16 Dec Achieve the perfect colour with your next polished plaster project

When you want to create a truly original interior design, polished plaster is the ideal choice for walls and flooring. One of its main advantages is that it can be tinted to produce stunning effects in any colour of your choosing.

Here’s how it works, and why you should consider polished plaster for your next decorating project, whether in your home or your commercial premises.

What is polished plaster?

Polished plaster is a lime-based plaster which has been used in interior décor since ancient Greek and Egyptian times, although it is most commonly associated with Venice during the Renaissance, why is why it sometimes referred to as Venetian plaster. In the past few years it has made a huge comeback in both domestic and commercial interiors, due to its stunning looks, durability and bacteria-resistant properties.

Polished plaster is applied in much the same way as traditional plaster, although the finished effects are far more spectacular.

What are the main advantages of polished plaster?

Beautiful to look at and easy to maintain, polished plaster can be used to create a wide variety of very distinctive looks. Most commonly used for walls and flooring, it can mimic the appearance of luxurious natural stones such as marble, limestone and travertine, without the excessive price tag, making it a popular option for those who want the opulent appearance of natural stone while working on a budget.

Polished plaster can be applied in different ways to have a smooth or textured finish, enabling you to design your environment to suit your personal tastes.

However, when it comes to creating bespoke interiors, the main advantage of polished plaster is that it can be tinted. This means there are literally hundreds of different colours and shades to choose from, enabling you to create a unique look for every room, and making your home a true reflection of your personality.

How is polished plaster coloured?

While being mixed, polished plaster can be tinted using either natural or synthetic pigments. This means it can take on practically any hue, allowing custom colours to be mixed especially to order. For this reason, polished plaster is ideal when you want to create a bespoke finish which makes your home unlike any other.

Many polished plaster surfaces contain a variety of different colours which have been mixed together. Even if a wall appears to be a neutral shade, look closer and you will often see subtle notes of other colours running through it to achieve a stunning and chic effect.

While it is true that neutral colours such as grey, cream and brown are among the most popular choices for polished plaster, this does not mean you are limited to such a muted palette. If you prefer blue, yellow, green or any other colour of the rainbow, this can be achieved for you.

Because of this versatility, polished plaster is not just ideal for domestic settings. Commercial premises like hotels, offices and retail properties can also benefit hugely from a polished plaster makeover. If you have a corporate colour scheme which you would like reflected in your interior décor, polished plaster can easily be mixed in the colours of your choosing, enabling you to create a unified and memorable effect.

How the application makes a difference

As a medium, polished plaster allows you a huge degree of control over the finished appearance of your walls or floors. If applied lightly, it takes on a beautiful translucent effect in which every detail appears to shimmer, revealing new depths as the light changes.

However, if you prefer a bolder colour scheme, this can be achieved by applying more layers of the plaster, producing effects which are truly eye-catching.

In addition, polished plaster can be applied to have a high-gloss or matte finish, or even a textured appearance. Or if you want to integrate artwork on your walls, polished plaster can easily be used with stencils, creating original pieces which are actually part of the design of your home or workplace.

Find out more about polished plaster colour options

If you want the best colour results from polished plaster, the most important thing is to ensure it is applied by a highly experienced professional. If you would like more information and advice, please contact our specialist team here at Chrysalis, who can help you create the beautiful polished plaster interior you are looking for.