Updated 31/08/2023
Polished plaster is an artisan craft that takes special skills and knowledge to create the wide range of finishes available. You can choose from many colours, textures, and designs to create amazing, bespoke installations on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. If you’re looking for a unique, stunning surface then polished plaster is the answer!
Durable plaster is practical, durable, and sustainable. It’s also a versatile material that fits beautifully with any décor. What’s more, polished plaster can be used in businesses or homes, creating an elegant, sophisticated installation that’s sure to draw attention.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular polished plaster finishes. Perhaps you’ll find a finish that’s perfect for your home or business.
Banding
Banding is best used in a large space and brings focus to different levels and architectural features or to focus attention to angles and more.
This finish makes it possible to use different colours and to incorporate different material finishes, such as metallics and more.
Marmorino
Marmorino is a plaster effect that strongly resembles Istrian stone, used in Venetian architecture. This finish is often chosen for interior design and applied in satin, gloss, and matte finishes. It can also be applied in bright white. You can also choose from a broad range of textures with this finish.
Spatulato Plaster
Spatulato Plaster offers a contemporary, smooth, high gloss surface. It’s popular for the way spatulato plaster reflects light in different ways and in various colours.
This finish is high-end and offers all the durability, moisture resistance, and other benefits of polished plaster finishes. For this reason, spatulato plaster can be used in a wide range of rooms and spaces.
Stencil Polished Plaster
Next on our list of finishes is stencil polished plaster. This finish combines polished plaster with stencils to create beautiful, artistic surfaces.
Stencil polished plaster can be used to create a bespoke design for your home or business. Whether it’s used for corporate branding or as a personal statement, stencil polished plaster offers an amazing finish to any space.
Metallic Polished Plaster
One of the most unique finishes offered in polished plaster is the metallic finish. Metallic polished plaster is an artistic design created to add impact to any space. It takes great skill to apply this finish, but the results are amazing and sure to draw the eye.
Smooth Polished Plaster
If you prefer natural stone and the coolness that comes with it, you may want to choose smooth polished plaster.
This finish offers a subtly speckled design perfect for uninterrupted walls or other surfaces. It’s also the perfect choice for commercial or residential spaces.
Logo Polished Plaster
Logo polished plaster can be used for corporate branding, creating an elegant, unforgettable impression. A company’s logo can be recessed or embossed in polished plaster.
This finish requires strong artistic skills and a steady hand to create a striking logo design.
Travertine Polished Plaster
Travertine polished plaster has the look of travertine natural stone. The travertine finish creates a multi-tonal effect.
This finish can be used to create panels or block work to create the appearance of a block wall made of solid stone. Travertine polished plaster can be used in businesses and homes to create a beautiful impression.
Concrete Plaster
Concrete plaster looks like concrete. It can be used for branding, creating a bespoke design, and more. Concrete polished plaster can be made to look exactly like distressed, weathered, or honed concrete.
Pitted Polished Plaster
Pitted polished plaster is a flexible finish that can be made with many different levels of pitting, from fine to heavy. Many people choose to add a pearl, colour wash, or metallic wash to amplify this beautiful polished plaster finish.
Dragged Polished Plaster
The last finish on our list is dragged polished plaster. This finish has the look of weathered stone and is textured to appear rough, with subtle colour variations.
With dragged polished plaster, it’s also possible to add a colour wash to create a stunning display.
Bespoke Polished Plaster
If you’re more interested in creating a unique display, you may want to consider a bespoke polished plaster finish. You have the chance to work with a professional to develop a unique design that fits your space. It’s the perfect choice for a business or a home.
What is Polished Plaster Made Of?
Polished plaster is also called Venetian plaster and is an Italian plaster that’s made from lime putty and marble dust. The combination works to create a highly polished finish to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It creates the look of marble without the cost and weight that real marble carries. It’s often used to create decorative effects in commercial and residential settings.
In addition, polished plaster can be enhanced with acrylic resins that create a hard, textured, smooth surface.
Short History of Polished Plaster
Polished plaster has been around for thousands of years, with some of the first uses of this plaster in Mesopotamia, Iran, Turkey, Syria, and more. The plaster has been dated back to about 9,000 BC. Polished plaster has also been found in China, Egypt, Rome, and more.
The Romans found that polished plaster was easy to mould into various decorations and shapes. These techniques were lost over time; however, the value and durability of polished plaster have continued into modern times.
The Pros & Cons of Polished Plaster
As with any surface treatment, polished plaster comes with certain pros and cons.
Pros of Polished Plaster
- Polished plaster is a versatile material that can be used for almost any surface, including walls and ceilings
- You can have the appearance of marble without the cost; polished plaster is much thinner, too, so it can be installed on walls where marble would be too heavy
- Polished plaster is breathable and mould-resistant
- It creates a beautiful visual impact
- Polished plaster is sustainable and made with natural materials; it doesn’t release harmful VOCs like paint or other treatments
- Polished plaster also creates a low-maintenance surface that’s durable and lasts for decades
Cons
- Damage to the finish, including scratches, chips, and scuffs may cause a surface to be recoated and finished
- Polished plaster may crack if the substrate moves
- Polished plaster can be more expensive than paint
- It’s not easy to replace polished plaster; you can’t paint over the surface
Summing It Up
Polished plaster offers many pros and a few cons, yet it’s an excellent investment that lasts years. Not only that, but you can choose from a broad range of finishes to create a stunning, beautiful surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are polished plaster finishes suitable for both residential and commercial spaces?
A: Yes, polished plaster finishes are versatile and can be used in both residential and commercial settings to create stunning visual impacts.
Q: Can polished plaster finishes be used in humid environments like bathrooms?
A: Absolutely! With proper sealing, polished plaster finishes can withstand humid environments, making them suitable for bathrooms and spa areas.
Q: Do polished plaster finishes require high maintenance?
A: While polished plaster finishes are durable, they may require occasional touch-ups to maintain their shine and integrity.
Q: Can I achieve a DIY polished plaster finish?
A: While DIY is possible, achieving a professional polished plaster finish requires skill and practice. It’s advisable to seek expert help for optimal results.
Q: Can polished plaster finishes be customised to specific colours?
A: Yes, polished plaster finishes can be customised to match specific colours, allowing you to create a personalised look for your space.
Q: Are polished plaster finishes eco-friendly?
A: Many polished plaster materials are eco-friendly and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a sustainable choice for interior design.
