What Is the Cost to Apply Venetian Plaster on a Wall?

Estimating Venetian Plaster Application Costs

Consider the following factors when applying Venetian plaster to your walls.

Material Prices

In total, application materials can cost $60 to $200, depending on the quality of the materials and the size of the project. Keep in mind that “lower-priced Venetian plaster often takes more labor to install, so the money saved can end up costing more in labor,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA.

Materials used by professional plasterers and painters include sandpaper, painting primer, colorant, topcoat or paste wax, and the Venetian plaster itself. They’ll also use tools such as steel trowels, drywall knives, paint brushes, rollers, and paint trays to complete the project.

Labor Costs

If you have Venetian plaster applied by a professional plasterer or painting company, you may be charged hourly or by square foot. Labor typically makes up $2 to $20 per square foot of the overall $10 to $25 per square foot cost of Venetian plaster application, depending on the project’s complexity. If being charged hourly, expect a rate of $20 to $100 per hour.

"Venetian plaster takes some practice to install in a consistent manner. If you don't have experience with it, consult a pro to get some pricing comparisons before tackling this project," says Kilborn.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply Venetian Plaster per Square Foot?

Expect to pay between $10 and $25 per square foot on average to apply Venetian plaster to your walls. Most plasterers or painters specializing in Venetian plaster application will charge you per square foot of wall area. 

Average Cost to Apply Venetian Plaster by Location 

The cost to apply a Venetian plaster finish to your walls will vary somewhat depending on where you live. Below is a list of typical cost ranges for Venetian plaster application on 100 square feet of wall space in different states:

• Hawaii: $620–$955

• Alaska: $570–$910

• Massachusetts: $545–$795

• Illinois: $500–$790

• Minnesota: $505–$750

• Oregon: $490–$730

• Pennsylvania: $485–$720

• Arizona: $485–$705

• Utah: $475–$655

• Louisiana: $470–$645

How Much Does It Cost to Apply Venetian Plaster Yourself?

The cost of materials for Venetian plaster usually ranges from $60 to $200, depending on the size of the project and the quality of the materials. This includes all the necessary tools, sandpaper, primer, colorant, topcoat, and plaster. You can purchase plaster in one-gallon or five-gallon containers. One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet of wall area.

If attempting to apply the finish yourself, these are the only costs you’ll need to pay, and you’ll save $2 to $20 per square foot on the cost of professional labor.

Applying Venetian plaster is not complex and is safe for homeowners to do themselves. However, it is not the same as interior paint. An authentic Venetian plaster look requires plastering experience and a trained eye. Even if you use a faux plaster veneer, it takes a skilled professional plasterer or painter to fully imitate true Venetian plaster.

Cost to Install Venetian Plaster Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor 

If installing Venetian plaster yourself, expect to pay $60 to $200 depending on the size of the project and the quality of the materials you use. This will save you $2 to $20 per square foot in the labor costs of professional installation, which runs a total of $10 to $25 per square foot on average.

DIY application without a specific Venetian plastering experience can result in an unpolished look. If you’re looking for a professional Venetian plaster application, reach out to a local plasterer or interior painter near you and ask if they specialize in Venetian plaster.

How Much Does Venetian Plaster Application Cost by Style?

Venetian plaster application ranges in cost from $10 to $25 per square foot, which depends in part on the color of the plaster material.

Undyed Venetian Plaster

Venetian plaster material without any colored dyes tends to be on the lower end of the cost range. You’ll pay an average of $12 to $15 per square foot for this style.

Colored Venetian Plaster

Colored Venetian plaster material usually costs more than basic, undyed Venetian plaster. Expect to pay on the high end of the cost range for colored plaster, or about $25 per square foot.

FAQs About Venetian Plaster Cost

What is Venetian plaster?

Also known as lime plaster, Venetian plaster is an advanced finishing technique involving a putty made from fired limestone and water. It often contains marble dust that is applied to walls instead of paint or glaze. As it reacts to carbon dioxide in the air, it solidifies into a durable surface that adds texture, movement, depth, and an iridescent sheen to interior walls.

Can you apply Venetian plaster over drywall?

You can apply modern faux Venetian plaster finishes to most well-prepared walls and ceilings, including drywall. Limestone-based Venetian plasters work on drywall if a special primer is used. Otherwise, they may eat away at the drywall. Generally, genuine limestone-based Venetian plaster is considered a superior alternative to drywall.

What should I consider when applying Venetian plaster?

When applying Venetian plaster, consider the following:

• Practice first with different strokes and angles on a spare sheet of drywall

• If adding a tint, try different batches until you find the color you want

• Your surface should be clean, flat, smooth, and free from cracks or holes

• Prime or paint your surface before applying a Venetian plaster finish

Does Venetian plaster increase a home’s value?

Venetian plaster does not add structural value. However, many potential homebuyers love the look of Venetian plaster, meaning it can add aesthetic value that varies by individual.

How long does Venetian plaster last?

Venetian plaster can last anywhere from a decade to a lifetime if sealed to resist moisture. It is a rock-like finish that does a great job of resisting damage from normal wear and tear.

How easy is Venetian plaster to maintain?

As long as it is properly sealed from moisture, Venetian plaster is very easy to maintain—wipe it down with clean water and mild soap to remove any scuffs or stains. If your plaster walls crack or chip, you can sometimes restore their appearance by patching them. Otherwise, the cost to repair a wall is $774 on average. And remember to never paint over damaged plaster.