Kastex’s Sublime Architectural Wall Finishes
From soothing Venetian plasters to clay systems and natural pigments – all drawn from the earth and shaped by hand – Kastex’s lime-based finishes are as enduring as they are expressive.
For architectural wall finishes brand Kastex, no two walls are alike. The Melbourne-based, family-run company has long upheld an ethos of craftsmanship, creativity and customisation, treating every surface as a blank canvas and an opportunity to tell a tactile story. Sustainable materials and methods underscore its commitment to responsible design, ensuring beauty never comes at the expense of the environment.
Kastex’s lime-based finishes are as enduring as they are expressive, imbued with a patina and the nuance of artisanal application. Founded by a family from the former Yugoslavia who arrived in Australia as refugees, the company stands as a testament to perseverance, legacy and the promise of new beginnings. As a tribute to the family’s cultural roots, Kastex’s philosophy blends time-honoured European surface techniques with the sensibilities of contemporary Australian design.
Kastex’s collaboration with Rivedil, an Italian specialist in paints, coatings and plasters, ensures its lime is sourced from the mineral-rich quarries of southern Italy. It is then processed in Rivedil’s own laboratory and factory using traditional methods dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. These techniques preserve the integrity of historic knowledge while honouring the authenticity of age-old craftsmanship. Rivedil’s Venetian plaster, micro-cement and clay finishes are not only innovative in formulation but also internationally recognised, having been selected by UNESCO for the restoration of significant heritage sites across Europe, including the 14th-century Konopiste Castle near Prague.
Kastex’s hyper-tailored approach allows each finish to be fully customisable in feel, depth, shade and luminosity. This bespoke offering makes it a valuable partner for builders, architects, designers and private clients alike, with applications suited to a wide range of residential and commercial environments.
Take Stile Barocco Marmorino, for example, a matte-finish Venetian plaster crafted from finely milled marble and limestone. Its breathable, acoustic and mould-resistant properties make it ideal for creating healthier interior spaces. Another stand-out is Oxyda, a high-performance micro-cement that offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic enriched by the depth of natural mineral surfaces. Thanks to its water- and wear-resistant qualities, it’s especially well-suited to splashbacks in both domestic and commercial settings.
Oxyda Iron is a step up in durability, specifically designed for high-use areas. Its tough composition withstands impact, scuffing and regular activity, making it ideal for commercial interiors, corridors and retail zones. While delivering superior performance, its sleek, industrial look retains the elegance of traditional Venetian plaster; it’s also a robust solution for pool environments.
Meanwhile, Oxyda Hybrid – a next-generation micro-cement Venetian plaster – offers exceptional performance with environmental responsibility. Completely silica-free, it provides a safer, more sustainable alternative without compromising on strength or visual appeal. Uniquely, it is naturally waterproof even before sealing, making it ideal for bathrooms, showers and humid areas. Its seamless, refined finish bridges contemporary innovation and handcrafted character.
The company’s new Burnley showroom in Melbourne – designed by Format Architects – is a beautifully considered space to explore its materials and applications.
Although Kastex’s mineral-based materials begin in the earth, they are refined through human touch and craftsmanship. The company works exclusively with a network of accredited applicators, each formally trained in-house to ensure a high level of skill and attention to detail that aligns with modern design sensibilities. Most finishes are applied in just two coats, making the process more efficient than many other decorative systems. The result is an outcome that is elevated, exacting and true to intent. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its breathable, low-VOC finishes, each designed to age gracefully.
For those wanting to experience Kastex’s finishes in person, the company’s new Burnley showroom in Melbourne – designed by Format Architects, with styling and colour selections by Elena Rajani Designs – is a beautifully considered space to take in its materials and applications. Alongside personalised consultations, customers can see real-life samples, explore bespoke finishes and gain valuable technical insight into each product’s aesthetic and performance qualities. Bringing together heritage, innovation and thoughtful design, Kastex reimagines ancient wisdom through a modern lens.
