Interior decorative plaster & paint finishes
Venetian plaster, polished plaster and decorative paint for interiors and facades
Special paints and plasters for interior and exterior use — the most advanced and innovative solutions for decorative wall paints and exclusive ranges. Decorative finishes offer a new way of decorating surfaces with unique visual and tactile sensations, producing a spectacular decorative effect with appealing and refined design solutions.
Interior decorative plaster finishes
A full line of decorative plaster and paint options capable of creating a compelling atmosphere that transcends the limitations of the space. Polished plaster, Travertino Romano and other decorative plaster finishes can be left as they are or finished with a high-quality water-based decorative paint.
About decorative plaster finishes
Venetian plaster is made of lime putty and marble dust and is tintable to your preferred colour. It is capable of producing the textured surface of your choice, but is most often used to create the faux polished marble finish that appeals to so many.
Decorative plaster finishes extend the possibilities of the interior decor and provide a timeless backdrop to your furniture and accessory choices. Set the mood or activate your interior design concept with breathtaking decorative wall finishes by Licata.
Masters of plaster and paint decorative finishes
Licata is the product of thousands of years of tradition and expresses all that is best in both the practical and decorative building arts of Italy. We specialise in decorative wall finishes using a variety of traditional and contemporary materials and processes, including Venetian plaster and a range of paints that stand alongside the very best the industry produces.
Whatever type of decorative finish your imagination, or the imagination of your interior designer or painting contractor, can conceive, Licata products can produce it. Licata is more than an industrial concern — we are a team of artists and artisans dedicated to advancing the decorative building arts and making them available to the widest possible audience.
Decorative painted finishes
A painted decorative finish, also commonly referred to as a faux finish, is capable of producing a variety of effects including natural stone or a distressed look that gives an interior a timeless quality. These decorative finishes can be applied to walls and ceilings.
Klondike
A versatile, elegant water-based paint characterised by unique colours.
Mavericks
Also a water-based paint, Mavericks can create luminescent colour effects and is easy to apply.
Imperium
An ecological decorative paint that can be used to mimic the appearance of precious metals, creating luxurious finishes in homes, offices and hotels.
Meteore
A versatile and dense decorative coating, perfect for creating rich contemporary effects including dazzling pearlescent shades.
With decorative faux finishes you have the ability to let your imagination loose with multidimensional finishes, sophisticated metallic effects, antique and weathered looks, and a great deal more.
Choosing the right plaster finish for your project
A plaster finish is going to add a level of sophistication to your room that is nearly impossible to achieve any other way. But a lot of the success of a decorative plastering job depends on choosing the right plaster finish. So how do you do that?
To start with, step back and consider the room itself. What is its primary purpose? If it is in a pool area, for example, you will need to select a water-resistant plaster — and just as importantly, you will need to be certain you choose the right substrate too, because it is inevitable that some moisture will eventually work its way through the exterior surface.
You will also need to consider how the space will be lit. If you have south-facing windows that flood the space with light, you would think that is ideal in just about any circumstance. Not necessarily. The problem is that light streaming in from south-facing windows will draw attention to any flaws in the plaster. When it comes to artificial lighting, you will need to make sure you choose lights that complement the finish of the plaster.
Maintenance of plaster finishes
Plaster finishes are well known for their durability, but no material is completely immune to the passage of time, plasters included. Over time, surfaces can get scratched and scuffed. The extent of that scratching and scuffing depends in large part on how well the surface is treated. Install it and then ignore it for the next twenty years and it will certainly begin to show wear.
Take good care of textured plaster finishes, on the other hand, and they will hold up remarkably well — which is why decorative plaster finishes are sometimes referred to as lifetime finishes. Advances in the formulation of today's plasters mean these surfaces are easier to repair than ever before. Scratches and scrapes that in the past might have called for a total replaster can often be patched. If you ever have questions about the maintenance of your plaster surfaces, the team at Licata is always here to help.
More advantages of decorative plaster finishes
One-of-a-kind designs
Create interiors that express your tastes and vision and that complement and inform your decor. The level of individuality achievable is far greater than with paint or even wallpaper.
Timeless aesthetic appeal
Whatever statement you wish to make, decorative plaster makes its own aesthetic statement — one that stands the test of time.
Masks imperfections
Minor imperfections jump out on a painted or wallpapered surface. The textured surface of decorative plaster swallows them up, and where visible they read as a natural part of the surface.
Durability
Decorative plasters from Licata resist swelling, cracking and colour fading over time far better than paint or wallpaper, with minimal maintenance required.
Ease of application
Easy to apply and quick drying, enabling fast completion and minimal disruption to home or business life. The key is a skilled professional doing the application.
Variety
Whatever style, texture, colour or pattern you have in mind can be achieved with decorative plasters, in a more satisfying and longer-lasting way than any painted surface.
