Venetian Plaster Course Nottingham

1-Day Hands-On Training in Polished Plaster Finishes

Learn one of the most in-demand decorative finishes in the trade  in a single day, at Trade College's Basford workshop in Nottingham.

Venetian plaster (also called polished plaster or Italian plaster) is the smooth, marble-effect wall finish used in high-end homes, hotels, restaurants and retail interiors. Because it's a specialist skill that relatively few plasterers or decorators offer, it commands higher rates than standard plastering work  and this course gives you a genuine, hands-on foundation in the technique, whatever your starting point.

Course details:

• Duration: 1 day, 10am–4pm

• Location: Trade College, Unit C, 26 High Church Street, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7JP

• Price: £600  includes all materials, tools and a certificate of completion

• Group size: Small groups, hands-on instruction throughout

• Experience needed: None, beginners welcome

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Venetian plaster?

A: Venetian plaster is a decorative plaster applied in thin layers and burnished to a smooth, polished, marble-like finish. It's also known as polished plaster or Italian plaster, and it's commonly used on feature walls, hallways and bathrooms in high-end homes and commercial spaces.

Q: Can you really learn Venetian plastering in one day?

A: Yes. In one day you'll learn the core technique from start to finish  surface preparation, applying thin layered coats, and burnishing to a polished finish  through hands-on practice on your own board, guided by an experienced tradesperson. You'll leave with a genuine, practical grounding you can keep building on.

Q: Do I need any plastering experience to do this course?

A: No. This course is designed for complete beginners as well as decorators and qualified plasterers adding a specialist skill. All tools and materials are provided.

Q: How much does the Venetian Plaster course cost?

A: The course costs £600, including all materials, tools and hands-on tuition for the full day at Trade College's Basford workshop.

Q: What's the difference between Venetian plaster and standard skim plaster?

A: Standard skim plaster creates a flat, matt surface ready for paint. Venetian plaster is a decorative finish in its own right  applied in multiple thin coats and burnished to a polished, light reflective, marble like surface. It's a different material, technique and skill set.

Q: What will I learn on the day?

A: You'll learn surface preparation, mixing and applying Venetian plaster in thin coats, trowel technique for building texture and depth, burnishing to a polished finish, and how to price and pitch the work to clients.

Q: Where is the course held?

A: At Trade College's workshop, Unit C, 26 High Church Street, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7JP — easily reached from across the East Midlands.

Q: Do I need my own tools?

A: No. Every tool and all materials are included in the course price.

What You'll Learn

• Surface preparation — assessing and priming a wall correctly so the finish goes on evenly

• Mixing and application — applying Venetian plaster in thin, professional layers

• Trowel technique — building texture, depth and movement in the finish

• Burnishing and polishing — achieving the signature smooth, marble-effect sheen

• Colour and pigment — how different products and pigments change the final look

• Troubleshooting — spotting and fixing common mistakes

• Pricing the work — how Venetian plaster jobs are typically quoted and sold

Job Prospects: Where This Skill Can Take You

Venetian plastering opens doors that standard plastering doesn't, because so few tradespeople offer it well:

• Self-employed specialist work — feature walls and decorative finishes for private homeowners

• Interior design collaborations — working with designers and architects on residential and commercial projects

• Hospitality and retail fit-outs — hotels, restaurants, bars, salons and boutique shops

• Adding to an existing plastering or decorating business — a premium service alongside standard work

• Heritage and period property restoration — lime-based Venetian plaster is often specified for its breathability in older buildings

Because the skill is scarce, demand consistently outstrips supply of properly trained tradespeople who can deliver it — which is what keeps rates high for those who can.

How Much Could You Earn?

General UK plastering pay ranges from around £21,000 a year for those starting out to £38,000+ for experienced tradespeople, according to the National Careers Service, with typical hourly rates around £200 an hour.

Venetian plastering sits above that baseline because it's priced differently:

• Charged per square metre, not by the hour or day, rewarding skill and finish quality

• Fewer competitors most quotes a client receives come from tradespeople who can't offer this finish

• Higher-spending clients — interior designers, hoteliers and high-spec homeowners actively seek out specialists and budget accordingly

• Repeat and referral work — a polished feature wall is highly visible and often leads directly to the next job

Many plasterers and decorators use Venetian plastering as an add-on service rather than a replacement for their regular work  giving them a premium option to offer alongside standard jobs, rather than competing purely on day rate.

Book Your Place

Spaces are limited to keep the course hands-on and personal. Book online