Polished plaster: A definitive guide on the sophisticated textured finish

When a new build or renovation is completed, it can be easy to focus on the bigger things: the remodelled kitchen, the new appliances, an inviting pool or a newly landscaped garden. But often it’s the smaller details that really make a home stand out – like surface finishes.

Surface finishes provide the final touches to the place – they enhance the architecture while also protecting surfaces to ensure longevity. Wall finishes are some of the most well-known and prominently visible finishes in a completed home – so it’s important to get them right.

Polished plaster is one such example, where if executed correctly, it can instantly make a space look sophisticated and clean, replicating the timeless beauty of polished natural stone. Ambitec, one of New Zealand’s premier most experienced practitioners of this stunning finish, is well known across the country for its subtle and distinctive takes on polished plaster.

But Ambitec directors Paul and Wendy Nannestad know that a lot of Kiwis are relatively unfamiliar with the finish – so ArchiPro sat down with them to discuss the ins and outs of polished plaster: its benefits, the settings it is ideal for, and Ambitec’s key services surrounding the finish.

ArchiPro: What is polished plaster?

Wendy Nannestad: Polished plaster is a natural lime-based or synthetic-based surface finish which replicates the organic beauty of polished natural stone.

Traditionally known by many names, including Venetian plaster, Venetian stucco, Marmorino, Carrara, Spatulata, Travertine, or Tadelakt. It is trowelled onto a suitable substrate in multiple coats, and can be honed, floated or burnished to create a smooth almost glass-like plaster finish.

AP: How do Ambitec Polished Plasters differ to Venetian Plaster?

Paul Nannestad: Ambitec polished plasters are applied with the same traditional methods as Venetian plaster by hand via a trowel or roller in multiple layers in which textures can be enhanced or reduced.

Ambitec’s bespoke range of interior polished plaster finishes are modern interpretations of the Venetian lime-based plasters which have been developed by us for the New Zealand market. They consist of an acrylic/resin base with marble and stone particulates and water and can be honed to create the desired level of polish from matte to gloss. 

Through its excellent adhesion and elastic properties, Ambitec plasters make for an extremely durable finish and can be applied to walls, ceilings and cabinetry.

AP: Tell me about the three Ambitec polished plaster systems.

WN: Ambitec offers three bespoke interior polished plaster systems.

Suave, our contemporary minimalist plaster, can be tinted from white to black and a range of brights and can be applied in a two-tone colour combination. Tierrafino is our more rustic traditional plaster combined with natural clay and aggregate and is available in more natural tones. Bone China is a decorative plaster with an eggshell effect most commonly in white.

Both Suave and Tierrafino can be applied in a range of textures, be honed from a low to a high-grade polish and can be executed in our corrugate finishes.

AP: What substrates can Ambitec Polished Plasters be installed on?

PN: Suitable substrates for in-situ applications are all types of plasterboard or cement boards stopped to a level four finish, concrete tilt slab panels after hoist holes and any damage are made good, blockwork with a 10cm skim coat of cement-based plaster and metal work can also be coated.

If using MDF panels, this needs to be discussed first as there are strict guidelines for construction and installation that needs to be adhered to. Any previously decorated surfaces need to have the existing finish removed, or have a pigmented sealer applied.

AP: Can you apply Ambitec Polished Plasters to cabinetry and doors?

Yes, Ambitec polished plasters can be applied to cabinetry, doors, POS counters and furniture. 

As these are high use areas, we always advise that these items are coated in a clear surface sealer to provide extra protection.

AP: How durable are Ambitec Polished Plasters?

PN: Due to their formulation, Ambitec's polished plasters are extremely flexible and durable, able to withstand knocks and general wear and tear. However if there is ever a scratch or a chip, it easy to repair. 

This can be carried out by following the steps in our Care Guide or depending on the level of the damage, call our team to asses and we can either patch or refinish the surface. 

AP: How thick is the build-up of Ambitec Polished Plasters?

PN: A finished Suave or Bone China surface is approximately 1-1.5mm thick. For Tierrafino, allow for a 1.5-2mm thickness. If applying to joinery, allow 0.5mm for the edges of cabinetry and doors.

Ambitec polished plasters cannot be used to fill cracks or gaps. Imperfections, visible fixings or joins in the substrates will always print through the polished plaster.

AP: Can Ambitec Polished Plasters be used in wet areas?

PN: Ambitec polished plasters can be used in areas such as laundries, bathrooms and kitchens - but cannot be used in shower cubicles, wet areas or areas that are affected directly by water or where water can pool.

We always coat our finished plaster walls & ceilings with a clear penetrating or surface sealer in these types of installations to mitigate moisture and aid in cleaning.

AP: How do I care for my Ambitec Polished Plaster surfaces?

WN: Use a clean dry microfibre cloth for normal dusting. To remove scuff marks, use a slightly damp microfibre cloth and gently rub over the marks in a circular movement.

For more persistent scuff marks, a small amount of clear glass and surface cleaner sprayed onto the damp cloth can also be used. Deeper scratches can be removed by light circular sanding.

If there is no skirting installed, extreme care should be taken when washing hard floors; avoid mops rubbing against the bottom edge of the interior surface finish as eventually a discoloured track will appear.

Never use any spirits; thinners; wax or furniture oil to remove stains or scuff marks on Ambitec interior finishes.

AP: Why should people work with Ambitec?

WN: Ambitec has been involved in the high-end residential and commercial interiors industry for over 20 years and is more than just an interior polished plaster installation company. We are design-led, innovative and work closely with architects, designers and homeowners alike to achieve the perfect finish, look and feel for their interior spaces.

We have developed our own label of boutique plaster finishes and have an exclusive supply chain of manufacture to installation New Zealand-wide. Along with our own in-house team of skilled applicators, we have in-house product development capabilities, plus our growing team of nationwide certified Ambitec installers.

Learn more about Ambitec and its polished plaster offering.