Custom Wall Finishes

Venetian plaster is the most recognized and requested of our custom wall finishes. Originating in Renaissance-era Italy, Venetian plaster is made from slaked lime putty and fine marble dust. Heritage Coatings applies Venetian plaster in three to five thin layers, each one troweled on by hand and allowed to partially cure before the next is applied. Between layers, the surface is sanded, smoothed, and burnished with specialized steel trowels. The final burnishing step compresses the layers together and brings out a natural sheen that ranges from a soft satin glow to a deep, mirror-like polish depending on the technique and the number of burnishing passes. The finished surface has incredible depth because you are literally looking through multiple translucent layers of material, each one catching and reflecting light slightly differently. Venetian plaster can be applied in virtually any color, from pure whites and warm ivories to deep charcoals, rich earth tones, and bold jewel tones. We can also create custom effects including marbling, color washing, metallic highlights, and two-tone blending. The material itself is naturally alkaline, which means it resists mold and mildew growth, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and humid environments.

Clay plaster offers a completely different aesthetic. Where Venetian plaster is smooth, polished, and reflective, clay plaster is warm, organic, textured, and matte. Made from natural earth clays, fine aggregates, and plant fibers, clay plaster creates a soft, tactile surface with subtle color variations that come from the natural pigments in the clay itself. Heritage Coatings applies clay plaster in two to three coats, building up a surface that feels connected to the natural world. Clay plaster is breathable, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture to help regulate indoor humidity levels, a property that is particularly valuable in Montana where indoor air can become extremely dry during the winter heating season. It is also non-toxic, contains no volatile organic compounds, and is one of the most environmentally sustainable wall finish options available. Clay plaster works beautifully in bedrooms, living rooms, meditation spaces, and any environment where a sense of calm and natural warmth is desired.

Microcement wall systems represent the modern end of our custom wall finish spectrum. Microcement applied to walls creates a seamless, joint-free surface with a contemporary, industrial-inspired aesthetic that is popular in modern and minimalist design. Unlike Venetian plaster, which has visible trowel marks and depth, microcement walls have a more uniform, consistent appearance. Heritage Coatings applies wall microcement in multiple thin layers over existing drywall, tile, plaster, or concrete block. The surface is sealed with a protective topcoat that provides water resistance, stain resistance, and durability. Microcement walls are particularly popular in bathrooms and showers where the seamless, grout-free surface eliminates the mold and maintenance issues associated with traditional tile and grout. We offer microcement in a wide range of colors and can create smooth or lightly textured finishes depending on the desired look. Microcement walls pair beautifully with microcement floors, creating a continuous seamless environment that is both striking and easy to maintain.

Beyond our three core wall finish categories, Heritage Coatings offers specialty decorative techniques including metallic plasters that incorporate real metal particles for a shimmering, light-catching effect, textured stucco finishes for exterior and interior accent walls, lime wash finishes that create a soft, chalky patina with subtle color variation, and custom multi-color layering techniques that can replicate the look of natural stone, aged leather, or weathered surfaces. Our technicians can combine techniques to create completely custom effects tailored to your design vision.

The materials Heritage Coatings uses for custom wall finishes are professional-grade products sourced from established manufacturers with long track records in architectural finishing. Our Venetian plaster is genuine lime-based material, not the acrylic imitations sold at home improvement stores. Our microcement is a polymer-modified cement system designed for long-term adhesion and durability. Our clay plasters are natural earth products formulated for consistent application and lasting performance. We do not cut corners on materials because the quality of the material directly determines the quality and longevity of the finished surface.

Custom wall finishes require skill and experience to apply correctly. Unlike painting, which can be learned in an afternoon, applying Venetian plaster, microcement, or clay plaster requires understanding how the material behaves at different temperatures and humidity levels, how to control the thickness and texture of each layer, how to achieve consistent color across large surfaces, and how to burnish or seal the finished surface to the desired sheen level. Heritage Coatings technicians are trained in these techniques and have completed projects ranging from single accent walls to entire home interiors and commercial spaces.

Pricing for custom wall finishes starts at approximately $12 per square foot, with the final cost depending on the finish type, the number of layers, the complexity of the surface, and any custom color matching or specialty techniques involved. Venetian plaster and metallic finishes tend to be at the higher end of the price range due to the labor-intensive multi-layer application and burnishing process. Microcement walls are generally in the middle of the range. Clay plaster and lime wash are typically the most affordable options. All custom wall finishes from Heritage Coatings include surface preparation, material, labor, and sealing. We provide free consultations with on-site sample demonstrations so you can see and feel the actual finish before committing.

Montana homes present specific considerations for custom wall finishes. The dry winter climate means that lime-based plasters cure at a different rate than they would in more humid environments, and our technicians adjust their application timing and technique accordingly. The dramatic temperature swings between summer and winter can cause building materials to expand and contract, so proper substrate preparation and flexible application techniques are essential to prevent cracking. Heritage Coatings has applied custom wall finishes in Montana homes through every season and understands how to deliver lasting results in this climate.

Custom wall finishes serve homeowners who want a distinctive, high-quality interior that stands apart from standard painted walls. They are popular with interior designers and architects specifying finishes for luxury homes, boutique hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, spas, and professional offices. Vacation rental owners in Big Sky and Whitefish use Venetian plaster and microcement to create memorable interiors that photograph beautifully and drive premium nightly rates. Commercial clients including restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces use our wall finishes to create branded environments that impress customers.

Custom wall finishes from Heritage Coatings are built to last. Venetian plaster and microcement walls are extremely hard and durable once fully cured, resisting scratches, scuffs, and moisture for decades. Maintenance is minimal. Dust with a soft cloth, wipe with a damp cloth for deeper cleaning, and avoid abrasive cleaners. Sealed finishes can be refreshed with a new topcoat after many years if desired, without removing the existing plaster layers.

Heritage Coatings provides custom wall finishes throughout Montana, including Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, Great Falls, Billings, Butte, Big Sky, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Livingston. We bring samples to your location for in-person consultations so you can see colors and textures in your actual lighting conditions. Call Heritage Coatings at (406) 438-4288 for a free consultation, or book online to schedule a sample demonstration at your home or project site.