Limewash, microcement and Venetian plaster: how they differ, and where Mineral Finish fits

What is limewash?

Limewash is a traditional way of finishing walls. Made from lime mixed with water and brushed on thinly, it gives a chalky, matt surface with light and dark clouds that follow the brushstrokes. You see it often in old houses around the Mediterranean and across Europe.

The charm of limewash is its soft, uneven surface. As the light changes, the wall changes with it, like linen that looks good precisely because it hasn't been ironed flat.

What is microcement?

Microcement is a cement-based material mixed with polymers and trowelled on thinly, one layer at a time. It works on both walls and floors. Its selling point is a continuous, seamless surface, like a single sheet, and it usually needs a sealing coat.

Microcement takes skill with a trowel and is usually done by specialist applicators. The result is a smooth, modern, plaster-like surface.

What is Venetian plaster?

Venetian plaster is an Italian plaster, usually lime-based and often mixed with marble dust. It is trowelled on in many thin layers, then polished until smooth and glossy, giving a look close to polished marble.

It is meticulous, time-consuming work, suited to walls you want to look luxurious and glossy rather than raw and matt.

Where Voqe Mineral Finish fits among the three

To put it plainly: Voqe Mineral Finish is not microcement, and it is not Venetian plaster. It is a limewash-style mineral paint containing natural minerals, with a matt finish that gives the texture and depth of a European plastered wall.

What makes it easier to use is that you apply it with a large brush, a roller or a sponge, with no trowel needed. Each set comes in two tones, a Light Shade and a Shadow Shade, applied in alternating, criss-crossing directions until a pattern forms. The system is 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of Mineral Finish. It works on interior and exterior walls, is Low VOC, breathable and mould-resistant.

It comes in 38 shades: Set 2QT at ฿1,180 and Set 2GL at ฿2,998. Finish with Mineral Sealer, a clear satin coat, or Mineral Wax, a clear semi-gloss coat for interiors.

Microcement, limewash, Venetian plaster and Mineral Finish at a glance

Start with the look you want, then decide whether you'd rather do it yourself or hire an applicator. If you want a matt, layered surface like limewash and want to be able to apply it yourself, Mineral Finish is the most direct route.

• Limewash: lime-based, applied with a brush, cloudy matt finish
• Microcement: cement-based, trowelled on, seamless surface on walls and floors, usually needs sealing
• Venetian plaster: lime-based plaster, trowelled on in several layers, polished to a sheen
• Voqe Mineral Finish: matt, limewash-style mineral paint in two tones, applied with a brush, roller or sponge, interior and exterior, 38 shades