It is made from
A less expensive alternative are our traditional lime stuccos based on high quality hydrated lime. My lime stuccos are also suitable for outdoor use and showers, with the same restrictions as described above for Tadelakt . They are visually indistinguishable from Tadelakt, but cost a little more than half the price.
Texstōn HYD Tadelakt™ is a lime plaster for interior and exterior use based on Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHL). Based on Old World stuccos, it contains finely-ground dolomite, slaked lime, and finely ground marble dust.
“Tadelakt is more expensive than entry-level tile or solid surfaces,” says Baldoni. “One also needs to ensure the lime plastering is done by experienced individuals who know what they're doing. Mixing, polishing, and adding dye to it to create the color of your choice and waterproofing requires skill.
A wax or sealant is applied at the end to complete the process. The final outcome is a smooth, resilient surface with a look and feel that will stand the test of time; tadelakt does not fade. Costs are comparable to mid-range tile and stone installations.
It is not difficult to maintain tadelakt surfaces. To maintain the water-repellent property, tadelakt must be regularly re-soaped in splash water areas. Sharp, acidic cleaning agents should be avoided at all costs. Tadelakt may only be cleaned and maintained with Marseille soap.
You can apply the best Tadelakt Moroccan plaster yourself using a range of specialised tools. You apply the plaster using trowels of varying shapes that serve different purposes depending on the type of surface, space, or area to which you are applying it.
The price of Tadelakt varies, but as a good guideline for materials it ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. You can purchase a 44lb bag like this Tadelakt Moroccan Lime Plaster from Amazon for around $235 if you want to go down the DIY route.
Tadelakt needs skilled pros to apply 6-7 layers and polish with stones and soap. The plaster resists mold, is easy to clean, and comes in many colors. With proper care, Tadelakt can last for years and may boost home value.
Black Soap is produced by boiling olive oil with potassium hydroxide. In Morocco, this highly refatting soap is traditionally used as a household cleaner as well as for personal care. Moreover it is used as a protective treatment for Tadelakt surfaces.
According to this article from Brownstoner, where mineral plasters like Venetian is a two- or three-coat process, tadelakt requires six to seven coats with the addition of burnishing and—what makes it truly magic—an application of an oil-based soap.
Acrylic panels
A completely non-porous and waterproof material, it can be used to cover a full wall or as a decorative wainscoting wall accent. Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom.
Tadelakt Finish can be applied over primed level-4 finished drywall or primed previously painted surfaces. Adding Primer Grit to the primer is recommended.
Tadelakt is coated in an oil-based soap that renders the surface almost completely waterproof, water-resistant and mould-free- and as such is an ideal waterproof plaster for showers and wet rooms.
Tadelakt (pronounced ta-dee-lact) is a form of lime plaster that is mixed and applied by hand creating subtle variations in pigmentation that give surfaces a tactile, organic feel.
But once I showed him some photos of Tadelakt, he was sold. Now, of course, I find out Tadelakt can be far more expensive than tile, LOL.
If you are someone who embraces the wabi-sabi of natural stone or wood, you will appreciate the variability and unique beauty of tadelakt. Character: Traditional tadelakt darkens and shows micro-cracks every time it gets wet. These cracks are part of the nature of the material.
Microcement is a decorative coating made up of cement, water-based resins, and mineral pigments. The material stands out because it can be applied directly over existing material without the need to remove the existing surface. It is also well suited for both indoor and outdoor use.
Tadelakt is a relatively expensive finish, especially compared to tiles.
Formulated with lime, coarse pumice aggregate, and plant based binder, Base Plaster is the Base Coat for the Tadelakt Finish System: (1) Base Plaster (2) Tadelakt Plaster, (3) Olive Oil Soap Sealer, (4) Beeswax Protective Sealer. Base Plaster is used in both shower and non-shower Tadelakt Finish applications.
If you choose Tadelakt, then you will never have to look at faded grout again. Even better, Tadelakt can be applied on top of existing tiles, making it a fast solution when updating your home.
As for cost, this actually ended up being cheaper than using a mid-range tile. We plastered not only the shower but also the entire vanity area above the wainscoting. Had we just done the shower interior and exterior, the material cost would have been around $700.
Clean Tadelakt surfaces only with water mixed with a little Marseille soap or black soap (about 1-2 teaspoons for 8 liters of warm water). Use a soft sponge. To prevent limescale deposits caused by water droplets, dry shower walls with a soft cloth after each use. Tadelakt should be completely dry once a day.