When it comes to designing a shower, it’s crucial to choose the right materials for both functionality and aesthetics. Polished plaster, also called Venetian plaster, is a popular decorative finish that creates a smooth, luxurious look. However, the suitability of polished plaster in wet areas, such as showers, is a topic of debate.
In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of using polished plaster in the shower to help you make an informed decision when designing your shower.
The Beauty of Polished Plaster
Polished plaster is known for its elegant and sophisticated appearance. It mimics the look of polished marble, providing a unique and luxurious touch to any space. With its smooth, glossy finish and subtle variations in texture and colour, polished plaster can create a visually stunning display in your home.
Moisture is a Challenge
Is it safe to use polished plaster in the shower? The answer may surprise you—it’s yes! Much polished plaster can be used in the bathroom. They offer an amazing visual appearance to the room, and the plaster offers some benefits.
First, Venetian plaster is grout-free. This makes the material ideal for the shower, as it doesn’t require daily maintenance.
Next, the plaster is lime-based, making it less prone to cracking and shrinking, unlike other wall treatments. This is probably what gives polished plaster the reputation as a lifetime finish. One way to ensure the plaster is water-repellent is to apply a wax coating to the shower walls. The wax sealant coats the plaster and helps it repel dust, dirt, and more.
Finally, the plaster is made from high-pH lime, giving polished plaster antibacterial and antifungal properties. The plaster is also breathable; this quality provides the plaster with the ability to regulate humidity and prevent the growth of fungus and mould in the wall’s finish. The plaster can tolerate rising damp and lets any way that’s absorbed evaporate quickly.
These are all excellent reasons to consider using polished plaster in the bathroom and shower.
Top Ways to Use Venetian Plaster in the Bathroom
There are many ways to make use of polished plaster to create a stunning finish in the bathroom. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways to use Venetian plaster in the bathroom.
Spatulato
The high gloss of Spatulato and its smooth texture create a dazzling display of reflected light when used in the bathroom. The polished plaster presents subtle movement between shades of colour that must be seen to be believed.
Spatulato is incredibly strong and moisture-resistant, making this an ideal choice for bathrooms. You can choose from a wide range of shades and textured finishes to create a bespoke bathroom for your home.
Travertine
The polished plaster called travertine strongly resembles the natural stone of the same name. This plaster finish is applied in a single colour, then torn and burnished to create the effect of two or three tones.
The result is a textured surface that looks like natural travertine. This polished plaster can also be made to look like a solid stone wall, giving a contemporary look to your bathroom.
Marmorino
Marmorino is another polished plaster finish that can create a beautiful bathroom. If you would prefer white Venetian plaster walls that look like Istrian stone, then this is the right finish for your project. You have many colours to choose from, too.
It’s also possible to choose a matte, satin, or gloss finish. This finish requires a professional polished plasterer to ensure the polished effect is beautiful and lasts for decades.
Stencil
If you’re looking for a way to create the ultimate customised bathroom, then stencil-polished plaster is the way to go. Stencil-polished plaster creates a unique finish that is only limited to your imagination.
Here, again, the finish must be applied by a professionally trained plasterer. They work with the plaster to create unique effects, resulting in a beautiful, bespoke finish.
How to Maintain Polished Plaster on Shower Walls?
Here are some tips to keep your polished plaster shower walls stunning for decades to come.
Check the Overall Finish
Once the plaster has been applied, the walls are usually sealed with a wax protectant. The wax makes the walls waterproof by repelling dirt, grease, and more. Applying the wax means the cleaning and maintenance of the polished plaster walls will be easier.
However, if the walls are not sealed, it’s best to do a test on a small, inconspicuous section of the wall before cleaning the entire wall. If you’re not happy with the result, consult with a professional plasterer before doing any other work on the walls.
Be Gentle When Cleaning
When cleaning your polished plaster walls, use only water and mild soap. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals as they could damage the plaster’s surface.
Even though polished plaster is robust, it is still delicate and it needs to be cleaned gently. We recommend using a damp cloth for wet wiping and a microfibre cloth for dusting, which helps keep the natural lustre of the polished plaster finish.
Dry Thoroughly
Polished plaster is also waterproof; however, it’s best to never allow the surface to stay wet after a shower. Once you’ve finished cleaning, take a new dry, soft, non-abrasive cloth and dry the wall. Using circular motions helps the plaster stay shiny.
Ensure there are no watermarks when you’re finished, or these could cause a blemish to the wall(s).
Repair Carefully
Polished plaster is strong, but daily wear and tear may eventually cause some cracks and snatches. The good news is that the plaster is applied in layers, so it’s easy to repair and restore its smooth surface without re-plastering the entire wall.
While repairs can be simple, it’s best to hire a specialist plasterer who has experience with polished plaster. They can fix any problems your shower walls may have.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! Polished plaster can safely be used in the shower! With polished plaster walls in the shower, you’ll have a unique, beautiful bathroom that will be the envy of everyone.
