Navigating the World of Artisan Plasters
The renaissance of decorative plasters has given architects and homeowners extraordinary options — but with choice comes complexity. This guide walks you through the decision-making process, helping you match the right finish to your project’s needs.
Step 1: Define Your Space
Before exploring materials, understand your canvas:
Room Function
- Is this a wet area (bathroom, kitchen)?
- High traffic or low traffic?
- Residential or commercial?
- Interior or exterior?
Lighting Conditions
- Natural light direction and intensity
- Artificial lighting scheme
- How will the surface be viewed throughout the day?
Existing Materials
- What are you coordinating with? (timber, stone, metal)
- Is this a feature or a backdrop?
- What’s the overall design language?
Step 2: Understand Your Options
Here’s a breakdown of our core finishes and their ideal applications:
Marbellino (Venetian-Style Polished Plaster)
Character: Luminous depth, marble-like sheen, organic variation
Best For: Feature walls, living areas, bedrooms, lobbies
Avoid: Floors, wet areas, external use
Maintenance: Low — dust and occasional polish
Choose Marbellino when you want a wall to become art.
Tadellino (Moroccan Waterproof Plaster)
Character: Smooth, seamless, waterproof, organic warmth
Best For: Bathrooms, showers, hammams, pools, sinks
Avoid: High-impact areas, floors with heavy furniture
Maintenance: Moderate — occasional soap treatment
Choose Tadellino for wet areas where you refuse to compromise on beauty.
Tadellino (Contemporary Polished Lime)
Character: Refined, subtle variation, versatile
Best For: Whole-room applications, contemporary interiors, commercial
Avoid: Direct water immersion
Maintenance: Low
Choose Tadellino for elegant restraint across larger surface areas.
Rokka (Textured Earth Finish)
Character: Bold texture, raw, brutalist
Best For: Feature walls, commercial spaces, statements
Avoid: Surfaces requiring easy cleaning
Maintenance: Very low
Choose Rokka when you want drama and tactile presence.
Concretum (Industrial Refined)
Character: Concrete-inspired, urban, contemporary
Best For: Modern interiors, commercial, minimalist design
Avoid: Traditional or heritage contexts
Maintenance: Low
Choose Concretum for controlled industrial aesthetic.
Earthen Renders (Hemp & Natural)
Character: Layered, textural, sustainable
Best For: Eco-projects, feature walls, natural homes
Avoid: High-moisture areas (unless specified)
Maintenance: Low
Choose Earthen Renders when sustainability is non-negotiable.
Step 3: Consider Practical Factors
Durability Requirements
| Finish | Impact Resistance | Moisture Resistance | UV Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marbellino | Moderate | Low | Good |
| Tadellino | Moderate | Excellent | Good |
| Tadellino | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Rokka | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Concretum | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Earthen | Moderate | Variable | Good |
Substrate Compatibility
Not all finishes work on all substrates. Key considerations:
- Plasterboard: Most finishes suitable with proper preparation
- Brick/Masonry: Excellent for most renders and plasters
- Existing Tiles: Requires specialist preparation
- Timber: Generally not recommended (movement issues)
- External Walls: Requires breathable, weather-resistant options
Step 4: Get the Colour Right
Artisan plasters aren’t paint — colour behaves differently:
Depth Not Flatness
Plaster colours have dimension. The same pigment will look different at different times of day as light plays through the layers.
Sample Before Committing
Always view samples in situ, in your actual lighting conditions. A sample in our studio will look different in your north-facing living room.
Consider Undertones
Natural mineral pigments have warmth that synthetic colours lack. Greys might lean warm or cool. Whites can be creamy or crisp.
Start Neutral, Accent Bold
If in doubt, neutral bases with colour accents offer flexibility.
Step 5: Specify Correctly
For architects and designers, proper specification ensures proper results:
Include:
- Finish name and colour reference
- Substrate condition requirements
- Primer/preparation specification
- Number of coats
- Final finish level (matte/satin/polished)
- Sealer requirements
- Maintenance recommendations
Coordinate With:
- Waterproofing trades (especially in wet areas)
- Electrician (for recessed lighting decisions)
- Joiner (for junction details)
Step 6: Budget Realistically
Artisan plasters are an investment. Unlike paint, you’re paying for:
- Premium natural materials
- Skilled labour (these finishes take time)
- Multiple coats and curing periods
- Finishing and polishing processes
Rough Guide (per m²):
- Basic textured finish: $$
- Polished plaster: $$$
- Tadellino (wet areas): $$$$
The value lies in longevity and uniqueness. A Marbellino wall will still be beautiful in 50 years; a painted wall will need refreshing in 5-10.
Quick Decision Matrix
| Your Priority | Recommended Finish |
|---|---|
| Luxury feel | Marbellino |
| Waterproof beauty | Tadellino |
| Sustainable build | Earthen Renders |
| Bold statement | Rokka |
| Modern minimalism | Concretum |
| Versatile elegance | Tadellino |
Still Unsure?
That’s what consultations are for. We’re happy to:
- Review your project drawings
- Provide samples for your specific palette
- Visit site to assess substrates
- Collaborate with your design team
The right finish exists for your project. Let’s find it together.
Ready to discuss your project? Get in touch and let’s create something beautiful.