Textures

Textured Polished Plaster — Create Depth with Pitted, Travertine & Dragged Finishes

Textured plasters are where you move away from smooth, polished surfaces and into something with more character and tactile interest. Made from ready-mixed lime paste with medium marble grains, these plasters are designed to create matt, textured effects such as pitted stone, travertine, and dragged finishes. If you want walls that look and feel hand-crafted, this is your starting point.

What Makes Textured Plaster Different?

Unlike smooth polished plasters like Marmorino or Lucidato, textured plasters are all about surface variation. The medium marble grains create natural depth and irregularity, and the application technique determines the final look — whether that's the organic pitting of natural stone, the linear grain of travertine, or the subtle movement of a dragged finish. The result is a matt surface with real presence.

Popular Textured Effects

Pitted finishes mimic the look of weathered stone with small indentations and surface variation. Travertine effects replicate the linear veining and texture of natural travertine marble. Dragged finishes create directional movement and subtle striations. Each technique requires different trowel work and timing, but the plaster itself is forgiving enough to experiment with.

Where Textured Plasters Work Best

Textured finishes suit spaces where you want warmth and character without high shine. Feature walls in living areas, restaurant interiors, boutique retail, spa environments — anywhere you want that natural, earthy aesthetic. The matte finish also means they're less demanding of lighting and substrate preparation than high-gloss options.

Application & Technique

Textured plasters are more accessible than polished finishes for beginners. The texture itself hides minor imperfections, and you're working with the material rather than fighting it. That said, achieving consistent pitting or clean travertine lines takes practice. Start with sample boards to get a feel for the technique before tackling a full wall.

Need Guidance on Textured Finishes?

If you're not sure which textured plaster suits your project, or you want advice on achieving a specific effect, get in touch. We've worked with these products extensively and can point you toward the right technique and finish for your space.