Decorative Finisher - Residential

Decorative Finisher

We are seeking an accomplished Decorative Finisher with extensive experience executing high-end specialty and architectural finishes for luxury residential interiors.

This position requires more than painting ability. The Decorative Finisher must understand material movement, layering, texture, color, translucency, sheen, scale, and the visual characteristics that distinguish a truly hand-crafted finish.

The ideal candidate is capable of interpreting designer references, physical samples, and creative direction and translating them into repeatable, project-ready finishes of exceptional quality.

• Execute custom decorative and architectural finishes on walls, ceilings, millwork, architectural elements, and specialty surfaces.
• Produce finishes including, as applicable:
  • Venetian and polished plaster
  • Lime-based and mineral finishes
  • Limewash
  • Tadelakt and related specialty plaster systems
  • Metallic and mica finishes
  • Glazes and layered translucent finishes
  • Textured and dimensional finishes
  • Color washes
  • Specialty paint effects
  • Custom patinas and aged finishes
  • Decorative restoration and selective finish repair

• Develop control samples and mock-ups based on designer references, color direction, photographs, existing finishes, or project specifications.
• Accurately reproduce approved samples across larger architectural surfaces while maintaining appropriate variation and hand-crafted character.
• Match and restore existing decorative finishes when performing repairs or conservation-oriented work.

• Prepare substrates appropriately for specialty finish systems.
• Mix and manipulate colors, materials, aggregates, metallics, pigments, and other components to achieve specified effects.
• Understand how lighting, texture, sheen, movement, and application technique affect the appearance of a finished surface.
• Identify substrate, moisture, compatibility, or environmental conditions that may compromise a specialty finish.

• Maintain consistency between multiple artisans when working as part of a finishing team.
• Protect surrounding architectural materials and maintain immaculate working conditions within occupied luxury residences.

• Collaborate with designers, architects, project managers, and project leadership during sample development and execution.
• Document formulas, application sequences, approved samples, and techniques when required for future maintenance or replication.
• Participate in final quality-control reviews and execute detailed punch-list corrections.

• Minimum 5–7 years of professional decorative finishing experience, with a portfolio demonstrating high-level specialty finish work.
• Advanced understanding of color, texture, layering, translucency, sheen, and material behavior.
• Strong experience with Venetian plaster and/or other specialty plaster systems.
• Demonstrated ability to create finishes from visual references and reproduce approved control samples accurately.
• Excellent hand skills and a sophisticated eye for proportion, movement, and surface quality.
• Knowledge of substrate preparation and compatibility requirements for specialty finish systems.
• Experience working within luxury residential, hospitality, historic, museum-quality, or similarly demanding environments strongly preferred.
• Restoration and conservation experience is a plus.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other skilled finishers.
• Professional demeanor and exceptional respect for occupied residences, finished architecture, furnishings, artwork, and client privacy.

The Decorative Finisher is expected to…