Moisture resistance
Some decorative plasters are highly water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for exterior facades as well as bathrooms, pool rooms and other areas with high humidity.
It is natural
Licata Venetian plaster typically consists of natural raw materials such as marble dust, lime and pigments — an unexpectedly eco-friendly building material for anyone interested in sustainable building and renovation.
Low VOCs
Those same natural raw materials mean lower volatile organic compound levels than other finish materials, helping to ensure fresh air inside your home or business.
Insulation capabilities
Decorative plaster finishes can enhance the thermal insulation of a space, as well as helping to mitigate sound infiltrating from outdoors or from adjoining rooms.
A joint-free surface
Create a visually compelling surface free of joints. The eye moves effortlessly up and down and side to side, taking in the texture and undulating colour effects.
Unparalleled elegance
For centuries decorative plaster created elegant interiors in the palaces of the world, from the Winter Palace to Versailles. That same elegance is achievable in your own home.
The case for plaster finishes
Lime plasters have a history dating back to the time of the Caesars. They remain an in-demand material due to their durability, flexibility and the stunning results they can produce. A plaster finish can be subtle or overt, bold or nuanced, thoroughly modern or as classical as the Pantheon.
Licata plaster finishes fit neatly into a tradition nearly as old as Western civilisation itself, and are produced with the same care and thoughtfulness displayed by our ancient predecessors. In a world where we are constantly urged to accept the artificial, decorative plaster finishes are a timeless reminder that craft never goes out of style.
With Licata plaster finishes you can choose the colour, the degree of texture and the lustre, or lack of it, in the finished product. Elegant Georgian townhouses, ultra-minimalist modern homes and every style in between can benefit from a decorative plaster finish, whether in the bathroom, kitchen, living room or elsewhere.
When you choose Licata plaster renders you choose
To talk through the options for your project, contact our team on 0333 355 2075 or request samples of any finish in the range.
Quality products you can trust
Licata Building Systems is a leading Italian supplier of building materials, products and solutions for facades and interior surfaces. We have six branches and showrooms across the UK, all stocking our extensive product range.
Frequently asked questions
What is interior decorative paint, and how does it differ from regular paint?
Interior decorative paint is a versatile paint designed to create unique textures, patterns or artistic effects on walls, ceilings and furniture. Unlike standard wall finish options, these decorative finishes add character and depth to interiors, making spaces more visually appealing.
A water-based paint with special pigments can be used to transform a room with bold metallics, soft matte tones or textured layers. These finishes are suitable for various surfaces, offering a range of styles from subtle elegance to antique aesthetics.
Can decorative paints be used on surfaces other than walls?
Yes. Decorative paints are not limited to walls — they are widely used on ceilings, furniture, doors and even facades. These versatile paints allow the style and character of a room to extend beyond traditional wallpaper or flat coatings.
A rustic textured finish can achieve a warm, aged look on wooden furniture, while a high-gloss coat adds a modern touch to kitchen cabinets. The durability of these materials makes them a suitable choice for both residential and commercial interiors.
How durable are decorative paint finishes?
A well-applied decorative finish is more durable than standard wallpaper and resists tear, wear and everyday damage. The quality of the materials, the number of coats and proper substrate preparation all contribute to its longevity.
For high-traffic interiors, choosing a suitable finish such as a satin or matte texture helps maintain a fresh appearance over time. Advances in lime-based plasters and water-based paints also provide better resistance to moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Are decorative paints suitable for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes. Many decorative finishes are specially formulated to handle moisture and wear, making them suitable for spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen. These paints often include natural minerals or synthetic resins that resist mould and imperfections caused by humidity.
A lime-based plaster or water-based paint can be a great option, offering both breathability and durability. Some decorative coatings also include pigments that help mask imperfections, ensuring a long-lasting finish that stays vibrant despite exposure to steam or grease.
How do I choose the right decorative paint for my project?
The best decorative finish for your project depends on the surface, the room function and the style you want to achieve. A textured plaster finish works well for a traditional antique look, while metallic coatings add a bold, modern touch.
If you need a durable option for high-traffic interiors, opt for a high-quality paint with added tear and wear resistance. Sampling different finishes on a substrate before committing to a full wall finish helps professionals and DIYers alike make the best choice.
Can I apply decorative paint myself, or should I hire a professional?
Some decorative paint techniques are simple enough for DIY application, but complex finishes such as Venetian plaster or textured layers may require a professional for the best results. Proper substrate preparation is key to ensuring the finish adheres well and lasts.
For small projects, water-based paints with ready-mixed pigments can achieve stunning effects. However, hiring a skilled painter ensures high quality and prevents visible imperfections, especially on large-scale interiors or commercial facades.
Planning a decorative finish?
Tell us about the space, the light and the effect you are after, and we will recommend the right finish and arrange samples.