Moroccan plaster and the method of its application

Moroccan plaster, also known as Tadelakt, is an exquisite and historic method of wall finishing that imbues contemporary spaces with a hint of North African sophistication. For centuries, Moroccan palaces and hammams have utilized this particular kind of plaster, which is renowned for its glossy, smooth surface and delicate natural variations. Its distinctive combination of marble dust, natural pigments, and lime gives it a posh look that is waterproof and long-lasting.

Moroccan plaster application is an art form as much as a construction task. To obtain the distinctive sheen, this process requires multiple layers of painstaking labor, where each layer must be meticulously smoothed and polished. Even those who are new to plastering can master the technique with the correct guidance and patience, despite its seemingly complex nature. Moroccan plaster can give any space an exotic and classic appeal, whether your goal is to create a statement wall or completely transform a room.

Moroccan plaster, commonly referred to as Tadelakt, is a gorgeous and adaptable finish that gives any area an air of exotic luxury. This age-old plastering method, based in Moroccan artistry, produces a polished, glossy surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and water-resistant. Moroccan plaster application is a laborious but rewarding process that turns plain walls into colorful, textured works of art. It entails meticulous layering, polishing, and sealing with natural soap. This post will walk you through the entire application process of Moroccan plaster, from surface preparation to the creation of that distinctive glossy finish.

Unique composition and characteristics.

The recipe for Tadelakt Moroccan plaster is intricate, and it requires a unique application method. Its distinctiveness comes from the way the characteristics of the materials utilized combine functional and visual qualities:

1. Lime. Base. Allows particles to adhere. Moroccan lime plaster has antiseptic properties.
2. Pigment. Moroccan plaster contains quite a lot of pigment (1:9 by volume). This allows for rich, rich tones.
3. Additives. The solution is enriched with clay, marble flour and quartz sand. Fillers allow for a special surface texture, add depth to tones, and reinforce.
4. Linseed oil. Allows for high water resistance. Such plaster can be wiped and washed. Although the cost per m2 increases.
5. Soap. Polishing soap chemically reacts with the alkaline environment of lime plaster. This creates a durable film that is resistant to water.
6. Wax. Natural water-repellent material.
7. Texture. Moroccan relief plaster consists of two visually distinguishable layers – preparation and relief finishing. They have different colors, shades, which significantly enriches the coloristic filling of walls.
8. Polishing. The wall is polished. This relief is given more smooth outlines, which is important from the practical side (after all, such walls are easier to wash than rough).

The quest for a "recipe" for a wall coating that repels water is linked to the plaster’s complex composition. It was possible to use only natural, natural components under African conditions. Local African customs influenced the decorative lime plaster application and alignment beneath the Moroccan coating.

Cost and savings.

Moroccan plaster is not without problems. The costly final plaster solution and the challenge of applying it to the wall are two of these. You can create and implement the solution on your own to cut costs.

Making the mixture by hand might not be profitable because businesses can purchase ingredients directly from producers at a wholesale price without the need for middlemen. There is a reduction in the total cost. The developer may pay more for composite materials when purchasing them at retail.

It’s crucial to precisely estimate the costs of the component materials before determining to mix your own decorative plaster mixture.

Plaster application is related to additional challenges and the degree of expertise of the artisans:

• Specialists. Moroccan plaster, which is quite complex, is not learned from videos on the Internet: there are entire courses for plasterers working in this technique. Of course, the cost per sq. the meter of their work is quite high.
• Lovers. Hiring a non-professional worker is a real savings. But even the plasterer himself doesn’t know what will happen in the end.
• With your own hands can also be coated. But subject to sufficient experience in plastering in general. Worth a try on “irresponsible” walls (garage, basement) or pieces of drywall.

Moroccan ornamental plaster is made of a very intricate material. Consequently, applying the ready-made mixture that you have purchased yourself is the most natural (and popular) solution.

Required Tools.

A plasterer-painter’sstandardtoolkit is needed to work with Moroccan plaster:

1. Spatulas. It is convenient to use several spatulas:
   • Small (approx. wide. 4-5cm) for easy access to the mixture in the bucket.
   • Medium (wide. 15-25cm). Used for working in hard-to-reach places, on small fragments of untreated surface.
   • Large (width. 40-60 cm) for basic work on open areas of walls.
2. Bristle brushes for applying primers, soap solution.
3. Polishing stone, wooden spatula – used for finishing work. Moroccan ready-made plaster is sometimes sold with natural river stone included.
4. Grinding machine. For polishing the finishing layer.
5. Roller. Rollers may be needed for painting textured plaster.
6. Rubber roller is used to apply the second color if it is decided to make the plaster two-color. The tool touches only the upper, protruding parts of the relief. Thus, only part of the surface is painted, while the other has the original color.

