When most people think of painting, they imagine walls in soft neutrals or exteriors in timeless shades. And while those transformations matter, there’s a whole other world of painting that goes beyond basic color.
It’s a world where walls look like stone, concrete floors gleam like marble, and textures create depth you feel as much as see. It’s the world of specialty finishes, and at Done Painting, it’s where our craft becomes pure artistry.
There’s something unforgettable about a space with texture: a lime-washed fireplace, a concrete floor that gleams like stone, a faux finish that looks like Italian plaster but wears like iron.
That’s the kind of work we love most at Done Painting.
What Are Specialty Finishes?
Specialty finishes are where our craft turns into art. These aren’t quick jobs; they’re custom, layered, and deeply considered. It takes an experienced hand, a keen eye, and patience. Our aim is for every project to be worthy of an architectural magazine.
A specialty finish is any painting technique or coating that goes beyond a standard flat or satin application. It includes decorative textures, faux finishes, custom stains, concrete coatings, and protective surfaces that add both function and beauty.
Where traditional painting aims to cover, specialty finishes aims to enhance.
They bring out character, add dimension, and turn a wall, floor, or piece of cabinetry into a statement piece that anchors the entire home.
Some common types of specialty finishes include:
- Faux finishes that mimic stone, marble, plaster, or wood.
- Venetian plaster for a smooth, luminous texture.
- Lime-wash adds a timeless Old World character.
- Concrete coatings that transform garages, patios, and workshops.
- Epoxy flooring for durable, high-gloss, long-lasting results.
- Cabinet refinishes that breathe new life into kitchens and bathrooms.
- Metallic finishes for a bold, modern impact.
- Murals or accent walls that express personal style.
If it can be coated, we’ve likely worked with it. And chances are, we’ve had fun doing it.
Why Specialty Finishes Matter
You might wonder why bother with a specialty finish when standard paint gets the job done?
The answer is simple: specialty finishes tell a story.
- A lime-washed fireplace doesn’t sit in the corner; it feels like it’s been part of the home for a century.
- A garage floor finished in high-gloss epoxy isn’t only functional; it becomes a place of pride, as clean and stylish as a showroom.
- A metallic accent wall in a dining room isn’t just painted; it’s dressed to impress.
Specialty finishes elevate the ordinary into something memorable. They turn a house into a home with personality.
Stories from Our Work: Craft in Action
The Fireplace That Became a Focal Point
In Stockton, a young couple asked us to refresh their brick fireplace. They didn’t want to replace it, but they wanted it to feel less dated and more intentional.
We recommended a lime-wash finish—a soft, translucent coating that allowed the brick’s texture to peek through while softening the heavy red tones.
When it was finished, the couple walked in and gasped. “It looks like it belongs in a Tuscan villa,” they said.
Now, the fireplace isn’t just where they hang stockings; it’s the centerpiece of their living room.
The Garage That Turned into a Showroom
In Lodi, a retired mechanic asked us about concrete coatings. He wanted his garage floor to stand up to oil, tools, and traffic—but he also wanted it to shine.
We applied a durable epoxy system with a speckled finish in grays and blues. The result? A floor that looked so polished, he joked, “I almost don’t want to park the car on it.”
Now, the garage is more than a workspace … it’s a place of pride.
The Kitchen That Didn’t Need a Remodel
A family in Modesto considered gutting their dated kitchen, but the cost gave them pause. Instead, they asked us about refinishing their oak cabinets.
We prepped, primed, and applied a satin enamel in a warm, modern white. Paired with new hardware, the entire kitchen looked brand new, at a fraction of the remodel cost.
“It feels like we moved without moving,” the homeowner said.
The Techniques Behind the Magic
Specialty finishes require more than a steady hand with a brush. They require technique, patience, and a deep understanding of materials.
Some of our most-requested techniques include:
- Venetian Plaster
A polished plaster applied in thin, multiple layers and burnished to create a marble-like surface. Timeless, elegant, and luxurious. - Lime-wash
Made from limestone, water, and natural pigments, lime-wash creates a matte, romantic look with subtle color variations. - Faux Finishes
Techniques that mimic natural materials like stone, wood, or fabric. A wall can look like leather, or a column can resemble marble. - Epoxy Coatings
For concrete, epoxy creates a high-performance, glossy finish that resists stains, moisture, and wear. - Metallics
Applied with glazes or specialty paints, metallics create light-catching walls that shimmer and glow.
