Venetian Plaster vs Microcement — Which Luxury Finish is Right for You?
Two of the most sought-after London interior finishes compared head-to-head: cost per m², durability, best applications, maintenance, and which to choose for each room.
The Two Great Luxury Finishes of Modern London Interiors
Venetian plaster and microcement are the two most frequently requested specialist finishes at SuperBuilder. Both are seamless, premium, and transformative. But they are very different materials suited to different applications.
What is Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster (marmorino or grassello) is a lime-based decorative finish containing marble or stone dust. Applied in multiple thin layers by hand and burnished to a translucent, luminous surface, it replicates the appearance of polished stone. The finish depth and play of light changes throughout the day.
It has been used in grand interiors for centuries — but has been perfected for contemporary London homes by specialist applicators trained in its techniques.
Best for: Feature walls, hallways, living rooms, master bedrooms, dining rooms. Anywhere you want drama, depth, and a conversation piece.
Not suitable for: Floors, wet areas without sealing, horizontal surfaces (it marks from standing water).
Cost: £80–£150/m² installed. A typical living room feature wall (15m²): £1,200–£2,250.
What is Microcement?
Microcement (also called polished cement, microconcrete, or microtopping) is a polymer-modified cementitious material applied 2–3mm thin over any prepared substrate. Fully seamless, it cures to an extremely hard, scratch-resistant surface. When sealed with a quality polyurethane sealer, it becomes waterproof.
Best for: Floors, bathroom walls, kitchen splashbacks, countertops, staircase treads. Any surface needing durability and a seamless industrial aesthetic.
Not suitable for: Applications where the lime-marble visual depth of Venetian plaster is required — microcement is more uniform in appearance.
Cost: £70–£120/m² installed for floors. Bathroom walls: £80–£130/m².
Side by Side
| Feature | Venetian Plaster | Microcement |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Walls (internal) | Walls, floors, wet areas |
| Look | Translucent, marble-like depth | Seamless, concrete, industrial |
| Durability | High (sealed) | Very high (sealed) |
| Waterproof | With sealing | Yes |
| Maintenance | Annual wax polish | Annual sealer reapplication |
| Cost (m²) | £80–£150 | £70–£130 |
Many of SuperBuilder's most striking projects use both: microcement floors and Venetian plaster walls create a cohesive, extraordinary interior. Call us on 0800 530 0853 to discuss your specialist finish project.
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