Specification · 5 min · January 8, 2026
How to choose the right decorative coating for your project
A decision framework for designers and specifiers comparing limewash, marmorino, microcement, tadelakt and metallic by performance, aesthetics, location and budget.
Five product families, each with a clear best-fit application zone. Use this framework when choosing.
Decision matrix
| Need | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom / café walls — soft, cloudy aesthetic | Mineral Limewash | Authentic chalky cloud effect; zero VOC; lowest material cost |
| Lobby / entrance — high impact, polished | Marmorino Venetian | Marble-like depth; high-polish sheen; permanent feature value |
| Bathroom / wet zone — modern, seamless | Microcement Pro | Fully waterproof; bonds over tile; commercial-grade durability |
| Bathroom / wet zone — traditional, sculptural | Tadelakt Natural | Naturally waterproof; Moroccan craft authenticity; curved surfaces |
| Retail / hospitality feature — light-reactive | Texture Metallic | Directional shimmer; brand-defining; high visual impact |
Performance considerations
<strong>Wet zones</strong>: only Microcement Pro and Tadelakt Natural are rated for full water-contact. Limewash and Marmorino tolerate humidity and splashes but should not be used as primary shower-wall finish.
<strong>High-traffic floors</strong>: only Microcement Pro is rated for floor application (Wear Class 33).
<strong>Sensitive populations</strong> (schools, healthcare, nurseries): Limewash, Marmorino and Tadelakt all carry zero VOC; Microcement and Metallic carry low but non-zero VOC.
<strong>Heritage / historic buildings</strong>: Limewash and Tadelakt are vapour-permeable mineral coatings compatible with traditional substrates. Microcement requires extreme caution on historic buildings due to its impermeability.
Budget considerations
Per-square-metre installed cost (typical 2026 ranges):
- Mineral Limewash: USD 28–45
- Mineral Marmorino: USD 60–110 (sand) / USD 90–150 (high polish)
- Microcement Pro: USD 70–120
- Tadelakt Natural: USD 85–140
- Texture Metallic: USD 50–80
Material is roughly 30–40% of installed cost; the rest is skilled labour. Premium finishes (high-polish marmorino, full-tadelakt bathroom) demand specialist applicators.
Lead time considerations
CALMURA standard production lead time:
- Stock colours: 2–3 weeks ex-works
- Custom-tinted colours: 4–6 weeks ex-works
- Project-grade quantities (>1 000 kg): 6–8 weeks ex-works
Contact our project services team for project-specific quotation, sampling, and applicator referral.