Handcrafted wall finishes are designed for everyday living. Whether your project was recently completed or your walls have been part of your home for years, proper care helps preserve their original appearance. Fortunately, maintaining plaster walls is easier than many homeowners assume.
At Janamar Studios, we create natural plaster and limewash finishes, as well as microcement applications, for homes and businesses across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. We put together this guide using the recommendations we share with clients after installation, so you know how to care for your walls long after the project is complete.
Start With the Basics
The cleaning method depends on the finish, but a light touch always makes a good starting point. Dust regularly and use materials that will not scratch the surface.
A clean, soft microfiber cloth is one of the most useful tools for maintaining these surfaces. Apply light pressure and avoid repeated rubbing, which can affect the finish over time.
Caring for Limewash
Remove dust with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a soft feather duster. Use light pressure and keep the cloth dry, since moisture can alter the finish.
Routine care
Remove dust with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a soft feather duster, working from top to bottom. Use light pressure and keep the cloth dry.
If a mark or stain appears
Do not rub or scrub the surface, and keep water away from it. Moisture and friction may change the appearance or remove the limewash.
If a mark does not come off with light dry dusting, contact us before attempting further cleaning. A professional touch-up may be needed, and small marks are always easier to correct early.
What to avoid
Avoid wet cloths, cleaning sprays, detergents, abrasive sponges, and brushes.
Caring for Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster has a distinctive mineral finish that benefits from careful maintenance. Most of the time, regular dusting is all the surface needs. For occasional marks or buildup, a light cleaning may also work.
Routine care
Dust with a clean, soft microfiber cloth and a light hand.
Light cleaning
When dusting is no longer enough, dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water and a small amount of mild, pH-neutral soap. Wipe without scrubbing, then remove any soap residue with a second barely damp cloth. Pat the surface dry. Always test first in a discreet area.
What to avoid
Harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive pads, stiff brushes, and vigorous scrubbing can damage the finish. Never soak the surface.
Caring for Microcement
The protective sealer plays a key role in microcement maintenance. It helps preserve the finish, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where surfaces may encounter frequent moisture. Keeping this protective layer in good condition does the most to extend the life of the finish.
Routine care
Remove dust and loose debris with a soft microfiber cloth or another nonabrasive cleaning tool, since abrasion can gradually wear down the protective sealer.
Light cleaning
Wipe with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water and a mild, pH-neutral soap. Rinse away residue with a separate lightly damp cloth, then dry the surface.
What to avoid
Bleach, acidic or abrasive cleaners, stiff brushes, scouring pads, and aggressive scrubbing can wear down the sealer. Do not allow standing water to remain on the surface.
The sealer may gradually show signs of wear with regular use. Stubborn stains or visible changes to the finish are worth discussing with a professional. Contact us to determine whether cleaning or resealing is the right solution.
Simple Habits To Protect Any Finish
- Dust regularly so buildup never becomes a cleaning problem.
- Keep furniture and bags from rubbing against walls.
- Keep cleaning sprays away from finished surfaces when cleaning nearby areas.
- Test any product in a discreet area before using it.
- Call us before trying a new cleaning method.
Embrace Natural Aging and Patina
Natural finishes can shift slightly over time. Depending on the material and its exposure to everyday conditions, you may notice variations in color or texture as the surface ages.
These changes are a normal part of living with handcrafted finishes. Regular care helps preserve the finish while letting its natural qualities remain visible.
When to Contact Us
Everyday use can eventually leave marks on finished walls. Moving furniture may cause a scuff, and some stains require more attention than routine cleaning can provide.
If you are unsure about a cleaning product or notice a change in your finish, reach out before attempting a repair yourself. Our team can help you decide what to do next.
Janamar Studios brings more than 20 years of experience in decorative wall finishes. If you have questions about maintaining your surfaces or are considering a new project in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
