Tadelakt Plaster

Tadelakt:

Tadelakt is a type of natural, lime-based plaster originating in the Marrakech region of Morocco.

It provides a solution for finishing that is kind to the environment and to our health, while providing a beautiful and organic appearance.

Green credentials:

Source: Estelle Fabre Design

Tadelakt has strong green credentials.

It is easy to maintain using non-toxic materials – only water and a sponge are needed to keep clean. The plaster’s soapy composition prevents the build-up of grime and its absence of joints prevents fungal growth and grime collection.

Tadelakt also acts as a carbon sink by absorbing CO2, positively impacting climate change.

Tadelakt is a naturally sourced material that is applied by hand, using tools including traditional Japanese-style trowels and polished stones. As a naturally sourced, lime-based material, any ‘waste’ can also be used to fertilise your garden!

Application:

Source: Tadelakt London

It can be applied in many ways, providing design cohesion throughout internal and external spaces.

It is the final stage of application that makes the surface waterproof. Olive soap, rubbed into the plaster chemically reacts with the lime to form calcium stearate. A waterproof seal is created that is durable and prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Small surface cracks, although inevitable, do not affect the waterproof quality. They form part of the texture, patina and character of the surface.

Source: Novacolor New Zealand

Source: Tadelakt Sydney

In New Zealand, tadelakt is available from:

https://www.beachbreakinteriors.co.nz
https://www.novacolor.nz/product/archi-tadelakt/
Sources: Metcalf, H. (2022) Tadelakt: What you Need to Know About Moroccan Plaster