Decorative plaster – a popular way to finish walls that adds sophistication and a unique style to the interior. In Ukraine, various types of decorative coatings are available: from classic Venetian plaster to modern microcement or textured relief plasters. The cost of applying these materials depends on the type of coating, the region, the master or company, as well as a number of other factors. Below we will consider current prices for different types of decorative plaster, compare costs in different regions, and provide tips on choosing materials and masters.
Types of decorative plaster and price range
Different types of decorative plasters differ in appearance, application technique, and price for work. Let’s list the most popular types and the approximate cost of their application in Ukraine (price per 1 m² of work, excluding regional fluctuations).
Venetian plaster
An example of a wall finished with Venetian plaster that imitates a marble pattern in calm tones.
Venetian plaster is a classic type of decorative plaster that imitates polished marble with a deep translucent effect. Thanks to the multi-layer application technique, a sense of depth and “backlighting” of the walls from within is created. This material requires high skill: the surface of the walls must be perfectly smooth and primed, and the process itself is very labor-intensive.
Price: Due to the complexity of the work, Venetian plaster is one of the most expensive. The average cost of application ranges from 350–700 UAH/m², with a typical average price being around 500 UAH/m² for standard coverage. In Lviv, for example, after considering all layers, priming, and wax, the final price is about 500 UAH/m². In Kyiv, specialized companies offer Venetian plaster “turnkey” (with materials) from ~630 UAH/m² and above. Exclusive artistic techniques (with veining, panels) can cost significantly more – from 800–1000 UAH/m² and more (Venetian Plaster and Price per m2 of Work in Lviv).
Where it is used: Venetian plaster is most often used in the interiors of living rooms, bedrooms, and halls – where one wants to emphasize luxury or accentuate a wall. It creates a smooth glossy surface with a marble effect, which is appropriate in both classic and modern designs. It is used less frequently in wet rooms, but it is possible if protected with wax or varnish.
Microcement (concrete effect)
A modern interior with an accent wall under “concrete” – microcement provides a uniform seamless coating, popular in loft style.
Microcement is a modern decorative coating based on cement with polymer additives, allowing for a solid concrete surface effect. Microcement forms a seamless layer with a thickness of only 1.5–5 mm, which is an alternative to tiles. It is extremely strong, water-resistant, and wear-resistant, making it suitable even for bathrooms, kitchens, and flooring. Due to its excellent adhesion, it can be applied to any base – concrete, brick, plaster, wood, or tiles.
Price: Microcement belongs to the more expensive decorative materials due to the complexity of the material and the high durability of the coating. Application on walls costs on average ~600–800 UAH/m² (work without the cost of materials). According to Kyiv masters, the price range for plasters with a concrete effect is 300–700 UAH/m², with an average price of ~523 UAH/m² (excluding materials). If ordering a “turnkey” service with materials, expect ~650–930 UAH/m² for walls (depending on the manufacturer of the materials). Microcement for floors is even more expensive due to additional protective layers: specialized companies estimate it from 1800 UAH/m².
Where it is used: Concrete-type coatings are very popular in modern styles – loft, minimalism, industrial. Microcement is used to finish accent walls in living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, as well as floors and even countertops. It creates a monolithic matte surface without seams, which withstands moisture and significant loads. Due to its strength, microcement is suitable for both residential and commercial premises.
Textured (structural) plaster
Textured decorative plasters create a relief pattern on the wall. This includes various types: “bark beetle” and “sheep” (grainy plaster with grooves), “American” (a specific spraying technique), “Marseille wax” (imitation of an antique wall covering with wax), “travertine” (imitation of natural stone), etc. Such coatings can have a coarse or fine texture depending on the tool and material. They are less demanding on the base, as the relief masks small irregularities.
Price: Structural plasters are usually cheaper than Venetian plaster or microcement, as their application is simpler. The most affordable options are techniques like “American” or simple relief patterns, where work can start from 80–200 UAH/m². For example, some masters in Kyiv perform simple decorative plastering of walls from 70–95 UAH/m² (referring to the imitation of texture with regular putty). Typical professional rates for popular textures are as follows:
- “Bark beetle” or “sheep”: on average 200–350 UAH/m². According to offers from masters, the price range for bark beetle is 180–440 UAH/m², with an average of ~295 UAH/m². This is one of the cheapest types of decorative wall finishing.
- Travertine (under stone): 300–750 UAH/m², average ~551 UAH/m². The price is higher because a certain skill is required to create a stone pattern.
- Marseille wax: 450–750 UAH/m², on average ~581 UAH/m². The cost increases due to the use of wax and the multi-layer technique.
