finishes
Decorative Finishes
Bespoke paint effects and artisan finishes for distinctive interiors
From £85 per square metre
Varies significantly by technique. Simple colour washes from £85/sqm, polished plaster from £120/sqm, gilding and trompe l'oeil priced on application.
Typical Duration
3-10 days per room depending on technique
Free Consultation
No-obligation quote and colour advice
Beyond flat colour, decorative finishes bring texture, depth, and artistry to walls, ceilings, and architectural features. Our skilled decorative painters create polished plaster, faux marble, wood graining, colour washing, and a wide range of specialist effects that transform surfaces into focal points. Each finish is hand-applied and entirely unique to your space.
About Our Decorative Service
Decorative painting is one of the oldest and most revered branches of the decorator's art. From the trompe l'oeil ceilings of grand European palaces to the subtle lime-washed walls of a Georgian drawing room, specialist finishes have always distinguished truly exceptional interiors. At Belgravia Painters, our decorative artists bring these traditional techniques into contemporary settings with remarkable effect. Polished plaster surfaces catch and reflect light in ways that no flat paint can replicate, creating a sense of luminosity and movement that changes throughout the day. Faux marble and stone effects allow you to introduce the appearance of rare materials on surfaces where the genuine article would be impractical or prohibitively expensive. Wood graining replicates the beauty of figured timbers on doors and panelling. Colour washing, dragging, and stippling add layers of translucent tone that give walls a handcrafted quality impossible to achieve with a roller. Our decorative painters have trained under master craftsmen and continually refine their techniques to offer the most sophisticated finishes available in London.
What We Deliver
- Venetian and polished plaster finishes including Marmorino and Stucco Lustro
- Faux marble effects replicating Carrara, Calacatta, Sienna, and other stones
- Wood graining on doors, panelling, and architectural joinery
- Colour washing, dragging, rag rolling, and stippling techniques
- Gilding with genuine gold, silver, and metal leaf on mouldings and ornament
- Trompe l'oeil murals and painted architectural perspectives
- Metallic and pearlescent wall finishes
- Aged and distressed paint effects for character and patina
Our Approach
Every decorative finish begins with sample panels. Before touching your walls, our artists create test panels in the exact colours and textures under discussion so you can see and feel the finished effect. These panels are produced using the same materials and techniques that will be applied on site, giving you complete confidence in the final result. Once approved, we prepare surfaces meticulously. Polished plaster requires a perfectly flat, primed substrate; any imperfection beneath will be amplified by the glossy finish above. Our artists work methodically, building up layers of material by hand, each one adding depth and character. A Venetian plaster finish might involve four to six separate layers, each burnished before the next is applied. The process cannot be hurried without compromising quality. We protect surrounding surfaces with precision masking and clean as we go, maintaining a professional working environment throughout. Our decorative painters collaborate closely with interior designers when specified, ensuring the finish integrates seamlessly with the broader design scheme.
Materials & Brands
We use Viero polished plaster systems for their exceptional quality and colour range, along with Armourcoat for sculpted and textured plaster effects. For colour washing and glazing techniques, we mix our own glazes using Polyvine products tinted with universal stainers for precise colour control. Gilding materials are sourced from Habberley Meadows and Wrights of Lymm, using genuine 23.5-carat gold leaf for the finest results. Craig & Rose and Mylands supply specialist paints for wood graining and marbling work.
Property Considerations
Decorative finishes are especially effective in properties with generous proportions, where large wall areas and high ceilings provide the canvas these techniques deserve. In Mayfair townhouses, polished plaster in entrance halls and stairwells creates a dramatic first impression. Period properties benefit from wood graining on doors and panelling, restoring a traditional decorative treatment that was standard in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Modern apartments and penthouses suit contemporary metallic and polished plaster finishes that complement minimalist interiors. We advise on which finishes suit different rooms, considering factors like natural light, humidity levels, and the amount of wear a surface will receive.
Why Choose Our Decorative Service
Sample Panels
Full-size sample panels are produced in your chosen colours and finish before work begins, so you can approve the exact effect in advance.
Master Craftsmen
Our decorative painters have trained under leading artisan decorators and bring years of specialist experience to every commission.
Bespoke Colour Matching
We mix colours on site to achieve precisely the tone and depth you envisage, working with your interior designer or directly with you.
Traditional Techniques
Authentic methods including burnishing, layering, and hand-tooling create finishes with a depth and character that cannot be replicated mechanically.
Our Decorative Process
Design Consultation
We discuss your vision, review reference images, and recommend techniques and colour palettes suited to your space and style.
Sample Production
Test panels are created using the specified materials and techniques, allowing you to see the finish in your own space before committing.
Surface Preparation
Walls are prepared to the standard required by the chosen finish, from smooth plaster for Venetian finishes to textured bases for rustic effects.
Application & Finishing
Multiple layers are applied by hand, each contributing to the final depth, texture, and luminosity of the completed decorative surface.
Brands We Use for Decorative
Available Across London
We offer decorative finishes across all 20 of our service areas in prime London.
View All AreasRelated Services
Interior Painting
Flawless interiors that elevate every room in your home
Learn moreHeritage & Period Painting
Sympathetic decoration that honours your property's history
Learn moreWallpaper Installation
Expert hanging for the world's finest wallpapers
Learn moreCeiling Painting & Restoration
Expert ceiling decoration from simple refreshes to ornate restorations
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Our portfolio includes Venetian plaster (polished stucco), marmorino, tadelakt, faux marble and stone effects, metallic glazes, colour washing, rag rolling, stippling, and bespoke mural work. Each technique is executed by specialist artisan decorators.
Venetian plaster is extremely durable once fully cured and sealed. It resists scuffing, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and develops a richer patina over time. In high-traffic areas we apply a protective wax or sealer for added longevity.
Yes. Tadelakt is specifically designed for wet areas and is traditionally used in Moroccan hammams. Polished plaster with a waterproof sealer is also suitable for kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls, offering a seamless, grout-free alternative to tiles.
Decorative finishes are a premium service, typically costing three to five times more per square metre than conventional painting. The price reflects the multiple application layers, specialist materials and the high level of artisan skill required.
A single feature wall in Venetian plaster takes two to three days including base coats, polishing and sealing. A full room scheme with multiple techniques — such as polished plaster walls with a metallic ceiling — may take one to two weeks.
We regularly recreate finishes our clients have admired elsewhere. Send us a photograph or reference and we will produce sample boards on site so you can approve the colour, texture and sheen level before we begin the full application.
Ready for Expert Decorative?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our specialist team. We respond within 24 hours.