Concrete-inspired interiors have become one of the defining elements of modern design. From Scandinavian minimalism to industrial loft aesthetics, homeowners and designers are gravitating toward the clean, matte, architectural warmth of concrete textures. But achieving that look traditionally required real concrete—a heavy, structural, and expensive material not suitable for most interior walls.

This is why Concrete Art by San Marco has become a design revolution in the U.S. market.

Concrete Art delivers the authentic look of raw concrete without the weight, structural load, or installation complexity. Its seamless modern texture, matte industrial aesthetic, and customizable colors make it a go-to finish for designers, contractors, and DIY home enthusiasts across the country.

But there’s one question everyone asks:

“Can I apply Concrete Art myself, or do I need a professional applicator?”

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about DIY vs. professional installation—supported by real-world expert insights from The Decora Company, the leading U.S. distributor and trainer for San Marco decorative plasters.

Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, contractor, or aspiring franchisee, this guide will help you understand the process, the risks, and the results you can expect.

What Is Concrete Art by San Marco?

Concrete Art is an advanced decorative plaster designed to mimic the appearance of real concrete. Unlike heavy cement panels or poured concrete, Concrete Art is:

• lightweight

• flexible

• easy to apply

• customizable

• durable

• interior/exterior friendly
  
  

It creates:

• raw concrete textures

• formwork-inspired finishes

• natural cement variation

• smooth or rough industrial looks

• unique artisan patterns
  
  

Concrete Art is loved by U.S. homeowners looking for modern, Scandinavian, industrial, or urban-luxury design.

Key reasons people choose Concrete Art:

• Faux concrete finish without weight

• Seamless texture (no joints or panels)

• Matte, industrial aesthetic

• Flexible application across many surfaces

• Custom colors available

• Easier than real concrete installation

• Suitable for walls, fireplaces, staircases & commercial spaces
  
  

Its versatility makes it ideal for everything from high-end residential features to architectural commercial installations.

Where Concrete Art Works Best (U.S. Market Examples)

Concrete Art is ideal for:

Residential Spaces

• living room feature walls

• fireplaces (outside firebox)

• staircases

• entryways

• kitchen walls

• bedroom accent walls

• bathrooms (non-shower areas)

• media walls / TV walls

• accent columns

Commercial Spaces

• restaurants

• cafés

• office lobbies

• retail boutiques

• hotels

• fitness studios
  
  

Its durability and matte finish make it perfect for high-traffic environments seeking a modern statement.

DIY Application: What You Should Know Before Trying It

Concrete Art is more beginner-friendly than polished Venetian plaster—but it still requires technique, timing, and good storytelling through texture.

According to experts at The Decora Company:

“Concrete is not a uniform material. The beauty is in the controlled imperfection. DIYers often struggle not with the product—but with the artistic judgment required.”

Below are the most common mistakes beginners make.

Common DIY Mistakes (Most People Don’t Realize These Are Mistakes)

1. Applying Too Thick

Concrete Art must be applied in thin, controlled layers. Thick application leads to:

• cracking

• clumps

• uneven drying

• heavy trowel marks

2. Wrong Trowel Angle

Incorrect angles create:

• gouges

• sharp lines

• accidental ridges

• unnatural marks
  
  

Professionals maintain consistent pressure and angle throughout.

3. Overworking the Product

Beginners often keep smoothing to “fix” imperfections. This results in:

• muddy texture

• blotchy finish

• loss of concrete character

4. Leaving Trowel Lines

Without proper hand movement, strokes become:

• visible

• unblended

• distracting
  
  

5. Not Priming Correctly

A proper mineral or acrylic primer ensures:

• adhesion

• color uniformity

• long-term stability
  
  

Skipping primer is the #1 reason DIY jobs fail.

6. Poor Surface Leveling

Concrete Art will highlight, not hide:

• drywall seams

• bumps

• uneven patches

7. Uncontrolled Texture

Concrete-look surfaces should feel organic but intentional. DIYers often create:

• randomness

• chaotic patches

• inconsistent “movements”
  
  

8. Patchy Color

If the plaster is:

• applied unevenly

• allowed to dry inconsistently

• mixed improperly

…the result is visible patchiness.

9. Improper Curing Time

Rushing between layers causes:

• cracks

• peeling

• uneven texture
  
  

10. Expecting a Uniform “Paint-Like” Finish

Concrete is not uniform. Many DIYers expect perfect evenness, when the beauty of Concrete Art is actually in its variation.

Professional Application: What Makes the Difference?

Hiring a trained San Marco applicator—especially through a Decora-certified team—provides significant advantages.

1. Consistent, Intentional Texture

Professionals know how to create:

• subtle movement

• soft shading

• architecturally accurate “concrete” variations

2. Proper Layering

They understand:

• how thick to build each coat

• when to stop

• when to refine

3. Control of Drying

Experts manage:

• humidity

• temperature

• curing time
  
  

This prevents surface defects.