- Other decorative effects (crackle – cracks, “Sahara” – sandy shine, Ottocento – silky overflow, etc.): usually 250–650 UAH/m². For example, the “Sahara” effect (silky-sandy coating) can be done from ~560 UAH/m² (work + material).
Where it is used: Textured plasters are extremely versatile. Fine-grained “bark beetles” are often used to finish corridors, kitchens, as well as building facades (they are durable and hide wall defects). More expressive decorative effects, such as “world map” (chaotic crack pattern), travertine, or Marseille wax, are used as accents in the interiors of living rooms, offices, and restaurants. The advantage of structural coatings is their durability and practicality: relief walls are less noticeable for dirt and minor damage, and they are easy to repaint if necessary.
Regional differences in cost and comparison of masters vs companies
The region where the work is performed can affect the price, although the base cost of materials across the country is approximately the same. In large cities (Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Lviv), the rates of masters are slightly higher, as there is higher demand and wage levels. For example, Kyiv teams charge ~500–700 UAH/m² for Venetian plaster, while in a smaller city, you can find a master willing to do the same work for 300–400 UAH/m². In Lviv, the average price for Venetian plaster is also around 500 UAH/m² – that is, at the level of the capital. On online platforms, very low prices are sometimes published (for example, 95 UAH/m² for travertine in Kyiv), but it is important to understand that this is the lowest threshold, often without considering materials and for simpler imitations.
Masters vs companies: The difference in the cost of services between a private master and a construction company can also be significant. Individual masters or small teams often offer a lower price for work, but the client buys the material separately. Companies, on the other hand, may provide a comprehensive service “with materials,” which is convenient but more expensive. For example, a company in Kyiv estimates Venetian plaster at 690 UAH/m² (400 UAH for work + 290 UAH for materials) when using domestic materials (Cost of decorative plaster application per m² | Dreamdecor). The same work from a private master may be quoted as 300–400 UAH/m² for work, but materials (~200–300 UAH/m²) are paid separately – in the end, the savings are minimal.
It is also important to consider quality and reliability: experienced specialists with high ratings may charge a higher price for their services, but they guarantee excellent results. In turn, insufficiently qualified performers sometimes attract attention with low prices, and then add hidden costs during the work process. A typical example is when the price is initially quoted only for the base layer, but separately charges for priming, waxing, additional layers, etc. As a result, the initial price of 300 UAH/m² can easily rise to 500 UAH/m² after considering all stages. Therefore, when choosing a master, be sure to discuss what exactly is included in the estimate.
Factors influencing price formation
The cost of decorative plaster is influenced by several key factors:
- Type and composition of the plaster – different materials have different prices. For example, relief acrylic plasters will be cheaper than thin-layer pearlescent coatings or Venetian plaster based on lime. Natural imported materials (Italian lime plasters, Spanish microcement, etc.) cost more than Ukrainian analogues. According to companies, switching from Ukrainian to European materials can add ~100–150 UAH/m² to the total price.
- Complexity of the technique and design – the more complex the effect planned, the more expensive it will be. A monochrome texture “under silk” will be cheaper than a complex multi-stage rust effect or artistic Venetian plaster with veining. This also includes the use of stencils, hand painting on wet plaster, multi-colored transitions – all of this increases labor intensity and cost. For example, a decorative panel or drawing on plaster can add 100–200 UAH/m² to the base price.
- Color and pigments – saturated bright shades sometimes require more expensive pigments or a greater quantity of them. Dark or deep colors may require an additional layer of material for uniformity. Some pearlescent or metallic effects are achieved with special additives, which also affects the price.
- Area and features of the object – the size of the area being decorated affects the final estimate. Usually, the price per m² decreases with larger volumes of work. For example, in pricing tables, one price is often indicated for areas up to 50 m², and a lower one if the order exceeds 100 m². Thus, Venetian plaster may cost 520 UAH/m² for a small volume, and ~490 UAH/m² for large premises. Complex architecture of the premises (niches, columns, vaults) or very high ceilings also increase labor costs. For work at height, in hard-to-reach places, or small areas, masters may charge a surcharge.
- Qualification of the performer – the services of an experienced master with a good portfolio are valued higher. You pay not only for the material and time but also for skills and quality assurance. As mentioned, the difference can be justified: a professional will do it without defects and faster, while a novice at a lower price may make mistakes, the correction of which will cost more.
Considering all these factors, the client can understand where a particular figure in the estimate comes from. The final price should always be agreed upon in advance, after the master inspects the object and the specific effect and material are chosen. Serious companies often offer free visits and the creation of a sample on a trial board to accurately determine the technology and final cost (Price – Decorative plaster cost per m² in Kyiv | Premier Decor).
