Techniques for applying Moroccan decorative plaster

Moroccan decorative plaster is a gorgeous way to give your walls warmth and texture. This age-old method, derived from Morocco’s rich traditions, gives any area a hint of the exotic. It gives the impression of a far-off place being in your home thanks to its elaborate patterns and earthy hues.

Applying Moroccan plaster requires careful layering and finishing to produce that one-of-a-kind, handcrafted look. It’s not just slapping some material on the wall. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing these tricks will enable you to produce a stunning, genuine finish that will make any space pop.

This post will explain how to apply Moroccan decorative plaster step-by-step and provide advice on how to make sure your project turns out well. Prepare to add the classic beauty of Moroccan design to your walls.

The key to applying Moroccan decorative plaster is learning how to strike the right balance between technique and artistry. Using this plastering technique, simple walls are transformed into gorgeous, classic surfaces by adding detailed textures and vivid, earthy hues. Understanding the special qualities of the materials and utilizing the appropriate equipment to layer, blend, and polish the plaster to produce the desired effect are crucial to success. Anyone can learn how to apply Moroccan plaster and give their walls a dash of elegance and tradition with a little perseverance and practice.

Advantages and disadvantages

Moroccan decorative plaster has benefits and drawbacks just like any other coating. The following are the material’s principal benefits:

• versatility. The material can be used for both interior and facade work;
• high antiseptic characteristics. Fungi or mold cannot appear on the surface covered with Moroccan plaster;
• high degree of vapor permeability. The coating allows the walls to “breathe”;
• resistance to fire and high temperatures. The material not only does not burn, but also does not support combustion;
• moisture resistance. The coating does not absorb moisture and can be applied in rooms with high humidity;
• Stylish and attractive appearance. The original glossy surface gives the interior a special charm;
• Almost unlimited selection of colors. You can choose a coating for any interior;
• Environmental safety. The material does not contain any toxic elements.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, there are a few drawbacks:

• High cost. Morocco plaster does not belong to the category of budget coatings;
• Complex application technology. To apply the material, it is necessary to have special skills;
• vulnerability to mechanical influences. The glossy surface is easily scratched;
• the need for careful preparation of the base.

Moroccan plaster is one of the most unique and fashionable coatings, despite certain drawbacks.

Composition of Moroccan plaster

Lime forms the foundation of the working mixture. It is responsible for ensuring that individual particles adhere to one another and for the composition’s antiseptic qualities. The plaster becomes stronger and more adamantive to the surface when marble flour, quartz sand, clay, and diatomite are added.

The plaster is treated with a unique polishing soap once it has completely dried. This aids in the surface’s development of a layer that repels water. The finishing coating consists of polishing soap in addition to:

• dyes;
• linseed oil;
• wax.

The hydrophobicity of the surface layer is greatly increased by the addition of wax and linseed oil.

Surface preparation

After the work is finished, all base defects will be easily visible because the coating thickness is between 2 and 4 mm. For this reason, the walls are carefully aligned using gypsopolymer or other compositions prior to the application of Moroccan plaster. All metal components are treated with specialized insulating compounds to prevent rust from showing through the finish coating.

The surface is primed by deep penetration impregnation once it has completely dried. It will take three to four hours for the first layer to dry, and eight to ten hours for the second. The application of a tailed can begin once the soil has completely dried. Sometimes, a thin layer of glue is applied to the base of ceramic tiles to improve adhesion.

Tools for applying plaster

Moroccan plaster application will require the following tools in addition to specific knowledge and the desire to create a distinctive and fashionable interior:

• Spatulas of various widths;
• bristly brushes and brush-maclovice;
• polishing stone;
• wooden spatula;
• grinding machine;
• roller;
• rubber roller.

Two colors are applied to the surface using a rubber roller. Such a roller only touches the plaster’s protruding portions—the recessed areas remain untouchable—due to the hard surface.

Application technology

Moroccan plaster can be applied in a variety of ways, each with unique qualities:

• classic;
• application with a brush;
• simple application;
• application with a sponge;
• Moroccan with cracks;
• imitation acrylic plaster.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these approaches.

Classic Moroccan plaster

The package specifies the amount of water to dilute the finished dry mixture with. The amount of dye added determines how intense the color is. One can use up to one tenth of the final mixture’s mass of pigment to achieve saturated shades.

