Decorative Finishes Glossary
Antichi Decori Ltd created this glossary to help homeowners, designers, architects, and builders understand key decorative finish terms. We are the official UK distributor of Valpaint Italy. Furthermore, we install these finishes every day across Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Cardiff, London, and nationwide. If you have a question about any finish, contact us for a free consultation.
Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster is a natural wall finish made from lime and marble dust. It originates from Venice, Italy, and dates back to the Renaissance period. Craftsmen developed it to copy the look of expensive marble at a lower cost. As a result, it spread quickly across Italian palaces and churches. Today, skilled applicators put it on by hand in thin layers. They then burnish each layer to build depth and a polished sheen. It is breathable, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of colours. Furthermore, it resists germs and lasts 20–30 years with correct care. Common uses include feature walls, hallways, hotel lobbies, and luxury homes.
Marmorino
Marmorino is one of the oldest forms of Venetian plaster. Its name comes from the Italian word for marble marmo. The main ingredients are crushed marble dust and aged lime putty. Craftsmen apply it in two or three thin coats by hand. They then burnish the surface to a smooth, matte or mid-sheen finish. As a result, the surface looks similar to natural stone. It also shows subtle tonal changes as light moves across it. Moreover, it suits both modern and period interiors equally well. Antichi Decori supplies Marmorino through the full Valpaint range, which offers hundreds of colours.
Stucco Veneziano
Stucco Veneziano is the most refined form of Venetian plaster. It stands out for its ultra-high-gloss, mirror-like finish. Craftsmen apply many very thin layers of lime-based plaster. They then burnish each layer carefully with a steel trowel. This process takes skill and time. As a result, the finish has a deep, reflective quality that few other surfaces can match. The technique started in Venice and spread across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. It appeared in grand palaces and baroque churches throughout the period. Today, designers choose it for luxury feature walls, hotel lobbies, and high-end retail spaces. Antichi Decori installs Stucco Veneziano across the UK using genuine Valpaint systems.
Grassello di Calce
Grassello di Calce means “lime putty” in Italian. It is the aged lime base that craftsmen use to make traditional Venetian plasters. Producers make it by mixing quicklime with water. They then leave the putty to age for at least six months and often several years. The longer it ages, the finer and easier it is to work with. As a result, it produces a soft, warm surface that synthetic materials cannot copy. Furthermore, it suits heritage buildings, listed properties, and high-end interiors where material quality matters most. All Valpaint Venetian plaster systems use high-quality lime putty as their base.
Microcement
Microcement is a modern decorative coating made from cement, water-based resins, and mineral pigments. Applicators put it on in very thin layers usually 2–3mm in total. They apply it directly over existing surfaces such as tiles, concrete, and plasterboard. There is therefore no need for removal or demolition. The result is a seamless surface with no grout lines or joins. Furthermore, it suits bathrooms, wet rooms, kitchen splashbacks, floors, and stairs. It also works well in commercial spaces. Antichi Decori installs microcement across the UK from £90 per m².
Pros: Seamless finish. No grout lines. Goes over existing surfaces. Waterproof when sealed. Fast to install. Wide colour range. Works with underfloor heating.
Cons: Needs professional fitting. Requires resealing every 5–7 years. Not suited to heavy impact areas. Colour can vary between batches.
Polished Plaster
Polished plaster is a broad term for any decorative plaster that craftsmen burnish to a smooth, shiny surface. It includes Venetian plaster, Marmorino, Stucco Veneziano, and some modern synthetic systems. However, there is an important difference. True Venetian plaster uses natural lime and marble dust. In contrast, some polished plasters use acrylic or resin-based products that copy the look. Furthermore, polished plaster suits bathrooms, feature walls, and commercial spaces. Antichi Decori works only with lime-based polished plaster systems using genuine Valpaint products. As a result, every finish we install is both beautiful and long-lasting.
Lime Plaster
Lime plaster is one of the oldest building materials in the world. People have used it for over 7,000 years. It consists of lime putty or hydraulic lime mixed with sand and water. Unlike cement-based plasters, lime plaster breathes. It lets moisture pass through walls and evaporate naturally. As a result, it is essential for heritage buildings, listed properties, and old stone or brick structures. Trapped moisture in these buildings causes serious damage over time. Furthermore, lime plaster is flexible, germ-resistant, and absorbs carbon over its life. It is therefore one of the most eco-friendly building materials available. Antichi Decori uses lime-based Valpaint systems on heritage, eco, and luxury projects across the UK.
Intonachino
Intonachino is a fine-grain decorative textured plaster from Italy. The name comes from the Italian word intonaco, which means render or plaster coat. Applicators put it on by roller or trowel to create a delicate, even texture across a wall. The grain is finer than sand-and-cement renders. However, it has more surface character than a smooth plaster finish. As a result, it sits between the two in terms of look and feel. It suits both interior and exterior use. Furthermore, it works well in modern homes, offices, shops, and hotels where designers want texture without the formality of polished plaster. Antichi Decori supplies and installs Intonachino systems across the UK through the full Valpaint catalogue.
Travertino
Travertino is a decorative plaster finish that copies the look of travertine stone. Travertine is a natural porous stone from central Italy. The Romans used it widely in their buildings, including the Colosseum. To create the Travertino effect, craftsmen apply a base coat of coloured plaster. They then work a contrasting filler into the surface with a spatula. They leave some areas open on purpose. As a result, the surface mimics the natural voids and layers found in real travertine. The finish is warm, tactile, and clearly handmade. Furthermore, it suits living rooms, hallways, feature walls, and hotel interiors where a natural stone look is the goal — without the cost or weight of real stone.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals found in many standard paints, coatings, and adhesives. They evaporate at room temperature and release gases into indoor air. High VOC levels can cause headaches, breathing problems, and long-term health issues. They also add to outdoor air pollution. In the decorative finishes industry, VOC content is therefore an important quality and health indicator. Low-VOC products are much safer for people living and working in the space. This matters especially in homes, schools, and healthcare settings. Valpaint makes the majority of its decorative systems as water-based, low-VOC products. As a result, they are a healthier choice without any loss of colour quality or finish performance. Antichi Decori can provide full technical sheets and VOC details for any Valpaint product on request.
About Antichi Decori Ltd
Antichi Decori Ltd is the official UK distributor of Valpaint Italy. We also install Venetian plaster, microcement, polished plaster, and decorative finishes across the UK. Furthermore, we work with homeowners, interior designers, architects, and developers to deliver bespoke decorative surfaces to the highest standard.
📍 Bristol, BS16 1DY 📞 07821 658650 📧 shop@antichidecori.co.uk 🌐 antichidecori.co.uk
