The most common question we get is “What’s the difference between Venetian plaster and lime wash?” or “What’s the difference between Venetian plaster and microcement?”

So let’s clear things up and dive in.

First, we’ll briefly describe what each material is, and then we’ll discuss the pros and cons.

By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which finish is suitable for your project.

Let’s go.

Venetian Plaster is a natural stone-like plaster that comes pre-mixed in a bucket. The plaster comes in different grain sizes, and depending on the grain size, you will get a different finish. The grains in the plaster will affect the texture, depth, patterns, and sheen. The plaster is applied to typical walls and ceilings using a trowel (as long as you use a specialty quartz primer).

Types of grain sizes and finishes: simply put, the smaller the grain, the smoother the finish. The smoothness or roughness of the finish is not entirely dependent on the grain size because the way it’s applied also plays a role in how the final finish will look. But overall, the grain size plays a big role in how the final finish turns out.

Other factors that affect the final look are things like how the plaster is applied, the layering, the tools, the color, and much more.

Types of Venetian plasters and their looks:

Stucco/Grassello Venetian plaster is used to create a polished marble-like finish. It has a cream cheese texture. This is the most reflective type of Venetian plaster that requires the most skill to apply because of its level of fine finishing that’s required to create a mirror-like finish. This type of plaster is popular in coastal cities like Miami/Gold Coast and European-influenced countries like Lebanon.

Marmorino Venetian plaster can be used to create a textured semi-polish stone look and can also be used to create a low-lustre stone effect. The thicker grains in the marmorino create a thicker texture compared to stucco. The shine level will depend on how the marmorino is applied. For example, if the marmorino is compressed as it is being applied on the final coat, you will get more of a reflective sheen. This plaster will naturally have more ridges when compared to the stucco/grassello because it is not as fine.

This is a good ‘in-between’ plaster for those who want some texture, some shine, and durability.

A common application is marmorino with a final lime wash on top to give it that cloudy effect. Lime wash and lime wash paint are two different things (more on that later).

Intonaco Venetian plaster is the one of the thickest Venetian plasters used for creating a rough texture look. It can be compressed for a smoother effect, or it can be applied with less compression for a more earthy look. This plaster normally has the most matte sheen compared to the other plasters.

One thing to note about sheen: the grain size is not the only thing that determines the sheen of your Venetian plaster finish. Other contributing factors are the amount of marble dust in the plaster, the amount of compression (another word for compression is “burnishing”), the lighting in the room, and if a wax or a sealer is used.

Overall, Venetian plaster has many variables that can affect the final finish; it’s not just the grain size. Here are the things other than the grain size that contribute to the design:

Layers (how many layers)

Thickness of the layers

• The texture / pattern / movement
• The color / pigment / tint chosen
• The amount of compression/burnishing
• The final sealer or wax
• The application time (wet on wet application vs. wet on dry application)
• Washes and sealers

We can write an article about each one of the factors mentioned above, but this article is comparing Venetian plaster, lime wash, and microcement, remember!?

It’s a lot of stuff to think about. That’s why there is such a gap between applicators and designers/architects. Our goal is to bridge that gap for clients and professionals.

Let’s move on to…

Lime Wash (Lime Wash Paint actually)

Here’s the thing about “lime wash”; what most people call “lime wash” is actually lime wash paint.

Lime wash is slaked lime with pigments and other additives. It’s a gel-like viscosity that is applied on Venetian plaster to give the wall a chalky/cloudy effect (and it can be used as a mineral sealer as well). It is applied to the walls with a specialty brush.

Lime wash paint is also made from slaked lime, but it has more additives like adhesives/binders to make it thicker and stick better to surfaces. Lime wash paint is meant to mimic or look like a Venetian plaster wall with lime wash on it. It’s disheartening, I know. It is very hard to tell the difference between lime wash paint and Venetian plaster in pictures.

Most of the time when people say lime wash, they actually mean lime wash paint (not marmorino Venetian plaster with lime wash on top).

That is why most people ask “What’s the difference between Venetian plaster and lime wash” because in pictures they look the same.

When you are actually looking at a Venetian plaster wall vs. a lime wash wall in person, you will be able to tell the difference because lime wash paint is applied with a brush, and the Venetian plaster is applied with a trowel. It’s like digging with a shovel vs. a rake; you would see the difference.

It’s not only because of the tools used to apply but also the texture and depth. Venetian plaster naturally has more depth because it’s plaster vs. a liquid.

All this does not mean that Venetian plaster is better than lime wash. It all depends on what the purpose of the wall/room is. Lime wash paint is easier to cover up (you can sand the wall, prime it, then paint it, whereas Venetian plaster might require being skim-coated with drywall mud, primed, and painted).

To put it simply:

• Lime Wash Paint makes your room look like stone.
• Venetian Plaster turns your room into stone.
• So the question you should ask yourself is “Do I want my room to ‘look like stone’ or do I want my room to ‘become stone’ (and feel like stone to the touch)?”
• Lastly, Microcement Made from cement, lime, and other additives like resin and hardeners. Microcement is applied to surfaces by a trowel similar to Venetian plaster. It’s the most recent, most durable, and possibly starting to become the most popular finish for bathrooms. The reason microcement is gaining in popularity is that it can be used on walls, showers, and floors. It can be completely waterproof and be used on exterior projects like walkways and building walls.

Why wouldn’t you just go with microcement since it’s so durable?

Firstly, it’s not natural like Venetian plaster. Secondly, it does not come premixed because the resins and hardeners would make it dry in the bucket. You have to mix it yourself. Microcement dries much quicker and harder than Venetian plaster, so when you start applying it, you have to move in a timely manner, or you will have obvious areas in your finish that show where you started and stopped (similar to Venetian plaster).

Since microcement is not natural, it does not feel as natural as Venetian plaster. When I say feel, I mean to the touch and the general vibe. I’m not saying it feels fake; I’m saying Venetian feels natural like stone, and microcement feels like cement (you won’t naturally find cement in nature).

A couple of things that differ between Venetian plaster and microcement:

Venetian plaster is more customizable in terms of color, texture, pattern, and sheen because it stays open for longer, allowing you to design your wall more.

What if you want a cement feature wall?

You can use Venetian plaster or microcement. There is no right or wrong answer. Some answers are just better than others. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Do I need the wall to be super durable?
• Do I want the wall to be waterproof?
• Do I want my wall to be highly detailed and customized?
• Do I want my wall to be made from natural material or synthetic materials?
• If you want to have a cement feature wall in your bathroom, you can go with microcement.
• If you want a cement feature wall in your bedroom, or office, you can go with Venetian plaster in a cement design.
• If you want a cement finish in a commercial building with high traffic, you can go with microcement.
• If you want a cement feature fireplace, you can go with either, depending on the level of durability and design you desire.
• To summarize: Venetian plaster and microcement are applied by a trowel. Lime wash paint is applied by a brush. Lime wash can look like Venetian plaster, microcement can look like Venetian plaster, Venetian plaster can look like microcement, and so on. In pictures, they can all look the same.

Each project, each wall, each room has its own purpose and requirements. Some rooms need to be more functional than beautiful. I know everyone wants the most beautiful, durable, and cost-effective solution, but that is rarely achievable. The Mona Lisa is not as durable as a cement wall, and a cement wall is not as delicate as the Mona Lisa. Each thing has its purpose.

If you would like help designing your next project, get in touch. I look forward to creating something beautiful with you.

Robbie Mansour Artisan/Designer at Designer Wall Finishes