Location
Chippenham Wiltshire UK
Material
Marble Polished Plaster
Finish Type
High-Gloss with Metal Veins
Style
Contemporary Luxury
A Wall Finish That Transforms Space
This project showcases one of our most sought after decorative wall finishes. It combines highly polished marble plaster with hand drawn flowing liquid metal veins. Applied seamlessly across a grand multi story entrance hall in a private residence in Chippenham the finish creates an extraordinary visual depth that no paint or wallpaper can replicate.
The polished plaster base is applied in multiple hand burnished layers achieving a luminous glassy surface. Fine veins of custom liquid metal pigment are then drawn freehand through the plaster matrix. Because each line is drawn by hand every single wall is completely unique. The result is a finish that genuinely looks and feels like carved natural marble flowing effortlessly around structural corners entryways and under an elegant double staircase.
Antichi Decori are specialists in luxury polished plaster across the UK. We serve private clients interior designers and premium developers in Bristol, Chippenham, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and throughout the South West.
Project Details
Location:Chippenham Private Residence
Room: Principal Grand Foyer and Entrance Hall
Finish: Marble Polished Plaster with Liquid Metal Veins
Palette: Warm White Base with Custom Metallic Veins
Application: Multi layer hand burnished and sealed
Duration: 10 days on site
Project Gallery Section
Marble polished plaster with liquid metal veins at a Chippenham private residence.
Full wall view — warm white base with copper veins
Close-up — liquid-metal vein detail
Burnished surface — natural light reflection
Materials & Finish Breakdown
Every component of this finish is selected for its quality longevity and visual impact.
Polished Plaster Base
Lime based polished plaster applied in multiple hand burnished coats to achieve a dense smooth surface reminiscent of classic Italian stucco.
Liquid-Metal Veins
Deep organic veins are hand carved directly into the plaster surface and filled with a genuine bronze gold liquid metal to create a striking natural marble effect.
Texture & Depth
The finish has a genuine three dimensional depth from the layering process. It reflects light differently at different angles giving walls a living quality.
Durability
Sealed with a specialist protective wax this finish is highly resistant to moisture staining and everyday wear. It is suitable for busy hallways and staircases.
Luxury Finish Quality
Every surface is inspected under raking light before completion to ensure absolute consistency in sheen texture and artistic execution.
The Application Process
Our five-stage process guarantees a flawless, long-lasting luxury finish every time.
01
Surface Preparation
Walls are inspected, repaired and primed to achieve a perfectly level substrate. Moisture levels are checked and a bonding coat is applied.
02
First Plaster Layer
The base coat of polished plaster is applied by hand using a steel trowel, working in small sections to build an even, dense foundation layer.
03
Vein Application
While the plaster is still workable, liquid-metal pigment is drawn freehand through the surface to create the marble vein pattern. This stage requires exceptional skill and speed.
04
Burnishing & Polishing
Once dry, the surface is burnished with a heated steel trowel and polished to a high gloss, compressing the plaster and raising its natural sheen to a marble-like brilliance.
05
Wax & Seal
A specialist beeswax or synthetic protective wax is applied in thin coats and buffed to a brilliant finish. This seals the surface, enhances colour depth, and ensures long-term durability.
Why Choose Marble Polished Plaster?
What is marble polished plaster?
Marble polished plaster is a hand-applied lime-based wall finish that replicates the appearance of polished marble. It is burnished to a high gloss and can include freehand liquid-metal veins for an authentic marble effect. It is widely used in luxury interiors across the UK.
Is polished plaster durable?
Yes. Properly sealed polished plaster is extremely durable — resistant to moisture, staining and everyday wear. It is suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and commercial spaces, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Is it suitable for luxury interiors?
Marble polished plaster is one of the most prestigious wall finishes available. It is used in five-star hotels, private residences, and high-end commercial environments. The depth, sheen and uniqueness of each hand-crafted finish make it the gold standard for luxury interiors.
Why choose it over real stone or marble?
Polished plaster achieves the same visual impact as real marble at a fraction of the structural weight and cost. It can be applied to curved walls, arches and irregular surfaces impossible to tile with stone. It is also breathable, making it better for older buildings and humidity-prone rooms.
The Craft Behind the Vein
What makes this finish extraordinary is not just the material — it is the skill of the hand that applies it. The liquid-metal veining stage is the most demanding part of the entire process. Working with wet plaster, our artisans have only minutes to draw each vein across the wall before the surface begins to set.
The metallic pigments — copper, antique gold, or silver — are mixed to a precise viscosity and drawn with a fine brush or feather in long, confident strokes. The motion must be natural and fluid, never mechanical. Each vein is slightly different in width, angle and branching, just as it would be in natural marble quarried from the earth.
When the surface is burnished and polished, the metal veins are locked into the plaster matrix, becoming part of the wall itself. Under light, they catch and throw reflections in a way no printed or painted finish can simulate. This is Italian craftsmanship at its finest brought to homes across Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham.
Replace with close-up texture photograph
Frequently Asked Questions
Marble polished plaster typically costs between £80 and £180 per square metre in the UK, depending on surface area, design complexity and location. For a free, no-obligation quote for your project in Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham or the wider South West, please contact us directly.
A standard feature wall takes two to three days on-site, including preparation, plaster application, vein work, burnishing and sealing. Larger or more complex projects may take longer. We always provide a full timeline before work begins.
Yes. When properly sealed, marble polished plaster is water-resistant and suitable for bathrooms, wet rooms and shower enclosures. It is a popular choice for luxury bathroom feature walls and is regularly specified by interior designers across Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham.
They are closely related. Venetian plaster is a broader term for lime-based polished plaster originating from Italy. Marble polished plaster refers specifically to finishes designed to replicate natural marble, often with veining. Both are hand-applied and burnished to a high gloss. Antichi Decori applies both finishes across the South West UK.
Yes. We regularly work across Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and throughout the South West. We also take on selected projects in London and nationally for the right brief.
Maintenance is minimal. Wipe down with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. We recommend re-waxing the surface every three to five years to maintain its protective seal and enhance the sheen. We provide aftercare instructions for every project.
Yes. We offer veining in copper, antique gold, bright gold, silver, rose gold and bronze pigments, as well as bespoke colour blends. The vein colour is chosen during the design consultation to complement the plaster base tone and the overall interior scheme.
Interested in This Finish for Your Project?
We work with private clients, interior designers and developers across Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the South West. Whether you have a clear vision or are just beginning to explore, we are here to help.
Request a sample, discuss your brief, or simply find out more about what is possible with marble polished plaster and liquid-metal veins.
Or call us on 07821 658650 — Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm, Sat: 9am–12pm
Explore more bespoke decorative finishes by Antichi Decori.
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Venetian Plaster
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Microcement Feature Wall
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Seamless microcement finish transforming a Bath bathroom into a gallery-quality contemporary space.
