A cementitious veneer and laminate composition is provided. The cementitious laminate composition includes a substrate, a primer layer applied to the substrate, the primer layer comprising a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol catalyst, Portland cement, and sand; and a cementitious veneer layer applied to the primer layer, the veneer layer comprising a mixture of magnesium sulfate, filler, magnesium oxide, gypsum cement, and polyvinyl alcohol catalyst. The polyvinyl alcohol catalyst comprises a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol fibers dissolved in water and mixed with butylene carbonate. The veneer layer is applied to the substrate and primer layer by means including spraying and manual spreading. The veneer layer can be ornamentally manipulated either before or after curing of the veneer layer. The veneer composition can be formed into laminated tiles or panels for use in building applications.