Applicator Of THE YEAr 2026
The Applicator of the Year program is all about celebrating talent, creativity, and dedication to the trade. It highlights an applicator who goes above and beyond, mastering techniques and pushing the boundaries of Venetian plaster, microcements, and decorative finishes. This prestigious award is presented to an applicator selected from a group of top professionals across chosen states in Australia. It’s not just an award, it’s a nod to the passion and skill that make this industry shine, recognising those who truly elevate the art of decorative finishes.
Aseop
Aseop
Aseop
Aseop
pretty In paint
As Director of Pretty in Paint Australia, a proud family-owned business, I bring over 25 years of industry experience specialising in high-end shop fit-outs, luxury residential and architectural finishes.
Our work is driven by precision, quality, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve. We consistently work with modern, on-trend products and continue evolving our craft to deliver refined, standout results.
Being named Calce Company’s Applicator of the Year is a true honour and a reflection of our dedication to excellence in every detail.
Fun Fact: A little ADHD, a lot of perfectionism, plenty of coffee, and an amazing team are the real foundation of our success.
Sydney
NSW
MJB Rendering
Michael Black is the Director of MJB Rendering, specialising in high-end decorative and architectural finishes across residential and commercial projects. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the industry, Michael is known for his attention to detail, consistency, and ability to deliver authentic, natural finishes that elevate every space. His commitment to quality craftsmanship and professionalism has built strong relationships with builders throughout Queensland.
Michael enjoys working with Calce Company products for their reliability, premium finish, and the creative flexibility they allow on site. Being recognised as Applicator of the Year 2026 is a proud milestone for both Michael and the MJB Rendering team.
Fun fact: MJB Rendering originally started from a small setup in the laundry at home, where one board was used to manage all projects, materials, plans, and scheduling, a reminder of how far the business has grown through hard work and dedication.
Gold Coast
QLD
Casa Rotunda
Casa Rotunda
Casa Rotunda
Casa Rotunda
Botanical House
Botanical House
Botanical House
Botanical House
Melbourne render co
Graham De Silva, Director of Melbourne Render Co., has spent 12 years in the industry and developed a passion for Venetian Plaster from day one.
As Microcement gained popularity, it quickly became another key focus of his craft. He often looked up to leading companies producing beautiful finishes in high‑end homes, never imagining he’d one day be recognised alongside them.
Being considered for Applicator of the Year is a humbling milestone for Graham and a reflection of the dedication shown by both past and present MRC team members in delivering high‑quality applied finishes.
Graham admired Calce Company’s products long before purchasing them, and even sourced materials from Sydney prior to the opening of the Melbourne site. To him, this speaks to the exceptional quality, technical support, and customer service consistently provided by the Calce Company family.
Melbourne
VIC
Adelaide pro render
At Adelaide Pro Render, we’re proud to be awarded the 2026 Applicator of the Year, a recognition that reflects our dedication to craftsmanship and the systems we trust. Our work is built on the foundations of quality and consistency, which is why we choose to work with Calce Company and Forcrete. Their products allow us to deliver the refined, high‑end finishes our clients expect while ensuring durability and performance on every site.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to continuous improvement. From day one, we’ve reviewed every project — celebrating what worked and identifying what could be made even better. This mindset has shaped our skills, sharpened our standards, and helped us stay at the forefront of decorative and architectural finishes.
We’re also proud of the influence our ideas have had across the industry. Many applicators now use their own versions of styles we originally developed, including the Russian Stamp (2020), Teakle Finish (2022), and Gala Finish (2025). Seeing these techniques evolve beyond our studio is one of the most rewarding parts of our journey.
Adelaide
SA
Yongala Project
Yongala Project
Yongala Project
Yongala Project
Margaret River Project
Margaret River Project
Margaret River Project
ARTISAN finishes by Bardot
Carrying forward almost 70 years of combined family experience, I take immense pride in the level of craftsmanship that defines Artisan Finishes by Bardot Plastering. The Margaret River project, situated in a breathtaking coastal town in Western Australia, stands out as one of my most rewarding installations.
Working with Microsynth Marble allowed me to create a finish that is both timeless and contemporary, blending technical skill with artistic expression. The complexity and scale of the project made it a true testament to my dedication, attention to detail, and passion for decorative finishes.
Being recognised with the Applicator of the Year 2026 award for this project reflects the dedication, quality, and commitment I bring to every job.
Perth
WA
