Venetian plaster: everything you need to know about this decorative technique

Have you ever heard of Venetian plaster? Maybe you automatically associate it with Venice, the beautiful city with streets made of canals, washed by the Adriatic Sea, where gondoliers, dressed in striped shirts and hats, serenade you as they navigate the waters on their gondolas.

Venice is especially known for its historical and artistic heritage, so how could it not have one of the most sought-after decorative techniques in the world? Venetian plaster originated during the Renaissance and, as the name suggests, in this very city. From its inception, this decorative style has captivated decorators and designers alike with its distinction and elegance.

If this concept sounds unfamiliar, don’t worry—we’ll clear up all your doubts in the following paragraphs. Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to 15th-century Venice?

Before we begin: what is venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster is, quite simply, a decorative finish that emerged in Venice centuries ago, during a time when molding and carving were highly valued as the true stars of ornamental design. It’s a technique designed to give walls and ceilings finishes resembling polished marble.

It’s unique because of its composition, made from natural ingredients such as lime, powdered marble, plaster, and natural pigments, making it doubly attractive in today’s growing focus on environmental care and sustainability.

This technique stands out for its exceptional durability and versatility, allowing for customized finishes in your favorite colors. Venetian plaster’s smooth texture is enchanting, and its velvety sheen even more so.

5 Reasons you’ll love venetian plaster

If you’re not yet dazzled by its charm, you’re about to be. But that’s not the only thing that will seduce you about Venetian plaster. Beyond its aesthetics, this decorative technique boasts properties and benefits for the surfaces it’s applied to, making it one of the most prominent finishes in the contemporary world, despite its six centuries of history. There’s a reason for its enduring success, right?

1. Venetian plaster protects walls from moisture

Moisture is a common issue we’re all too familiar with. Who hasn’t dealt with it at some point in their home? With Venetian plaster, this problem disappears. One of its most appealing features is its ability to protect and waterproof walls and ceilings, while still allowing for natural breathability. Moisture, be gone!

2. The composition of venetian plaster is natural

Or eco-friendly, as the modern crowd would say. Its components are non-toxic, planet-friendly, and also have anti-mold and antibacterial properties. What more could you ask for?

3. Easy cleaning, more time for yourself

Maintaining and cleaning Venetian plaster is so simple that you’ll have extra time to dedicate to the things you truly enjoy. Paddle tennis? A movie? Whatever you want. Venetian plaster is low maintenance: a damp cloth is enough to keep it clean.

4. Venetian plaster stays beautiful for years

Forget about constantly replacing wall finishes or worrying about damage. Venetian plaster is a material that remains pristine over time.

5. An exotic look for high-end décor

Today’s décor embraces the idea of "less is more," which is why simplicity is often considered the pinnacle of elegance. Few options embody this concept as well as Venetian plaster. This technique achieves distinction, elegance, and even a touch of luxury through simplicity.

But venetian plaster has some drawbacks…

One thing is clear: perfection doesn’t exist—at least not yet. And that’s why Venetian plaster has a few minor drawbacks. But they’re nothing more than what you’d expect from similar decorative finishes.

Venetian plaster installation is complex

Ready-to-use microcement from Smartcret® has "spoiled" us (in the best way) with how easy, quick, and simple it is to renovate surfaces. Naturally, that’s not the case with most decorative finishes. Venetian plaster requires a complex installation process that can only be carried out by a qualified professional.

The price: not too high, not too low

Of course, there are more expensive options than Venetian plaster, such as stone or marble. However, it isn’t the most budget-friendly choice either, and there are more affordable alternatives on the market that can mimic its effect at a lower cost.

Walls with venetian plaster: a favorite surface

There’s no doubt about it: walls are Venetian plaster’s favorite canvas. Vertical surfaces take on an exquisite aesthetic value when paired with this finish.

Walls with Venetian plaster are commonly found in any room of a home, especially when the goal is to add an extra dose of character and distinction. As we mentioned earlier, simple yet attractive décor has dominated in recent seasons. It’s a perfect balance that, guess what, is here to stay.

Decorating with minimal elements and using textures has become a common technique for adding style to rooms without overcrowding them. And believe us, it works wonders. That’s why the popularity of Venetian plaster walls has grown exponentially, despite being a technique rooted in Renaissance-era décor. That’s no small feat.

Venetian plaster is often used to finish a single accent wall in a room rather than covering all the walls. This creates a visual focal point that draws attention and holds your gaze.

Here’s a tip from an interior designer: Choose a slightly darker shade for your accent wall than the other walls in the room. This will add even more aesthetic value. Take it from the experts!

Where to apply venetian plaster? Anywhere you like!

