Difference Between Microcement & Venetian Plaster
When we think of contemporary surface finishes, one of the first things to come to mind is a hand-applied render or plaster — beautifully textured, seamless, and minimal. But what many don’t realise is that this look isn’t achieved with just one material. There are actually two key options that can deliver it; microcement and Venetian plaster. While they can appear similar at first glance, each has distinct qualities that affect how they perform and what kind of finish they produce — making your choice an important one.
Microcement is a cement-based material known for its versatility in both function and design. Pioneered by SEMCO surface engineers in 1991, it marked a new era in surface innovation. An alternative to concrete, it offers the same industrial aesthetic and strength without the bulk or structural constraints. Its versatility allows it to be applied onto almost any surface both indoors and out — floors, walls, ceilings, and even furniture. It performs especially well in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors.
In contrast, Venetian plaster is an ancient lime-based material. It can be applied to a variety of interior surfaces (excluding floors) such as walls, ceilings, and select furniture accents.
Similarities between microcement and Venetian plaster
Both considered premium surface treatments, microcement and Venetian plaster share some similarities, especially when it comes to visual impact.
They both offer rich texture and depth that go far beyond what traditional paint or basic plaster can achieve, often showcasing subtle tonal shifts and hand-applied trowel patterns that create a sense of movement across the surface.
Both materials also allow for a high degree of customization in terms of color and texture, and their application processes share a relatively similar approach — each is built up gradually in fine, hand-troweled layers.
Differences between microcement and Venetian plaster
The differences between the two come down to factors outside of aesthetics — namely in application versatility and product strength. Here’s a breakdown of the areas where microcement and Venetian plaster differ, and in which instances one is better than the other.
Pricing: The cost of hand-applied finishes will vary based on factors like project size, the area you’re surfacing, and the condition of the base material (substrate). So, there isn’t an easy comparison per square foot. Both microcement and plaster offer cost advantages depending on the situation. For instance, microcement can be applied directly over existing tiles, making it a budget-friendly option for tile resurfacing. On the other hand, for something smaller like a feature wall, Venetian plaster might be the more economical choice — especially if you're tackling the application yourself (more on this below).
Durability: Both are decorative finishes, but microcement also offers superior durability due to its cement base. This makes it suitable for heavy foot traffic areas like floors, unlike Venetian plaster which is best kept to walls. Think of microcement as more similar in composition to concrete. But, thanks to its flexible composition, microcement is also less prone to cracking — whereas Venetian plaster may require maintenance over time as the underlying surface shifts and causes cracks.
Substrate Suitability: Venetian plaster is suitable for use on porous surfaces like treated plasterboard, brickwork, cement sheeting, and concrete. In contrast, microcement can be applied directly over most solid materials.
External Application: Venetian plaster is not recommended in external areas, while microcement products can be. X-Bond is designed to withstand all climates and conditions, including extreme heat, UV, and rain.
Waterproofing: Each material is treated with a sealant to make the surface resistant to moisture and easy to clean. However, only microcement can be made completely waterproof, making it suitable for direct contact or submersion in water in areas such as showers, sinks, and swimming pools. Be careful though; not all microcement products have this ability (SEMCO X-Bond does!).
DIY Efficiency: While a few businesses offer microcement kits for DIY use, the majority of suppliers provide it exclusively to professional applicators. This is because achieving a high-quality finish requires technical expertise — particularly since microcement is often used in demanding areas like floors, bathrooms, and curved or custom surfaces where precision and waterproofing are essential. For homeowners tackling a DIY project, Venetian plaster tends to be a more approachable option, as it’s typically applied to simple, flat interior surfaces.
With their shared ability to transform a space with minimalistic beauty and texture, as well as their equally luxurious and high-end reputation, both microcement and Venetian plaster are excellent choices for achieving beautiful-looking contemporary surfaces.
In terms of their differences; Venetian plaster is a more traditional DIY-friendly approach vertical interior surfacing, while microcement stands out when it comes to versatility and durability. Its widespread internal and external applications cover flooring, walls, ceilings, joinery, facades, flat rooftops, showers, pools, the list goes on — as well as remodeling a wide range of old substrates, from tiles to stone and wood.
Ultimately, the right choice between microcement and Venetian plaster depends on your project’s specific needs, including the type of surface, exposure to moisture, and whether you’re budgeting for professional installation.
If you’ve decided to give microcement your vote, inquire now about X-Bond. It’s been tried, trusted, and loved around the world for longer than any other product.