Five differences between Venetian Plaster, Micro Cement and Limewash Paint

When choosing a wall finish, the decision often comes down to the balance between aesthetics, durability, ease of application, and cost. Limewash paint, Venetian plaster, and microcement each offer unique characteristics, but they also come with different benefits and challenges. Here’s a comparison of these three popular finishes to help guide your choice.

*Materials only. Venetian Plaster and Micro Cement requires application at c. $150/m²

Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster offers a luxurious, polished finish created by layering plaster and polishing it to a high gloss. It is often used in high-end interiors and creates a timeless, elegant look.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: Venetian plaster is highly durable and resistant to wear, although its glossy surface can be scratched over time. It provides a long-lasting, luxurious finish for spaces that require an upscale appearance.

• Cost: Venetian plaster is a premium product, typically costing around $40–$70 per square meter for the materials alone. When factoring in labor costs, the total price can rise to $200 per square meter.

• Breathability: While not as breathable as limewash, Venetian plaster still offers a reasonable level of moisture control due to its lime-based composition. However, it doesn't match the high breathability of limewash.

Challenges:

• Application: Venetian plaster requires skilled craftsmanship for proper application. It is not a DIY-friendly option, and professional installation is necessary to achieve the desired polished finish.

Microcement

Microcement is a modern and versatile surface finish, widely used for sleek, seamless designs in both residential and commercial spaces. It’s ideal for walls, floors, and even furniture, creating a clean and contemporary aesthetic.

Key Benefits:

• Durability: Microcement is highly durable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

• Cost: Like Venetian plaster, microcement is on the higher end of the price spectrum, costing $50–$100 per square meter for materials alone. Full application can cost around $250 per square meter, including labor.

• Modern Aesthetic: Microcement provides a contemporary, smooth finish with minimal seams. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create a sleek, industrial look.

Challenges:

• Breathability: Microcement has lower breathability compared to both limewash and Venetian plaster. Sealing is often required, which reduces the material's ability to allow moisture to escape.

• Application: Like Venetian plaster, microcement is also difficult to apply and typically requires a professional for the best results.

Limewash Paint

Limewash is a traditional, eco-friendly paint made from limestone, known for its matte finish and natural charm. It is particularly suited for historical or environmentally-conscious projects due to its breathability and low VOC content.

Key Benefits:

• Cost-effective: Limewash is the most affordable option at around $3–$8 per square meter, making it ideal for large projects or those on a budget. Given it's DIY friendly, there's no need to hire a specialist to apply it.  If you would like to hire someone to apply it, any painter will be able to apply it at standard rates (c. $20 square meter).

• Ease of Application: Limewash is easy to apply, even for DIY enthusiasts. With a simple brush, roller, or sprayer, anyone can achieve a beautiful finish. No specialist skills are required, unlike Venetian plaster or microcement.

• Breathability: One of limewash’s standout features is its breathability. The porous nature of lime allows moisture to escape from the walls, preventing mold growth and improving indoor air quality.

Challenges:

• Durability: While limewash is not as durable as Venetian plaster or microcement, it offers decent longevity, requiring touch-ups once every five years. In wet or high-traffic areas, limewash may require a sealer, or alternately, can be touched up more frequently given how low cost and easy to apply it is. Dalray powdered limewash has the added benefit of being shelf stable so can easily be kept aside for occasional touch ups.

Conclusion

Each of these finishes brings something unique to the table, depending on your priorities. Limewash paint is the most budget-friendly and easy to apply, making it a great choice for eco-conscious DIYers. Venetian plaster offers a luxurious, durable finish that is perfect for high-end spaces, but its cost and application complexity may deter some. Microcement provides a modern, durable solution for high-traffic areas, though it comes at a premium price and requires professional application. All three finishes can bring a beautiful and unique finish to your space.