
Polished plaster is an umbrella term for a family of marble-chip and mineral lime finishes that create a reflective, stone-like surface. Venetian plaster (marmorino), travertino, stucco lustro, and sgraffito are all forms of polished plaster — each with distinct aesthetic qualities and application methods.
Marmorino (Venetian Plaster)
Marmorino is a fine marble powder and lime binder mix that creates a smooth, reflective surface with a subtle veining and depth effect. It is the most widely used polished plaster in NW3 Hampstead homes and is suitable for entrance halls, living rooms, and dry bathrooms.
Travertino
Travertino replicates the porous, textured surface of travertine limestone — beautiful on large flat walls in living and dining rooms. It has a warm, slightly rough texture that adds visual interest without being overtly decorative.
Sgraffito
Sgraffito involves applying multiple layers of coloured plaster and then incising patterns into the surface while still wet — revealing contrasting colours beneath. It is a highly crafted, bespoke finish that we create for clients seeking truly one-of-a-kind interiors in NW3.
The Right Surface
All polished plaster requires a perfectly flat, stable base coat before application. We always apply a three-coat base plaster system before any decorative polished plaster — never apply directly to plasterboard or poorly patched walls.
Polished plaster specialists in Hampstead NW3. Free consultation and sample panels.
Share this article
About the Author
Elena Rodriguez is our Senior Color Consultant, bringing a designer's eye to every project and helping clients choose perfect palettes for their spaces.
Plan the Next Step
Use this guide as a starting point, then explore the most relevant service pages, recent project examples, or request a quote for your own property.