Decorative plaster - venetian, textured, mosaic and microcement
The texture is the finish. Paintings become optional.
Well-applied decorative plaster turns a wall into a design feature - no expensive furniture, no major renovation. That's why demand for decorative finishes in Chisinau has grown so much: a good venetian plaster specialist is booked months ahead.
Venetian plaster - a lime-based coating with fine pigments, applied in thin layers and burnished with a steel trowel. It mimics marble or limestone - depth, sheen, layered transparency. Technique matters here: an experienced plasterer makes the difference between an 80 euro/m² result and a 200 euro one.
Textured plaster - a granular compound that creates relief on walls or facades. The pattern comes from trowel movement: tree bark, crushed granite, sand effect. Much more accessible than venetian - a good starting point for anyone wanting to try themselves.
Mosaic plaster - with coloured granules, a granite appearance. Used frequently on facades, stairwells and plinths. Resistant to traffic and doesn't stain easily.
Microcement - an ultra-thin concrete-look finish that can cover walls, floors and furniture in a single tone. Popular in loft and minimalist styles. Applied in multiple thin layers with a float or specialist tool.
One rule every good plasterer knows: the surface must be perfect first. Any defect is amplified under decorative plaster, not hidden. Skim coat, sand, apply tinted primer matching the base - then the material.
Venetian plaster is a fine, glossy finish with visual depth - applied in thin layers and burnished with a trowel. Textured plaster creates visible surface relief - applied with a float or roller. Venetian requires more skill, textured is more accessible for first-timers.
Some types yes. Textured and mosaic plasters have exterior-certified versions. Classic venetian plaster is generally interior only. Always check the product designation on the packaging - exterior products are rated for UV, frost and rain.
Material price varies by brand and product line. Labour varies even more - an experienced specialist charges more, but the quality difference is immediately visible. Before committing to a full surface, ask the plasterer to demonstrate on a small test area first.
Yes, a tinted primer matching the plaster colour - especially for venetian and microcement. White primer under a dark material leaves visible white lines where the layer is thin. Tinted primer eliminates this and gives evenness.
Lime-based venetian plaster holds well in bathrooms with decent ventilation - lime is naturally bacteriostatic and handles moderate humidity. In steam-heavy bathrooms without adequate extraction, wax or specialist lacquer protection is needed after application. Microcement in bathrooms requires a polyurethane lacquer topcoat without exception.
