Wall finish can make all the difference in a space and there are a few finishes in particular that have taken the world by storm but barely anyone knows how to tell the difference between them, and understandably so. We’re talking about Limewash, Venetian Plaster, and Roman Clay. These paint finishes instantly add dimension, depth, and warmth to a room without calling too much attention. They are finishes we have used in the majority of our projects and continue to use because they create sophistication and visual interest in our designs. We also love that they are eco-friendly, fire retardant, antiseptic, antifungal, and practically orderless. These finishes look a lot alike and to be fair, they are very visually similar but there are some defining differences. In this post, we’re going to break them down so that you can make an informed decision on what finish to move forward with within your own home.
Key Points
· Limewash is watered down leaving walls with a patina finish
· Venetian Plaster is thicker and the finish can range from shiny to matte with a marbled appearance
· Roman Clay resembles natural stone that is usually smooth and soft to the touch
· Limewash and Venetian Plaster are best for interiors or exteriors, and Roman Clay is best for interiors only
Limewash
Limewash, also known as Lime Paint, is a traditional material that has been used for thousands of years. It is made of limestone that’s been crushed, burned, and mixed with water to make lime putty. It is then aged and thinned with water and colored with natural pigments. Limewash creates a sued-like texture that is matte and chalky and appears as paint strokes and smears in different directions. It’s watered down leaving walls with a patina finish that looks like it had been there for years. If you’re having a hard time visualizing think of watercolor paintings but on your walls with one color covering the entire canvas.
Limewash is applied in several thin coats using a flat brush or masonry paintbrush and finished with a matte sealer. It can be applied over the majority of interior and exterior surfaces (i.e. drywall, brick, cement, plaster, or stucco).
Venetian Plaster
Venetian Plaster, also known as Polished Plaster, is one of the oldest building materials known to man. It is similar to limewash as it is a lime-based putty made from fired limestone or marble dust mixed with water, but it’s thicker and the finish can range from shiny to matte with a marbled appearance.
Venetian plaster can be applied to interior and exterior walls using a trowel with multiple thin layers and fluid movement in different directions. Its application is heavyweight and dries with a more stroke-like finish.
Roman Clay
Roman Clay is a specialty paint finish made of natural ingredients. It has a much thicker consistency than regular paint with a very slight sheen, especially when left unsanded. It creates a finish similar to Venetian plaster and resembles natural stone that is usually smooth and soft to the touch.
Roman Clay is applied in sweeping motions with a putty knife or trowel and is suitable for interior application only.
To find your perfect shade and finish check out Portola Paints. They have high-quality products and a variety of options to choose from, which is why they are our go-to at Maison Trouvaille.