Comparing Venetian Plaster and Microcement: Unveiling the Ideal Decorative Surface for Your Home

Revisit your home's wall designs. More often than not, these elements are overlooked in our interior decor. Ranging from painted drywall to brick accents, these surfaces can make a dramatic impact if you choose between Venetian plaster and microcement.

Both techniques offer texture for walls, exhibiting similar characteristics such as durability, hard-wearing properties, and easy maintenance. Yet, they do have subtle differences, particularly when considering aesthetics, longevity, sustainability, and cost. To help you make an informed decision, we've consulted two industry experts. Here's what they had to share.

Exploring Venetian Plaster

An age-old, natural product, Venetian plaster has been used in interior design for centuries and traced back to Ancient Rome. Its popularity was saved in Venice, Italy during the Renaissance. Duncan MacKellar, Executive Technical and Creative Director at luxury paint finish company, Armourcoat, explains its enduring appeal: "Its inherent durability in the right conditions, and when duly maintained, speaks to its longevity."

Hand-applied to surfaces, Venetian plaster consists of a lime and crushed marble mixture, tinted to your desired color with pigments. Unlike microcement, Venetian plaster may require more delicate handling and is best suited for lower traffic areas and areas not subject to moisture.

Application-wise, while not as straightforward as microcement, it still can be managed with proper skills. Usually, three coats are applied, with less sanding needed compared to microcement. Sealing and protecting the surface is still necessary, using natural materials such as beeswax or water-resistant sealers for instances like kitchen backsplashes.

With its all-natural materials, Venetian plaster is considered a sustainable wall finish. At Armourcoat, they offer a range of Venetian Plaster finishes, Polished Plaster, made using zero VOCs, ensuring minimal environmental and health impacts. Among the different types, Marmorino, Travertino, and Grassello create unique variations, catering to diverse tastes.

Discovering Microcement

Microcement differs from plaster in its versatility and ability to also be applied to floors. Popular among industrial interior design enthusiasts, its aesthetic can adapt to a wide range of looks.

Its application process can be more complex, requiring multiple layers, specific sanding processes, multiple component sealers, and varnishes. However, this results in a finish that withstands stains, scratches, and is suitable for wet rooms, heavier traffic areas, and commercial spaces.

Microcement surfaces are made using a combination of cement, polymer resin binder, fine sand or stone aggregate, resulting in a higher environmental impact compared to traditional Venetian Plaster. Nevertheless, it provides a modern, adaptable finish.

In a nutshell, both Venetian plaster and microcement share similarities but have notable differences in aesthetics, durability, sustainability, and cost. When choosing between the two, factors such as location, specific design requirements, and budget should play a role in your decision-making process.

Revisiting your home's bathroom or kitchen walls, consider the impact of interior design elements like Venetian plaster and microcement on the overall aesthetic.
Venetian plaster, an age-old, natural product, is perfect for lower traffic areas, offering texture and longevity through a lime and crushed marble mixture.
In contrast, microcement, versatile and suitable for floors, can adapt to various design aesthetics, but may be more suitable for wet rooms and higher traffic areas due to its durability.
Considering sustainability, Venetian plaster, with its all-natural materials like zero VOCs, is a greener choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Decorate your walls with art that complements the unique variations offered by Venetian Plaster finishes like Marmorino, Travertino, and Grassello.
For a modern, adaptable finish in your home-and-garden lifestyle, microcement, with its combination of cement, polymer resin binder, fine sand or stone aggregate, offers a stylish and durable solution for your interior-design needs.