Luxury that lasts: The new era of microcement and Venetian plaster in Australia

There has always been an allure to the seamless, elevated aesthetic of microcement and Venetian Plaster in both residential and commercial spaces, with architects, designers and builders seeking solutions that provide equal performance and style – but this hasn’t always been so easy to find. 

This was the story for Pietra Marble Creations’ founders Melissa Gavilanes and Paulo Ribas. 

With over 15 years’ hands-on experience, Paulo had tested almost every microcement available in Australia and experienced recurring problems – cracking, discolouration, weak sealers and constant maintenance issues. 

These frustrations didn’t just create challenges for his projects, they also highlighted a bigger problem for the Australian market: a lack of materials that truly combined durability with design appeal. Searching for a solution, they discovered Micropox and launched Pietra Marble Creations as Australia’s sole distributor of the product.

Micropox: Strong, epoxy-based microcement

Micropox is an epoxy-based microcement system, and the only one of its kind in Australia. Unlike traditional cement-based microcements, which can be prone to cracking, staining, or wearing down over time, Micropox is engineered for exceptional strength. 

“Micropox is Australia’s strongest microcement with a surface hardness of 171MPa. It’s the only microcement that is completely epoxy-based, which makes it extremely durable and strong,” says Melissa. 

The result is a game-changer for the industry: a microcement that is stronger, looks better, and is made to last.

Project showcase

One Playground in Surry Hills and Merrylands are a stunning showcase of Micropox’s impressive performance. 

With the goal of bringing luxurious gym experiences to Australia, every One Playground is unique. The Surry Hills location is described as an ‘urban oasis’ – a wellness space where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect and rejuvenate.

Here, the microcement brings a calming, tactile quality to the space, with Micropox ensuring top performance for the high-use spaces.

“When you’re applying microcement in a commercial setting, there’s a lot of wear and tear. If you apply it in bathrooms or on the floor, there’s a lot of people coming in and out every day, weights being put on the floor, and things like this,” says Melissa. 

A year on from the completion of the Surry Hills project, the Micropox hasn’t presented any issues. Impressed with these results, Micropox was also chosen for Western Sydney’s One Playground Merrylands, with a third collaboration underway.

“The client trusts us and our products, and we are now working with them on their next project in Northern Sydney.”

Microcril and Venetian plaster made for Australian conditions

Pietra Marble Creations also offers Microcril, a premium cement-based microcement designed for projects that demand speed without sacrificing quality. 

“In Australia, most microcements are cement-based. The difference with Microcril is its rapid application time, making it ideal for commercial settings. The application of this microcement can be done in three to four days max, whereas other microcements can take between five to six days,” says Melissa. 

Complementing Micropox and Microcril is Pietra’s Australian-made Venetian plaster, developed specifically for local conditions. Its consistent drying times allow for quicker, more predictable applications, ensuring efficiency on site. With finishes spanning from high-gloss marble effects to raw, stone-like textures, it’s a luxury finish that delivers depth, durability and design flexibility.

Training and support

Decorative finishes like Microcement and Venetian plaster are specialised systems that require expert application. Dedicated to ensuring their products are applied correctly, consistently, and to the highest possible standard, Pietra goes beyond supply, offering factory-certified training courses and ongoing technical support for professionals. 

“Every microcement is a different system. If you don’t know the system, you’re going to fail in the application. That’s why we offer training and technical support – to make sure every project does our products justice." 

Training is also key to Pietra’s product warranties. Applicators who complete the company’s courses not only gain confidence in their craft, but also qualify for Pietra’s official warranty coverage – giving both professionals and their clients peace of mind.

“We can only offer the warranty of the product if you have been trained by us,” Melissa adds. “It’s about making sure applicators understand the system, apply it correctly, and deliver the best results.”

More than a supplier, Pietra Marble Creations is a trusted partner, empowering professionals to master these luxury finishes and deliver world-class projects.