Specialty & Decorative Finishes
Specialty & Decorative Finishes
Artisan-level finishes that add depth, texture, and distinction to any space.
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Specialty & Decorative Finishes
There are moments when flat paint on a wall, no matter how beautifully applied, is simply not enough. A foyer that calls for the warmth and depth of Venetian plaster. A living room where lime-washed walls would create the effortless European elegance the designer envisions. A library where high-gloss lacquer doors and built-ins reflect light like polished stone. These are the projects where artisan skill transforms a room from well-painted to truly extraordinary, and they are the projects where Level Up Painting excels.
Specialty and decorative finishes require a fundamentally different skill set than standard painting. Venetian plaster, for example, is applied in multiple thin layers, each troweled at specific angles and burnished to build depth and luminosity. The final surface can range from a soft matte to a mirror-like polish, depending on the technique and the number of layers. Lime wash creates beautiful, naturally variegated walls with an organic, chalky quality that evolves with the light throughout the day — it is especially striking in Hamptons homes with large windows and abundant natural light.
High-gloss lacquer is among the most demanding decorative finishes. Every imperfection in the substrate is magnified by the reflective surface, so preparation is paramount — multiple rounds of filling, sanding, and priming are required before the first coat of lacquer is applied. When done correctly, the result is stunning: doors, trim, and built-in cabinetry finished to a piano-like sheen that adds unmistakable luxury to any room. We also execute faux finishes including wood graining, marbling, metallic glazes, and aged patina effects for clients and designers seeking something truly unique.
Many of our decorative finish projects are collaborations with interior designers working in the Hamptons, and we are accustomed to executing their vision with precision and care. Whether you are drawn to the textured minimalism of lime wash in your Bridgehampton modern or the opulent sheen of lacquer in a Southampton estate library, our decorative finishes add a level of distinction that sets your home apart. These services pair naturally with our interior painting and wood and trim staining offerings for a cohesive, elevated interior.
What’s Included
Service Features
Every specialty & decorative finishes project includes the following as standard.
- Venetian plaster and polished plaster application
- Lime wash and mineral paint finishes
- High-gloss lacquer for doors, trim, and built-ins
- Faux wood grain, marble, and stone effects
- Metallic and pearlescent accent finishes
- Color washing, glazing, and aged patina techniques
Our Process
How We Deliver Specialty & Decorative Finishes
A proven, step-by-step approach that ensures exceptional results on every project.
Design Consultation
We discuss the desired finish, review samples and references, and work with you or your designer to select the exact technique, color, and texture.
Sample & Approval
We create a sample panel or test area on-site so you can evaluate the finish in your home's actual lighting before committing to the full application.
Surface Preparation
Walls are brought to the ideal substrate condition for the chosen finish — this may include skim coating, multiple rounds of sanding, and specialty priming.
Artisan Application
The decorative finish is applied by skilled artisans using the appropriate technique — troweling for plaster, brushing for lime wash, spraying for lacquer — building the finish in controlled layers.
Sealing & Protection
Where appropriate, a protective topcoat or wax is applied to seal the finish and ensure durability, followed by a detailed walkthrough with the client or designer.
Our Work
Specialty & Decorative Finishes Gallery
FAQ
Specialty & Decorative Finishes Questions
Answers to common questions from Hamptons homeowners.
What is the difference between Venetian plaster and lime wash?
Venetian plaster creates a smooth, polished surface with depth and movement — it can range from a subtle sheen to a high-gloss marble-like finish. Lime wash produces a softer, chalky, naturally variegated look with an organic texture that shifts with the light. Both add dimension that flat paint cannot achieve, but the aesthetic is distinctly different.
How durable are decorative finishes compared to regular paint?
Most decorative finishes are extremely durable when properly applied and sealed. Venetian plaster is essentially a mineral coating that hardens over time. High-gloss lacquer is one of the toughest finishes available. Lime wash is the most delicate — it can be touched up but is better suited to lower-traffic areas or spaces where the natural patina of wear is part of the aesthetic.
Can decorative finishes be applied over existing paint?
In many cases, yes, provided the existing surface is in good condition. Lime wash requires a porous substrate, so it may need a special primer over standard latex paint. Venetian plaster and lacquer finishes need a very smooth, well-prepared surface. We assess the existing condition and perform whatever prep is needed to ensure the decorative finish adheres properly and looks its best.
Do you work with interior designers on decorative finish projects?
Yes, a significant portion of our decorative work is done in collaboration with designers. We are comfortable working from specification sheets, executing custom color matches, creating approval samples, and coordinating our schedule with the broader project timeline.
How much do decorative finishes cost compared to standard painting?
Decorative finishes are a premium service, typically costing 3 to 5 times more than a standard flat paint application for the same area. The additional cost reflects the artisan skill required, the multiple layers involved, and the specialty materials used. Most clients apply decorative finishes selectively — an accent wall, a foyer, a powder room — rather than throughout the entire home.
Service Area
Areas We Serve
Our specialty & decorative finishes services are available across the Hamptons — from Westhampton to Montauk.
Add Artisan Detail to Your Home
From Venetian plaster to lacquer to lime wash, our decorative finishes bring a level of craft and distinction that elevates any interior. Let us create a sample for you.
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