1. The base layer is an ordinary coarse-grained lime mixture. It is applied, without compaction, to the walls in one layer, to the floor in two layers. The thickness of the layer should be slightly larger than the grain size. When applied to a lime base, it is pre-moistened. The drying time of the base layer is 15-17 hours.
2. The finishing layer has the same thickness and is also not compacted. Before the next stage, let the solution set and dry.
3. The thickness of the 2nd, textured layer should not exceed the grain size. Polishing is started without waiting for complete drying, immediately after the mixture has set. After a specific ringing sound and gloss appear, polishing can be considered complete.
4. At the final stage, a polishing soap solution is applied using a brush. When it is slightly absorbed, the surface is polished again with a special stone or a grinding machine with a polishing belt. After 24 hours, the surface is considered suitable for further use.

Application with a brush

1. The underlayer is applied in the same way as in the previous method.
2. The second layer is applied using brushes and spatulas. Before starting the application, prepare small containers with mixtures of different shades. Using brushes, apply strokes of one shade to the base layer. After this, using crosswise movements of the spatula, these strokes are rubbed over the surface.
3. After applying and rubbing one color, the operation is repeated for another shade. The result is a unique multi-colored coating.
4. As soon as signs of setting of the solution appear, the surface is polished with a stone. After this, apply a soap solution and polish the surface again

Simple application

1. The primary layer about 1 mm thick is applied evenly, just like when filling walls. For this, a sea sponge, brush, brush, spatula or trowel can be used. The working mixture is applied to the wall using the end-grain method.
2. After setting, the solution is compacted with a wooden spatula, after which it is polished with a stone.
3. After compaction and primary polishing, the surface is impregnated with a solution of polishing soap and re-polished to a mirror shine.

Sponge application technique

1. The working mixture is applied to the surface of the sponge using a narrow spatula. After this, the composition is transferred from the sponge to the wall with concentric movements. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the entire base layer is covered. The resulting coating will have a slight relief.
2. The seized layer must be ironed – using a spatula, smooth out the protruding parts of the texture. The tool must be constantly wiped with a clean rag to avoid scratches and other defects on the surface.
3. After tinting, wax is applied to the surface with a spatula and fills all existing depressions.
4. After 30-40 minutes, the surface is polished with an electric drill with a special attachment. The operation is carried out at low speeds to avoid burning of wax. After mechanical processing, the surface is polished manually.

Moroccan with cracks

1. The primary layer is applied over the entire wall. The layer thickness should be minimal.
2. The second layer should cover from 90 to 95%covers approximately 95% of the surface. To obtain the desired effect, gaps should be left in random places.
3. The wet layer is scratched with a hard object. This allows you to imitate cracks. The more realistic the pattern is, the more reliable the final result will be.
4. After complete drying, the second layer is sanded with fine sandpaper.
5. To fill artificial cracks and micropores, varnish is applied to the surface with a spatula. In addition, applying varnish reduces absorption and binds dust residues.
6. When the varnish dries, the surface is covered with wax with an admixture of mother-of-pearl. The wall is polished mechanically using a wool disk.

Imitation with acrylic plaster

Natural lime mixture is expensive and does not fall into the category of low-cost building supplies. Using acrylic mixtures could be a solution in this case. To get the desired color, the necessary amount of dyes is added to them prior to use.

A small amount of black pigment is added to the material to give it a more natural appearance.

1. When applying the first layer, marble chips and quartz filler are not added to the acrylic mixture. After the initial treatment, the wall should be even and smooth, but some defects are allowed, which will be eliminated when applying the second layer.
2. You can start applying the second layer after 1-1.5 hours. The material is applied with a wide spatula, without applying significant force. The result will be a textured surface with small differences.
3. At the final stage, you need to apply gold or silver varnish with a spatula.

Gaining proficiency in the application of Moroccan decorative plaster can turn any area into a colorful, textured work of art. Although meticulous attention to detail is necessary for this unique plaster, the outcome is well worth the effort.

Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, taking the time to master these techniques will guarantee a gorgeous finish that perfectly embodies Moroccan design. Practice makes the process more instinctive, freeing you up to concentrate on your artistic and expressive endeavors.

Recall that accuracy and patience are the keys to success. You can create a beautifully polished and layered surface that gives any room warmth and character by following the steps listed.

Video on the topic

PARADE ICE SHERLIS / "MARMORINO" effect. Application of Moroccan plaster

OZON Moroccan plaster – application technique

Mirror plaster! How it is done. Marocco