Venetian Plaster vs. Microcement: Which Finish Suits Your GTA Home?

Choose Venetian plaster for walls where you want depth, softness and possibly a polished, stone-like sheen. Choose microcement for floors, showers, kitchens and any surface that gets wet or walked on. They solve different problems, and many homes use both.

What each finish is

Venetian plaster is lime putty and marble dust, trowelled in thin coats and burnished. Marmorino is its matte, slightly textured version.

Microcement is a cement and polymer coating about 2 to 3 mm thick, applied in layers and sealed. It bonds to tile, concrete and cement board.

Where each works

• Venetian plaster: feature walls, fireplaces, entryways, dining rooms, ceilings, powder rooms.

• Microcement: floors, stairs, showers, bathroom walls, kitchen islands, counters and hoods.

Look and feel

Venetian plaster has depth and can range from matte to high gloss. It feels cool and smooth. Microcement is matte to satin with a soft concrete look, and runs across floors and walls without joints.

Water and wear

Microcement, sealed over a membrane, handles showers and foot traffic. Venetian plaster resists humidity and occasional splashes but is not for showers or floors.

Breathability

Venetian plaster is breathable and very low in VOCs. Microcement is sealed, so it is not breathable, which is what makes it suitable for wet areas.

Using both

A common combination is microcement floors and shower with a Venetian plaster or Marmorino wall in the same bathroom, or microcement in the kitchen and polished plaster on the dining room wall.

Next step

See both finishes in our projects and catalog, then request a free quote for samples in your own light.