Does it Crack?
Does Venetian Plaster, Tadelakt, or Microcement Crack? Let’s Clear It Up.
It’s a common question: “Will it crack?”
Whether it’s Venetian plaster on your fireplace or Tadelakt in your shower, we get it — the idea of applying a hard, stone-like finish sounds like something that could chip or crack over time.
The short answer? No — not if it’s applied correctly. There are more bad examples of poor application rather than good examples online, but we’ll get to that in a minute…
At Elevated Interior Finishes, we don’t just focus on what you see; we focus on everything underneath. Because here’s the truth: the finish is only the tip of the iceberg.
It’s All About the Foundation
Maybe you’ve heard, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”.
The same goes for your walls. The key to a crack-free finish lies in substrate preparation — the hidden layers beneath your plaster or microcement.
We start by ensuring your surface is stable and secure. Then, we apply the proper backer board (where applicable) base coats and mesh reinforcement (again, where applicable), giving the surface strength and flexibility. These materials move with your walls rather than against them.
The Science of Strength
Think of it like building a house — you wouldn’t start decorating before pouring the foundation, right?
Proper base coats, mesh reinforcement, and bonding layers create a rock-solid structure that can handle the natural expansion and contraction that comes with Michigan’s changing seasons.
That’s especially important for fireplaces and showers, where heat, humidity, and temperature fluctuations are common.
So no — your Venetian plaster fireplace isn’t going to crack when you light the first fire of fall.
And your Tadelakt shower? Still smooth and waterproof after years of use.
The Expert Difference
The materials we use — authentic lime plasters, Tadelakt, and microcements — have been used for centuries in all climates. From the hot, dry heat of Morocco to the cool, damp stone homes of Italy, they’ve stood the test of time.
But as with most things, the results depend on the hands applying them.
At Elevated Interior Finishes, this is what we do— and we’ve perfected the craft. Our finishes are not only beautiful, but engineered to last.
And that’s an important fact to consider. This is WHAT we do. Other painters and “stucco” guys think they can do this or “could” do it. We hear that all the time. The techniques and application methods are similar, but it takes an artistic approach to apply these finishes correctly. What do we mean?
There are countless videos of someone trying this for their first time - using green or purple drywall in a shower and applying tadelakt. That’s guaranteed failure without the use of a waterproof membrane. Also, when it comes to venetian plaster, we see time and again the hallmarks of poor application - harsh straight lines from the trowels we call “strikes” and patterns that look like windshield wipers applied the plasters. Not good.
We want anyone seeing our plaster applications to wonder “how did they do that”. It’s art, plain and simple.
So, Do They Crack?
Only if the application is done wrong.
When done right, with care and expertise, these materials are not fragile — they’re timeless.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your fireplace, shower, or walls, now’s the perfect time to explore how these finishes can transform your home — and outlast anything paint or tile can offer.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact Elevated Interior Finishes for a consultation today.
Serving all of Michigan
elevatedfinishes@outlook.com
517-910-3395