Its simplicity makes it compatible with any decorative style and the personal intentions of each user. Venetian plaster isn’t limited to interiors; although less common, it can occasionally be found in outdoor spaces as well.

The rooms where Venetian plaster is most popular are bathrooms, entryways, and living rooms. But for you—since we know you’re the most original and creative of the bunch—we suggest using it on the walls of your bedroom. It’s a less common choice but has a truly special effect. Use light tones such as white, beige, or gray to make your room worthy of a stately mansion.

Although we talk mostly about walls, Venetian plaster can also have a striking effect on ceilings, especially when used on high ceilings. Why? Because it enhances the room’s height while creating a characteristic “visual closeness” with the floor. Spaces become just as cozy as they are eye-catching. Will you dare to try it?

Venetian plaster bathrooms: why are they so popular?

If Venetian plaster bathrooms were part of a friend group, they’d surely be the popular ones in high school—the ones everyone loves and knows about. And that’s no coincidence.

Venetian plaster can be applied to the walls and ceilings of any room, but do you know why it works so well in bathrooms? It’s simple: it gives them exactly what they need, nothing more, nothing less.
Bathrooms are among the most intimate spaces in a home, yet they’re also highly frequented. Their daily use requires durability, hygiene, and—let’s be honest—a look that makes us feel good.

Venetian plaster bathrooms deliver exactly what any homeowner would want:

• Extra protection against humidity, making surfaces not only waterproof but also breathable.
• Effective and easy cleaning and hygiene: with just a damp cloth, you can eliminate bacteria. Plus, Venetian plaster is a seamless finish, meaning no joints where dirt can accumulate, allowing for quick, one-swipe cleaning.
• An enviable aesthetic in one of the most important spaces in the home, which is often prone to being overlooked.

Venetian plaster in colors that evoke emotions

Now you know: Venetian plaster’s aesthetic is customizable. This means it comes in a wide range of colors to suit any style, intention, or mood you want to create in your spaces.

You can always opt for lighter or neutral tones, as mentioned earlier, for bedrooms. These tones promote a sense of relaxation and calm. White, gray, beige, or soft, muted blues are timeless, easy-to-pair colors that convey peace.

For other spaces like the living room, entryway, or bathroom, where you want to add an extra touch of intensity and distinction, try bolder colors. Anything is possible—there are no limits here! The only boundaries are the ones you set yourself.

Microcement: the evolution of venetian plaster

Walls with Venetian plaster have been, are, and likely will continue to be a staple in interior décor. But remember when we mentioned finishes that are easier to install and more affordable, yet deliver results just as good, if not better, than Venetian plaster? That’s right, you guessed it: we were talking about microcement.

Times change, trends evolve, and so do the key players. While Venetian plaster has been around for over six centuries and its merits are undeniable, microcement is the Venetian plaster of the 21st century, designed to make your life easier. And we’re here to tell you why.

Smartcret® ready-to-use microcement is, as the name suggests, already prepared for immediate use. No intermediaries, no complications. Open, stir, and apply. Have you ever seen anything like it?

What unites microcement and Venetian plaster is no small thing, and far from being entirely different, they share several common characteristics such as their strength, hardness, resistance, durability, waterproofing, and aesthetic appeal. These are qualities that simply cannot be overlooked.

Despite this, and as we mentioned earlier, microcement is the improved version of traditional Venetian plaster. And this is especially true when we’re talking about Smartcret® products. Do you know the differences? Get ready to be amazed.

Ready-to-Use microcement: you apply it; venetian plaster requires a professional

Doing things your way, at your own pace, and in your own style is one of life’s greatest pleasures. That’s why, with our ready-to-use microcement, you can easily and simply coat any surface you want, and most importantly, at your own pace.

While Venetian plaster requires hiring external, qualified professionals, with microcement, you are the artist of your surfaces. The process only requires your motivation, effort, and hands—nothing more.

Microcement applies faster than watching a series

Closely related to the above, the application process for our ready-to-use microcement is infinitely faster than Venetian plaster.

It involves a direct application onto the surface to be coated, with no need to remove or strip the previous material. This eliminates the mess of renovations and debris, significantly reducing total renovation costs. With its extra-fast drying time, our ready-to-use microcement allows you to enjoy completely transformed spaces in just one week.

Forget about tedious, complex processes and the heavy machinery that Venetian plaster would require. With ready-to-use microcement, complications simply don’t exist.

Microcement works on all surfaces; venetian plaster is limited to walls and ceilings

While microcement can be applied to walls, floors, ceilings, and even furniture, Venetian plaster is restricted to walls and ceilings, which greatly limits its versatility as a coating material.

There’s nothing our microcement can’t handle. It adheres perfectly to all types of surfaces, including plaster, drywall, tiles, ceramics, or slabs, among many others.