Because the regular roller is too soft and reaches the bottom of the depressions, you should not use it to apply the coloring layer for the relief as this will lower the quality of the work. Using a rubber one is preferable.

How to apply the solution.

• Preparation. The wall must be leveled with an appropriate plaster mixture. A smooth and dry surface is glued (painted with tile adhesive). This will increase the adhesion of the "Moroccan" to the wall.
• The first layer is applied very thinly (approx.1 mm) to a barely dried layer of glue (to the "tack") with a metal trowel or spatula. It is a preparatory, priming layer.
• The second layer is "stuffed" with a natural or artificial sponge. Its size is about 15x15x15 cm. Moroccan textured plaster should have a noticeable volume, so you should not use kitchen foam rubber for washing dishes: it will not give the desired effect, and it will deteriorate too quickly.

The following is how the solution is used:

• With jabbing movements (like a sponge when working with a stencil), avoiding sliding on the wall, smearing the solution. As a result, you should get a small "fur coat", "fur coat". Tadelakt (Moroccan plaster) is a relief coating.
• The first jab gives the most convex relief. It is advisable to apply such spots at the same distance, filling the gaps with less prominent ones (the second and subsequent “blows” of the sponge).
• It is better to cover the surface 1-1 at a time.5m/sq., to avoid noticeable boundaries, joints between spots.

Moroccan plaster takes a while to dry. The manufacturer’s chosen mixture of materials, along with their properties and ratios, determine how long the process takes to dry. It takes, on average, eight to twelve hours (see the packaging instructions).

Partial hardening is what is meant by practically drying. The layer dries first where it comes into direct contact with the wall. The relief’s tops dry more slowly.

The total amount of material used was 1-1.2 kg.

• Compacting. "Lubricating" the tops of the relief, flattening and compacting it. It is done with a wooden spatula, and then with a polishing stone. This is how a reliable connection of the second layer with the preparation (first layer) is achieved.
  This method of applying exotic decorative plaster under a difficult Moroccan coating is quite complicated. It is easier for a beginner plasterer to use an ordinary (wide) spatula.

Crucial! Avoiding the obvious direction of the relief and the appearance of working tool traces is necessary. Plaster needs to be leveled in several directions.

• The final stage is to create a water-repellent film by treating the surface with grout soap with the addition of natural olive oil. The plaster becomes waterproof.
• Additionally the surface is covered with a layer of wax mastic, which increases the water-repellent properties of the surface and gives it a pleasant velvety gloss.
  There are many wax compositions, including tinted ones.
  Moroccan two-tone plaster is created by using wax with the addition of mother-of-pearl, silver (aluminum pigment), gold (including particles of natural gold leaf).
• Polishing. After the wax dries (about.1-2 hours.), it is polished with an angle grinder. For this, soft, non-marking attachments are used. Once completed, the appearance resembles the pouring of silk plaster.

When polishing wax, the grinder should be run at the lowest possible speed because the wax will soften and "burn" at higher speeds.

It is applied between 20 and 22 degrees.

Moroccan plaster offers a distinctive way to add depth and character to any space because of its colorful aesthetic and rich historical background. Its polished, smooth surface reflects light exquisitely, fostering a cozy and welcoming ambiance. The classic application technique guarantees a long-lasting and eye-catching result, but it also takes time and expertise.

This plaster is a work of art that infuses your home with a hint of Moroccan artistry, not just a pretty covering. It is possible to create a surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting with proper planning and layering.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling an existing space, Moroccan plaster can make a big impact on your interior design. Because of its classic appeal and adaptability, it’s a great option for anyone trying to design a room that’s both sophisticated and unique.

Video on the topic

DIY VENETIAN AND MOROCCAN PLASTER

DIY Moroccan Plaster with Gold Effect. Instructions for Application Wowcolor Maroccano

Strutura – "Morocco" effect | decorative plaster Clavel

Moroccan plaster | School of repair