Each requires unique tools, layering, and timing. None of which can be rushed. That’s why we consider specialty work not pure craftsmanship.
Concrete Coatings: Beauty Meets Durability
One of the fastest-growing services we provide is concrete coatings.
Garages, patios, basements, and even outdoor kitchens benefit from coatings that are as stylish as they are strong.
Benefits of Concrete Coatings
- Durability: Withstands heavy traffic, spills, and abrasions.
- Easy to clean: No more oil stains or stubborn dirt.
- Moisture resistant: Essential for Central Valley winters.
- Customizable: Choose colors, flakes, or patterns.
- Adds value: A finished garage or patio always makes a home feel higher-end.
For many of our customers, a concrete coating project turns a forgotten area into one of their favorite spaces.
The Emotional Side of Specialty Finishes
Here’s what we love most: specialty finishes often carry deep meaning.
- A homeowner chooses lime-wash because it reminds them of travels in Europe.
- A bold accent wall marks a fresh start after a life change.
- A polished garage floor is a gift from kids to their dad, celebrating his lifelong love of cars.
It’s never just a surface … it’s a reflection of life, memory, and identity.
Challenges and Why They’re Worth It
We’ll be honest: specialty finishes are harder than they look.
- They take longer.
- They require more products, more layers, and more patience.
- They often demand specialized training.
But that’s why we love them.
When the final layer dries, and the light hits it just right, the results are stunning. And when a homeowner walks in and sees art, every hour spent was worth it.
What It’s Like to Work with Done Painting on Specialty Projects
- Consultation
We sit down with you, listen to your vision, and bring ideas to the table. We’ll show samples, finishes, and real-life inspiration. - Mockups
For many finishes, we create sample boards so you can see and feel the result before committing. - Preparation
We treat prep as sacred—whether it’s repairing drywall, leveling concrete, or masking edges. - Application
We apply the finish with precision, layering until the depth and effect are perfect. - Final Reveal
We walk through the space with you, making sure it’s exactly what you imagined—if not better.
Trends in Specialty Finishes
Specialty finishes evolve with design trends. Right now, we’re seeing:
- Warm neutrals returning in textures like plaster and lime-wash.
- Deep, moody tones in bedrooms and offices.
- Concrete chic adds epoxy finishes that look like polished stone.
- Matte metallics for subtle luxury.
- Rustic finishes that embrace imperfection and texture.
But trends are just that, trends. The best finish is the one that feels true to you.
Why Hire Professionals for Specialty Work
YouTube makes everything look easy, but specialty finishes are rarely DIY-friendly.
We’ve been called in to “fix” projects gone wrong, and the truth is, it’s often more expensive to repair than to do it right the first time.
Hiring professionals means:
- Proper surface prep.
- Correct tools and products.
- A finish that lasts, not one that fades or cracks in a year.
- Peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
Specialty Finishes Beyond Homes
It’s not just residential projects—businesses benefit from specialty finishes too.
Restaurants use textured walls for ambiance. Offices apply epoxy to create clean, modern floors. Retail spaces embrace bold accent walls to stand out.
For businesses, finishes are about brand as much as beauty.
The Final Word: Craft Meets Character
At Done Painting, specialty finishes are where we get to stretch our creative muscles. They’re where craftsmanship meets artistry, where technique meets imagination, where surfaces become stories.
Whether it’s a concrete garage that shines, a fireplace that glows, or a wall that feels like stone, these projects remind us why we love what we do.
Because paint isn’t just paint … it’s character. And when done right, it’s unforgettable.
Bring Your Vision to Life
If you’ve got a space that feels ordinary, let’s make it extraordinary.
Whether you’re aiming for a statement wall in your home office or need a sleek concrete coating in your garage or patio, we bring old-world technique to modern design goals. No shortcuts. Just skill, precision, and passion.
These projects excite us because they push what paint can be.
Got a vision that goes beyond the brush? We’d love to bring it to life. Let’s chat about your specialty project.
Let’s create something unforgettable—together.
