Lime Plaster: The Epitome of Organic Elegance

While all are mineral-based finishes, the term Lime Plaster (often used broadly) is distinct in its composition and aesthetic outcome compared to Venetian Plaster, Roman Clay, and Limewash.

Lime plaster is a mid-range, traditional plaster made from aged lime putty and marble dust. It offers a velvety matte-to-soft-sheen finish with genuine hand-troweled depth. It is breathable and applied in thicker coats than limewash, yielding substantial texture.

The aesthetic signature of a traditional Lime Plaster lies in its perfect balance between texture and light:

Our Lime Plaster application is a meticulous, multi-step process that blends careful substrate preparation with superior artisanal skill, ensuring a finish that is both beautiful and structurally sound.

We begin with an in-depth consultation to understand your aesthetic vision and the unique surfaces in your space. We guide you through custom colour options inspired by Farrow & Ball, Benjamin Moore, or natural mineral tones. We also specify the correct technique (Matte Lime Plaster, Marmorino, or Polished Venetian) based on the room’s function and desired finish complexity.

Lime Plaster requires a stable, absorbent, and alkaline-resistant surface. We meticulously prep the area, applying a specialized mineral primer (the base layer) that ensures optimal adhesion and creates the necessary “key” for the plaster. Uneven surfaces or drywall are reinforced to create the perfect foundation for dimensional plaster work.

The Lime Plaster is applied in two or more layers, building up its strength, depth, and texture. Each layer is carefully troweled and refined by hand. This multi-coat process is essential for achieving the subtle tonal variation and substantial feel unique to traditional plaster.

This is where the artisanal mastery is evident. Depending on the finish:

• Matte Finishes: The final coat is compressed lightly with a trowel to achieve a smooth, matte surface with subtle movement.
• Polished Finishes (Venetian): The surface is troweled repeatedly under pressure as it dries, compressing the mineral aggregate to achieve the desired high sheen and luminous, marble-like effect.

The finished surface is treated with a specialized sealant (e.g., natural wax or low-VOC sealer) to protect the finish and enhance durability, especially in areas like powder rooms or kitchens. Lime Plaster continues to cure and harden by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air over several weeks, developing a durable and lasting patina.

Lime Plaster and Venetian Plaster are high-end, artisanal wall finishes, and the investment reflects the level of specialized craftsmanship and premium material quality.

In the Toronto and GTA market, the cost of Lime Plaster installation typically ranges from $25 to $45 per square foot, though this can vary significantly based on complexity.

Key Factors Influencing the Price of Lime Plaster:

• Finish Type & Sheen: Polished finishes like Venetian Plaster (Stucco Veneziano) require more layers, finer materials, and significantly more labor/time spent on burnishing than matte lime plasters.
• Surface Complexity: Detailed areas like niches, curved walls, tight corners, and intricate features drastically increase the time and skill required, resulting in higher labour costs.
• Substrate Preparation: Surfaces that require extensive repair, reinforcement, or restructuring (e.g., converting standard drywall for a polished finish) will increase the upfront price.
• Project Scale: Larger, continuous surface areas often benefit from a lower per-square-foot rate than many small, fragmented areas.