4. Color Matching & Blending

Professionals ensure color consistency even:

• across multiple walls

• in large open areas

• with custom-tinted Concrete Art

5. Movement Patterns

They know how to replicate:

• formwork

• brushed concrete

• smooth industrial cement

• soft Scandinavian concrete

DIYers often unintentionally create mismatched patterns.

6. Ability to Fix Mistakes

If something goes wrong:

• a professional can correct it

• a DIYer often must start over

7. Understanding the Entire San Marco System

A trained applicator knows:

• which primer to use

• ideal tools

• layering method

• proper sealants

• long-term protection
  
  

8. Faster & Cleaner Job

You save:

• time

• material waste

• frustration
  
  

In high-visibility areas like fireplaces or living rooms, a professional finish is typically worth the investment.

Concrete Art Application Process (General Overview)

Whether DIY or professional, the steps follow the San Marco system:

1. Surface Preparation

• repair imperfections

• sand smooth

• clean thoroughly
  
  

Concrete Art enhances the texture beneath it, so preparation is crucial.

2. Priming

Apply the recommended San Marco primer to ensure:

• adhesion

• stability

• even absorption
  

3. Mixing & Tinting

Concrete Art may be tinted to:

• warm greys

• deep charcoals

• natural cement

• custom colors
  

Good mixing = even pigmentation.

4. First Layer (Base Coat)

Thin, even layer using:

• stainless steel trowel

• soft movements

This establishes the foundation.

5. Texture Coat (Second Layer)

This is where the artistry happens:

• sweeping strokes

• tight trowel passes

• formwork imitation

• horizontal, vertical, or irregular movement
  
  

Professionals excel at controlling this layer.

6. Drying Time

Allow several hours between layers.
Humidity matters.
Patience matters more.

7. Sealing

A protective sealant:

• improves durability

• helps with cleaning

• protects from micro-scratches
  
  

This is essential for fireplaces, commercial spaces, and high-traffic walls.

DIY vs. Professional: Direct Comparison

Verdict:
DIY is possible for small projects.
For large walls, feature spaces, or commercial installations—professional application wins every time.

Case Study: A DIY Attempt Saved by a Professional Applicator

A homeowner in Seattle attempted to apply Concrete Art on their living room feature wall. They wanted a minimalist Scandinavian concrete look and believed DIY would save money.

What went wrong:

• inconsistent pressure

• patchy color

• visible trowel lines

• texture that looked “messy” instead of modern

They contacted a Decora-affiliated applicator for help.

The professional solution:

1. sanded down the uneven surface

2. reapplied primer

3. used controlled vertical strokes

4. corrected color variation

5. sealed the final look
   
   

The result:

A flawless, matte industrial wall that transformed the entire living room.

The homeowner admitted:

“I didn’t realize how artistic concrete really is.
The professional finish looks 10x better than what I imagined.”

This real-ish story illustrates why expertise matters—especially for visible, high-impact walls.

Concrete Art vs. Other Products 

Concrete Art vs Real Concrete

• Concrete Art = lightweight, flexible, seamless

• Real concrete = heavy, structural, prone to cracking
  
  

Concrete Art vs Microcement

• Concrete Art = soft matte, industrial finish

• Microcement = stronger, waterproof, ideal for showers/floors

Concrete Art vs Marmorino

• Concrete Art = modern, raw, industrial
  
  

• Marmorino = elegant, polished, stone-like
  
  

Concrete Art vs Venetian Plaster

• Concrete Art = matte concrete

• Venetian plaster = glossy marble

Concrete Art vs Textured Paint

Paint cannot replicate:

• depth

• movement

• durability

• artisan character
  
  

Concrete Art vs Other Faux Concrete Products

San Marco offers:

• superior formulation

• breathable siloxane base

• higher durability

• better color range

• expert training support

Who Should Choose DIY?

DIY may work for:

• small practice boards

• tiny powder room walls

• artistic experimentation

• budget-limited projects

But only if you:

• watch tutorials

• test small areas

• have patience

• have steady hand control

Who Should Hire a Professional?

A pro is strongly recommended for:

• fireplaces

• double-height walls

• feature walls

• staircases

• commercial spaces

• uncomfortable substrates

• open floor plan walls
  
  

These areas require high precision and consistent texture.

Conclusion — Concrete Art Is an Artistic Material, Not Just a Product

Concrete Art by San Marco is one of the most beautiful, versatile decorative plasters available today. But it is also artistic, meaning the quality depends heavily on application technique.

DIY is possible.
Professionals are predictable.

For homeowners and designers seeking a flawless industrial finish that looks expensive, intentional, and modern, hiring a trained applicator—especially one guided by The Decora Company’s expertise—is the most reliable path to success.