Microcement & Faux Plaster Walls: The Luxury Alternative to Basic Cement Effects

If you’ve been searching for cement-effect walls, faux plaster finishes, or a modern alternative to paint and wallpaper, you’ve likely come across terms like limewash, textured plaster, Venetian plaster and microcement.

But here’s what most guides won’t tell you:

There is a huge difference between DIY “faux” finishes and professionally installed decorative plaster systems.

At Signature Walls, we specialise in high-end, hand-applied finishes across Surrey, Buckinghamshire and London — creating seamless, tactile surfaces that elevate residential and commercial interiors.

This guide explains the difference, what works, and what doesn’t.

What is a Faux Plaster or cement-effect wall?

• Raw concrete

• Industrial cement

• Venetian plaster

• Limewashed surfaces

• Soft mineral textures

However, there are two very different categories:

1️⃣ Retail / DIY Faux Finishes

These typically involve:

• Textured paint

• Pre-mixed plaster effects

• Decorative rollers or sponges

• Limewash paints

They can create visual interest — but lack depth, durability and true material authenticity.

2️⃣ Professional Decorative Finishes (What We Install)

At Signature Walls, we use:

• Specialist microcement systems

• Lime-based Venetian plasters

• Mineral-based textured finishes

• Resin-modified cement coatings

• Textured paint finishes layered with Venetian plaster

These are applied in multiple stages, hand-trowelled, and sealed for durability.

The result? A finish that looks architectural — not decorative.

Microcement Walls: Seamless Modern Luxury

Microcement is one of the most requested finishes at Signature Walls Amersham showroom.

Unlike painted cement effects, microcement:

• Is applied in ultra-thin layers (2–3mm)

• Bonds to plasterboard, MDF, tiles, or masonry

• Creates seamless finishes with no grout lines

• Is fully sealed and wipeable

• Can be used on walls, floors, bathrooms and furniture

It’s ideal for:

• Open-plan living spaces

• Contemporary renovations

• Fireplace feature walls

• Media walls

• High-end bathrooms

For homeowners in Esher, Cobham, Kingston, Reigate and surrounding areas, it offers that architectural concrete aesthetic without structural changes.

Limewash vs Microcement: What’s the Difference?

Many articles group limewash and cement finishes together, but they behave very differently.

Limewash Paint

• Soft, chalky aesthetic

• Subtle colour variation

• Breathable mineral coating

• Best suited to dry internal walls

• Decorative rather than structural

Venetian Plaster (Lime-Based)

• Hand-trowelled

• Depth and movement

• Can be matte or polished

• Adds natural mineral character

Microcement

• Cementitious and epoxy resin-based system

• Fully sealed and water-resistant

• Stronger, more durable

• Suitable for bathrooms and wet areas

If you’re designing a spa-style bathroom or seamless kitchen wall, microcement is typically the more practical option.

If you want warmth and heritage character, lime plaster may be preferable. You can find examples of both at our Venetian plaster showroom in Amersham.

Why DIY Cement Effect Paint Rarely Looks Premium

Here’s the honest truth.

Retail cement effect paints often:

• Appear flat under natural light

• Lack depth and tonal movement

• Scratch easily

• Can’t be repaired invisibly

• Look obviously “painted on”

Professional decorative plaster finishes are built up in controlled layers, burnished, sealed and cured.

That’s the difference between:

“That’s a nice painted wall.”

And:

“What material is that?”

Where Cement & Plaster Feature Walls Work Best

We most commonly install cement and plaster finishes in:

• Living room feature walls

• Stairwells

• Entrance halls

• Fireplace surrounds

• Media walls

• Boutique hospitality spaces

• Spa areas in hotels

Across Surrey and London, clients are increasingly layering these finishes with:

• Soft furnishings

• Natural stone

• Timber joinery

• Brass detailing

The goal isn’t industrial coldness, it’s controlled texture.

Substrate & Preparation: The Part Most Guides Ignore

Professional plaster finishes and Microcement are only as good as their substrate.

We assess:

• Is the wall plasterboard and skim?

• Is it brick or masonry?

• Is there movement?

• Is there moisture present?

For microcement, surfaces must be stable, flat and properly primed. For lime-based plasters, breathability and background type matter.

This is where most DIY attempts fail.

Why Choose Signature Walls?

We are not decorators applying effect paint.

We are specialist decorative finishers working on:

• High-end residential projects

• Design-led renovations

• Boutique hospitality interiors

From our showroom in Amersham, we service:

• Buckinghamshire

• Surrey

• Greater London

We offer:

• Design consultation

• Sample boards

• On-site surveys

• Fully installed systems

• Durable, tested exterior and interior microcements

Our finishes are selected for longevity,  not trend.

Thinking About a Cement, Microcement or Venetian Plaster Feature Wall?

If you’re considering:

• Cement effect wall finish

• Microcement feature wall

• Venetian plaster alternative

• Limewash interior

• Seamless bathroom wall finish

We recommend booking a consultation to explore samples in person.

Textures must be seen in natural light.

Book a Showroom Visit

Visit our Amersham showroom to experience the difference between paint effects and true decorative plaster systems.

Or schedule a site survey for projects needing Venetian plaster in Surrey, Buckinghamshire and London.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microcement & Cement Effect Walls

What is the difference between microcement and cement-effect paint?

Cement effect paint is a decorative coating designed to mimic concrete visually. Microcement is a multi-layer cementitious system that is hand-applied, sealed, and far more durable. Microcement offers greater depth, strength, and longevity.

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Is microcement suitable for bathrooms?

Yes. Professionally installed and sealed microcement is water-resistant and ideal for bathrooms, wet rooms, and shower enclosures. It creates a seamless, grout-free finish.

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Can microcement be applied over plasterboard?

Yes, provided the plasterboard is stable, properly skimmed, and correctly prepared. Substrate preparation is critical for long-term performance.

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How much does a microcement feature wall cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on size, substrate condition, and finish choice. As a guide, professionally installed microcement feature walls typically reflect specialist craftsmanship and premium materials. We provide detailed quotations following a consultation.

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Is limewash as durable as microcement?

Limewash is a breathable, mineral-based decorative finish with a soft aesthetic. It is less durable than microcement and better suited to low-traffic internal walls.

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Can decorative plaster be repaired?

Minor damage can often be repaired by a specialist, although seamless repair depends on the finish and extent of damage. We always assess repairs individually.

About the Author

This article was written by Peter Salter, Founder of Signature Walls.

With years of specialist experience in microcement, Venetian plaster and decorative finishes, Peter has worked on high-end residential properties and boutique hospitality projects across Surrey, Buckinghamshire and London.

Signature Walls operates from its Amersham showroom, offering consultation-led installations and bespoke finishes.

Experience Microcement in Person

Textures and finishes must be seen in natural light to be truly understood.

Whilst you can see examples of our Surrey and London projects, here on our website gallery, nothing beats seeing it in person, and we have options for that.

Visit our Amersham showroom to explore microcement, Venetian plaster and specialist decorative finishes.

✔ Design consultation
✔ Sample boards available
✔ Site surveys across Surrey, Buckinghamshire & London

Book your consultation today.