Features of the application technology of different plasters
Each type of decorative plaster has its own application technology and requirements for performing the work:
- Venetian plaster – the longest and most complex application. Requires an ideally smooth wall (putty to zero, deep penetration primer). Several thin layers are applied with a Venetian trowel; each layer partially shows through the previous one after drying, creating a deep pattern. The master performs chaotic strokes, pressing the trowel tightly – this achieves the marble pattern. When the last layer dries, the surface is polished with a metal trowel to a gloss. After ~7 days, a protective wax is applied and the wall is polished to shine. As a result, the wall looks like polished stone, “playing” in the light. It is very difficult to master this technique independently – training is required, so it is usually performed by a professional.
- Microcement – the technology includes careful preparation of the base (repairing cracks, priming). Then a base leveling layer is applied (sometimes quartz primer or a special undercoat for adhesion is used). The microcement is applied with a trowel in 2-3 layers: the first layer serves as the texture base, the next ones form the final appearance. It is important to work continuously over areas to avoid seams. After drying, the surface is polished, removing excess roughness. The last step is varnish or polyurethane protection, which protects against moisture and abrasion (especially on floors). Full curing of the coating takes several days, and only after that does it reach maximum strength.
- Textured plaster – application depends on the specific effect, but in general, it is less demanding. The wall is primed, then a wide trowel or float is used to apply a layer of decorative mixture 2-5 mm thick. Relief is created in various ways: some form circular movements with the float (for “sheep”), some roll with a roller or stamp with a pattern, and for some techniques, special brushes, sponges, or toothed trowels are used. For example, for bark beetle plaster, the float is drawn across the applied layer, and quartz grains leave characteristic grooves. The open time for work is small (the mixture sets quickly), but less skill is needed – the texture can be slightly corrected along the way. After drying, relief plaster is often painted or patinated to highlight the texture. Many textured coatings do not require a finishing varnish, except perhaps for wax techniques (Marseille wax is covered with wax for color depth).
General advice: regardless of the type of decorative plaster, proper preparation of the base is of great importance. The wall must be cleaned, cracks filled, leveled, and primed with the appropriate composition. This way, the decorative coating will adhere firmly and evenly. Each layer should be applied only after the previous one has dried, adhering to the recommended time intervals – this affects the final quality and durability of the decor.
Tips for choosing a decorative plaster master
Choosing the right master or company for decorative plastering is the key to getting the expected result without overpayments and disappointments. Here are some tips on how to choose a specialist:
- Review the portfolio of works. Ask for photos or, if possible, inspect in person the objects where the master has done similar plastering. It is important that the performer already has experience with the specific material and technique you have chosen (some specialize in Venetian plaster, others in textured coatings).
- Read reviews and ratings. Look for customer reviews – on the company’s website, on social media, or on services like Kabanchik, Rabotniki, etc. A reliable master will have positive reviews and a high percentage of satisfied clients. This reduces the risk of unsatisfactory performance.
- Agree on a trial sample. If you are unsure about the choice of shade or effect, a good specialist can make a small sample on a piece of drywall or on an inconspicuous area of the wall. This way, you can confirm the result before applying it to the entire area. Serious companies often offer this option for free.
- Clarify the estimate and scope of work. Discuss which specific stages are included in the cost: whether wall priming, application of all layers, finishing protection (wax or varnish), polishing, etc. Fix the price before starting work so that the performer does not unjustifiably increase it during the process. Reliable masters usually do not change the agreed price and do not require prepayment before starting work.
- Pay attention to professionalism in communication. A good master asks clarifying questions, suggests optimal solutions, and can advise on materials (but does not impose unjustifiably expensive ones). If the performer guarantees to “do everything cheaply and quickly” without details – this is a reason to be cautious. An experienced specialist realistically assesses the budget and timelines, and their explanations are clear to the client.
- Check documents and guarantees. When it comes to significant volumes and amounts, it is advisable to conclude an official contract or at least a receipt. Many private masters work without formalities, but you can discuss a warranty period for the completed work (for example, without cracks and peeling for 1-2 years with proper operation). This disciplines the performer to work more qualitatively.
In conclusion, decorative plaster is an investment in the beauty and durability of your interior. Choose your master thoughtfully, and then the money spent will bring joy from admiring flawless walls for many years. Quality work by an experienced specialist justifies its price, as the result will be a unique finish that pleases the eye and emphasizes the style of your home. With the right choice of materials and master, decorative plaster truly transforms walls into a work of art, maintaining practicality and durability for many years.
Conclusion: Knowledge of current prices and understanding the features of different types of decorative plaster will help make an informed decision. Compare offers from masters in your region, pay attention to their experience and reputation, consider the specifics of your interior – and you will be able to choose the optimal decorative coating that will beautify your home and justify the expenses.