Decorative & Specialty Paint Finishes: A Buyer's Guide

Decorative paint finishes go beyond a flat coat of colour — they add texture, depth and a handcrafted feel that standard paint can't. But they're specialist work, and getting them wrong is expensive to undo.

Popular decorative finishes

• Limewash — a soft, chalky, mottled finish with natural depth; popular on interior walls and brick
• Metallic and pearlescent — shimmering finishes for feature walls and ceilings
• Venetian plaster / polished plaster — a smooth, marble-like surface
• Textured and suede effects — subtle dimension that changes with the light
• Epoxy floors — durable, seamless coatings for garages and commercial spaces

What they cost

Decorative finishes cost more than standard painting — typically $80–$150 per square metre depending on the technique, the number of layers and the specialist's experience. A single feature wall can run $800–$2,500.

Why experience matters

Decorative finishes are technique-driven and hard to repair invisibly. A mis-timed trowel stroke or uneven metallic layer shows immediately — and can't simply be rolled over. Choose a specialist with a portfolio of the specific finish you want, not a generalist painter.

Where they work best

• Feature walls in living and dining rooms
• Entryways and hallways — a memorable first impression
• Commercial spaces — hospitality and retail where finish is a brand signal

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