Venetian plaster and polished plaster, handmade in Christchurch
Lime and marble finishes applied by hand, layer by layer, by Darko Ponjiger: Venetian plaster applicator since 2001 and a certified decorative finishes trainer, trained in Europe in the original Italian techniques.
Move across the wall to see how polished plaster catches the light
- 25 yearsapplying Italian decorative finishes
- Certified trainerQualified to train other decorative finishes applicators
- Since 2001Venetian plaster applicator
- European trainedWorked across Western Europe and New Zealand
What is Venetian plaster?
Venetian plaster is a traditional Italian wall finish made from lime and finely crushed marble. It's applied with a steel trowel in several thin layers, then burnished by hand until the surface takes on depth, movement and a soft sheen.
As the lime cures it slowly hardens back towards stone, which is why a well-made Venetian wall feels cool and solid to the touch and lasts for decades. Because it's mineral rather than plastic, it also lets the wall breathe.
In New Zealand you'll often hear it called polished plaster. It's the same family of finishes. "Venetian" refers to the Italian tradition, and "polished" describes the burnished surface.
No two walls come out the same. Every applicator has their own hand, and that signature is part of what you're buying.
Venetian and polished plaster finishes we apply
We work with leading Italian brands including Oikos, Novacolor and San Marco. Every finish can be tinted, and we make a sample in your colour before any work starts.
Polished plaster exampleMarble Venetian plaster
The classic. Smooth, high-polish lime and marble with deep, cloud-like movement. Suits whole rooms, feature walls and fireplaces.
Marmorino exampleMarmorino
A softer lime finish with a satin to matte look and a fine, natural texture. Calm and understated.
Stucco exampleStucco
Traditional Italian stucco with a gentle sheen. Elegant in entrances, stairwells and hospitality spaces.
Ottocento exampleOttocento
A velvet-like metallic finish with a soft shimmer that shifts from subtle to rich as the light moves. Our most requested finish.
Travertino
The banded look of Roman travertine stone, without the weight or cost of real stone.
Concrete effect and microcement
Cemento Materico concrete effect and Novacolor microcement. Raw, modern character for homes, offices and retail.
More Italian finishes we apply
Example photos of Italian decorative finishes we apply, supplied by the manufacturer. Our own work is on the projects page.
Homes, fireplaces and commercial spaces
Feature walls
One wall that sets the tone for the whole room.
Living rooms and bedrooms
Whole rooms in a single calm, layered finish.
Fireplaces
A natural centrepiece. Plaster suits the warmth and the light.
Entrances and stairwells
First impressions, and walls people actually touch.
Ceilings
A subtle sheen overhead that lifts the whole space.
Bathrooms
Walls away from direct water. We'll advise on your space.
Retail fitouts
Finishes that suit luxury brands and boutique stores.
Hotels, cafés and offices
Foyers, receptions and feature areas built to impress.
From consultation to finished wall
Consultation
We visit, look at the space and the light, and talk through the look you want.
Custom sample
We make a sample board in your finish and colour so you can see it in your own home.
Preparation
The wall must be sound and smooth. We check it and prepare it properly before any plaster goes on.
Handmade application
Thin layers applied and burnished by hand, then finished and protected.
Applied by the person who trains other applicators
- Certified trainer. Darko is qualified to train other decorative finishes applicators. He teaches the techniques he uses on your walls.
- European trained. He trained in Europe in the original Italian techniques and worked on prestigious developments and hotels across Western Europe.
- 25 years on the tools. A Venetian plaster applicator since 2001, leading every decorative job personally.
- A sample first. You see your finish and colour before we start.
- Workmanship warranty. Our workmanship is covered, and we give you simple care advice.
Venetian and polished plaster in Canterbury
Dark and gold polished plaster fireplace wall, Cashmere Hill
A floor-to-ceiling fireplace and TV wall in dark polished plaster with gold highlights.
Ottocento velvet metallic feature wall, Darfield
Ottocento wrapping a lit TV niche and the wall beside it, with a soft metallic shimmer.
Travertino Romano interior columns, Cashmere Hill
Interior columns and fireplace surround in Travertino Romano stone effect.
Caring for Venetian plaster
Venetian plaster is easy to live with. Dust it with a soft dry cloth, and wipe marks gently with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaning products, which can dull the surface.
A well-applied finish lasts for many years. How long depends on how it's treated, so we give every client simple care advice when the job is done. If a small area is ever damaged, it can usually be repaired by hand.
Venetian plaster questions
Is Venetian plaster in style in 2026?
Yes. Textured, mineral wall finishes are one of the strongest interior trends right now, and Venetian plaster is the classic of the group. Because it's handmade with natural materials, it doesn't date the way a trend colour does.
What's the difference between Venetian plaster and polished plaster?
They're the same family of finishes. "Venetian" refers to the Italian tradition the technique comes from, and "polished plaster" describes the burnished surface. In New Zealand both names are used.
What's the difference between real Venetian plaster and a faux finish?
Traditional Venetian plaster is made from lime and crushed marble, and it hardens back towards stone as it cures. Faux finishes are acrylic paints or tinted compounds made to imitate the look. They lack the depth, breathability and lifespan of the real material.
Can it go over my existing walls?
Usually, yes. Plasterboard, existing plaster and painted walls can all take Venetian plaster, as long as the surface is sound, smooth and properly prepared. We check this at the consultation.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size of the area and the finish. Each layer needs time to dry before the next, so even a single feature wall takes more than one day. We'll give you a timeframe with your quote.
Can I choose my own colour?
Yes. Every finish can be tinted, and we make a sample board in your chosen colour so you can see it in your own light before we start.
Are the materials eco-friendly?
Our main decorative finishes are Italian, made with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and indoor wellbeing. We work with Oikos, Novacolor and San Marco.
How much does Venetian plaster cost?
Every wall is handmade to order, so the price depends on the area, the finish you choose and the condition of the walls. We price each job after a consultation and a sample.
Can Venetian plaster go in a bathroom?
Bathroom walls away from direct water can work well, and we'll advise on your space at the consultation. For showers and other areas with constant water, we'll recommend a more suitable option.
Do you do Venetian plaster outside Christchurch?
Yes. We cover all of Canterbury, and travel to Auckland, Queenstown and Wānaka for Venetian plaster and Italian decorative finishes.
Talk to us about Venetian plaster
Tell us about the wall or room you have in mind. We'll get back to you to arrange a consultation and sample.
- Mobile
- 022 425 8427
- Landline
- 03 377 1781
- info@walldecorltd.co.nz
- Based in
- Wigram, Christchurch