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Yelyzaveta Prokopenko
Aug 28
4 min read

Updated: Sep 23

and Why Polished Plaster is the Ultimate Luxury Finish for Pool & Spa Areas.

When designing an indoor pool, spa, or a dedicated wellness area, the initial thought often gravitates towards tiling. It's the conventional, trusted choice for its water resistance and practicality. But what if your vision extends beyond the purely functional? This is where the ancient art of polished plaster steps in.

Venetian Plaster and Water: Best friends or Enemies?

"Waterproof” usually means that a material is impervious to water and water is not able to go through the material. The material may be waterproof on its own or may require a sealant to make it waterproof.

On the other hand, “water-resistant” means that a material repels some water but not all. Materials that are water-resistant will repel water to a point. After some time, water may soak or seep through the material.

While some Venetian plaster is water-resistant and ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, spas, and swimming pool surrounds, space that experience an occasional water splashes. However, we do not recommend it for inside shower enclosures.

The main reason that polished plaster is not waterproof is that it’s made with lime. Lime is a natural material that gives polished plaster its breathable quality. While this quality can be a benefit in some cases, when used in wet areas, without sealants, the plaster can become damaged.

Working on a pool ceiling.

This August, we had the privilege of transforming a pool room as part of our Residential Project in Burwood Park, converting what was a standard space with gypsum board walls into a luminous and reflective space.

Our chosen solution was a classic Italian plaster: Marmorino Pasta Media 0.4k. Applied by our skilled artisans over the prepared gypsum substrate, this exquisite material provided the perfect canvas. Marmorino is celebrated for its remarkable durability and its subtly varied appearance, which beautifully mimics the elegance of honed natural stone. The transformation was profound.

Beyond the Tile: Why Venetian Plaster is the Ultimate Luxury Finish for Pool & Spa Areas

When designing an indoor pool, sauna, or spa, the choice of wall finish is critical. For decades, the default option has been tile. It’s functional, water-resistant, and familiar. But what if you want to create a space that transcends the purely functional and enters the realm of serene, seamless luxury?

1. Venetian polished plaster is breathable and has a high pH, making the plaster inhibit the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria common in damp, wet environments. This process of "breathing" helps regulate humidity and prevents moisture-related damage to the underlying structure.

You may use a solvent-based paraffin wax to protect the surface; however, it’s best to first ply a water-repellent product first and then apply the wax over this.

And as always, it’s best to consult with an expert to get their advice on how to make the surface waterproof.

But it is also:

Seamless, Grout-Free Beauty The aesthetic appeal is undeniable. A continuous plaster surface creates a sense of calm and spaciousness that is impossible to achieve with tiles. But it alsp gives you the freedom to experiment and be creative.

Durability and Longevity Lime plaster cures through a process called carbonation, where it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and turns back into limestone (calcium carbonate). It becomes incredibly hard and durable over time, making it resistant to knocks and scrapes. It’s a finish that is truly built to last.

What Kind of Plasters are Suitable for Wet Areas?

Not all decorative plasters are created equal. For high-humidity zones like pools and saunas, you must use a genuine lime-based plaster.

Marmorino: As used in this project, it contains fine marble dust and slaked lime. It's perfect for creating smooth, stone-like finishes with subtle movement. It must be sealed with a suitable protective soap or wax for added water repellency in splash zones.
Tadelakt: This is the ultimate in waterproof lime plaster. Originating from Morocco and traditionally used in hammams (steam baths), Tadelakt is painstakingly troweled, polished with a stone, and sealed with olive oil soap. The process creates a chemical reaction that makes the surface highly water-repellent and gives it a unique, undulating sheen. It is suitable for showers and areas with direct water contact.

Case Studies & Inspiration

The use of lime plasters in bathing areas is not a new trend, but a revival of ancient techniques.

Ancient Roman Baths: The Romans extensively used a form of polished plaster (stucco) in their magnificent bathhouses for its durability and beauty.
Moroccan Hammams: For centuries, Tadelakt has been the material of choice for creating the iconic, seamless interiors of Moroccan steam rooms.
Modern Luxury Spas: High-end spas and hotels worldwide are increasingly using plaster to create serene, organic, and healthy environments for their guests.