable because it allows moisture to escape through its porous surface. The lime in the plaster gives it a high pH, which acts as a natural fungicide, so it won’t harbour mould, mildew or algae.

Venetian plaster has real beauty. Its depth of tone, colour gradients and almost luminous finish make it a statement wall covering that speaks of the best kind of understated luxury.

Where can I use it?

Owing to its waterproof yet breathable nature, Venetian plaster is perfect for humid settings, such as bathrooms, wet rooms and steam rooms, as well as any interior or exterior walls. Its shimmering colours and natural warmth also add quiet luxury to any reception room where you want to make a statement.

Did you know?

The Romans used to apply up to 10 coats to achieve the beautiful effect Venetian plaster creates. Nowadays, modern methods mean it only needs (a much less time-consuming!) 3-4 layers.

What is it?

Marble plaster has the same base as Venetian plaster but with added coloured resins or aggregates to mimic the different tones and veining of natural marble. The preparation and application is the same as for Venetian plaster, but it can be given a range of textures. The difference is in the finish. The final coat is burnished (polished) with a special tool that gives the surface the appearance of solid marble, creating a beautiful smooth, tactile finish, glass-like sheen and textural depth. Once finished, the plaster is very hard-wearing with a cool, marble-like feel, known as ‘marmorino’. Like Venetian plaster, it can be enhanced with tinted resins to create bespoke tones and gradations of colour not found in natural marble.

Where can I use it?

As with Venetian plaster, marble plaster is also waterproof and breathable, so is perfect for humid settings such as bathrooms, wet rooms and steam rooms, as well as kitchens or other reception rooms where a hint of luxury is required. In addition to walls and ceilings, it can also be used on structural elements, such as columns and archways, fireplace surrounds and feature walls. It the past it was used this way used to mimic high-quality stone that would have been too expensive or heavy to use in its natural form. Marble plaster’s glossy finish, shimmering colours, tonal depths and natural warmth will make a statement wherever you chose to use it.

What are the benefits?

Marble plaster has the benefit of being much more cost-effective than solid marble, but is equally hardwearing. Unlike traditional cement, it’s less prone to shrinkage and cracking. Seal it with wax to repel dirt and that’s it! It will develop a beautiful patina with age and only needs rewaxing every couple of years to maintain its good looks. The huge range of colours we offer means you can have the luxury of any marble finish you desire but at a fraction of the cost.

What are the benefits?

A type of marble plaster known as ‘scagliola’ (from ‘scaglia’, an Alpine Italian dialect for limestone) first appeared in Britain during the 17th century. A rare and beautiful surviving example is the fireplace in the Queen’s Closet at Ham House in Surrey.

With our luxury bathroom service, you can combine any or all of our services to make your dream bathroom a reality. Whether it’s the clean, sleek lines of an ultra-modern space, or the luxury spa feel of floor-to-ceiling Tadelakt plastering to create a serene retreat, we can help you achieve the lap of luxury in your home.

Arrange a meeting with us to discuss your requirements. We can help you choose which of our wall and floor coverings is best for you and advise on colours, textures and finishes. Then we’ll come out to see your project and take detailed measurements. From these, we will prepare a bespoke costing for you and send out handcrafted sample(s) of your chosen finish(es). Once you’ve approved them, both sides will sign a contract and we’ll get to work making your space your space.