Venetian Plaster VS Microcement: Top Tips By An Expert Renderer
Venetian Plaster has exploded into homes in the last few years... and is still gaining popularity.
And it’s no surprise. You can create a seamless plastered shower without grout lines, smooth finishes on your floors, and even use it on vanities and to create niches and features throughout your home.
But first things first — what is Venetian Plaster? How does it differ from Microcement? Where can you use it, and is it even waterproof?
We asked all these questions and more from visionary Render Artist, Matt Jamieson — Director and Owner of one of Gold Coast’s leading rendering businesses, Render X, whose render work has regularly been showcased on The Block.
Matt shared his mind-blowing rendered home Ruin X — where pretty much every wall, floor, ceiling and surface is finished in Venetian Plaster. Here’s what he said…
Ruin X • Venetian Plaster
Project Details
Project: RUIN X — Residential Home
Project Location: Burleigh Waters, Australia
Project Duration: Renovation 5 months. Rendering 6 weeks.
Ruin X is like a modern art museum colliding with a comfy home, and the result is straight-up mesmerizing. Ruin X’s interior design features elegant curves and arches, which easily radiates a charming Mediterranean style that instantly separates it from the norm.
Beyond its captivating aesthetic, Ruin X is an ideal blend of lavishness and practicality. Its subtle touch of quirkiness captures your attention and ensures an unforgettable impression.
We’ve made an interior designed kitchen available to everyone. Download yours here.
Ruin X • Venetian Plaster Color
What is Venetian Plaster?
Venetian plaster is a mixture of plaster and marble or limestone dust, making it more durable and longer-lasting, and differs from regular plaster which is made from gypsum.
Used as a high-end wall and ceiling finish, it is usually applied in thin layers to create a smooth, polished surface that mimics the look of natural stone or marble. This technique, which dates back to ancient Rome, is prized for its luxurious appearance and durability.
Venetian Plaster makes for a timeless design because its versatile finish adds texture and depth to both modern and traditional interiors. Its style remains a popular choice for high-end residential and commercial spaces.
Ruin X • Venetian Plaster White
The Story Behind The Fully Rendered Home: Ruin X
Embarking on the Ruin X project was not just another project for Matt and his team. It wasn’t your average home renovation, but a true testament to the power of collaboration — a project completed and embraced by Matt with his closest mates. As with any creative endeavour, there were a few bumps in the road, but the final outcome was definitely worth the effort and results in a home that has been recognised nationally for its unique style.
Ruin X is the first of its kind in Australia — a fully rendered home that pushes the boundaries of creativity. This led others to realise the incredible potential and flexibility of rendered surfaces and home rendering. The project's success served as a springboard, allowing Render X to create two more stunning fully rendered homes for new clients. It seems this approach is quickly gaining momentum and becoming a trend, reshaping the conventional norm for home and wall finishes.
Render X’s company philosophy is to “Push limits, explore possibilities and bring to life rendering projects never seen before. Our craftsmanship is high-quality, aesthetically captivating and awe-inspiring.”
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Hallway Interior Render Finish
Ruin X • Dining Room Interior Render Finish with Chandelier
3 Essentials When Planning For Venetian Plaster
When embarking on the journey of transforming your house design with Venetian Plaster rendering, don’t skip these crucial steps to ensure your vision is achieved, without any hiccups.
1. Get Venetian Plaster colour samples and compare them against other finishes in your home, to ensure your new plaster colour is a good match.
2. Shop around and get quotes before locking a Venetian plasterer or renderer in.
3. Make sure your tradesman is qualified to do Venetian Plaster.
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Shower using Venetian Plaster in a Bathroom
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Lounge Room Interior Render Finish, Unique Niche Feature Wall
Key Differences Between Rendering a Living Room VS a Bathroom?
Matt from Render X explains that the cost of rendering a wet area like a bathroom is nearly double in comparison to rendering common rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. Common areas can be finished within a span of 3 days, while wet areas might require up to 10 days for completion.
Microcements are waterproof and durable, and the best product for bathroom rendering applications. That’s because they’re superior in strength, water resistance and adhesion qualities. Microcements are made from ingredients more specialised and difficult to obtain, compared to Venetian Plaster which is made from more traditional materials.
Microcement doesn't achieve the same level of refinement as Venetian plaster. Therefore, when it comes to common rooms and areas, Venetian Plaster stands out as the superior option and finish.
Z+S Tip • Microcement needs to be applied in a number of layers, with the addition of a sealant, to achieve a fully waterproof and sealed finish.
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Guest Room Interior Render Finish
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Laundry Design with Internal Render Finish
Render X’s Top 5 Do's & Don'ts for Internal Rendering
Matt presents his expert advice on the top five "Do's and Don'ts" to keep in mind when selecting and using internal render in your house design.
1. Do get and test samples before starting off your application, so you are 100% happy with the finish before starting.
2. Do your research. Use a product that’s specifically designed for your room, area or application.
3. Do check exterior VS interior. For external walls, make sure your plaster is suitable for outdoor use.
4. Do seal the plaster. Always seal your Venetian plaster with a sealer to prevent it from staining.
5. Do opt for Italian Venetian Plaster. Matt’s TOP TIP is to use Italian Venetian Plaster, which is renowned for being one of the most premium products and finishes available.
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1. Don’t pick the cheap option: You get what you pay for. Experts will be charged for their experience and excellence in product application. A really cheap quote by a tradesperson is cheap for a reason and could cost you more in the long run, with fix-ups and defects.
2. Don’t use on the floor: Do not use Venetian plaster on the floor. For rendered floors, it’s best to use Microcement.
3. Don’t attempt it yourself: Like lots of things in life, rendering with Venetian Plaster looks easy, but don’t be fooled: it’s a very difficult process and best done by a professional.
4. Don’t render internally over plasterboard: Plasterboard should first be set and sanded by a plasterer, as if it was ready for paint, before applying any rendering products.
5. Don’t rush it: Venetian plaster takes 14 days to set. During this time you’ll need to keep other trades away to avoid damage. Venetian Plaster is best completed towards the end of a building job and as one of the final finishes.
Ruin X • Bathroom Design with Round Backlit Mirror Copper Tapware, Interior Render Finish
Ruin X • Bathroom Design with Arch Shower Entrance, Interior Render Finish
Ruin X • Master Bedroom Design with Walk In Robe and Ensuite, Interior Render Finish
Ruin X • Walk In Robe, Internal Render Finish
What Does The Upkeep Of Internal Rendering Involve?
The upkeep of decorative Venetian plasters and renders on interior walls is not extraordinary. To ensure their longevity and visual appeal, Matt emphasizes the importance of avoiding harsh cleaning products like bleach, and instead opting for natural cleaning products and soft cloth. This will maintain the integrity and aesthetics of rendered surfaces for years to come.
Ruin X • Outdoor Entertaining Area, Render Finish
Ruin X • Outdoor Entertaining Area by pool, Render Finish
Ruin X • Mediterranean Style Home Design, Entrance, Interior Render Finish
The Team Behind The Project
Rendering: Render X
Follow @render.x on Instagram
Builder: Bradford Constructions
Photography: @kristian_van_der_beek
Not sure where to start? Don’t put yourself — and your builders — in a home reno gridlock. Plan your designs right down to the smallest details. See our designer-favourite Home Reno Cheat Sheets and start creating beautiful, well-planned spaces today.
