Tadelakt

Application

Here is some advice on how to easily apply Tadelakt. We have included some notes to compare this modern application method with the antique or traditional Moroccan method. It should be noted, however, that in Morocco, increasingly they are using the more modern application methods to give a more refined effect, compared to those obtained with the rougher, more rustic methods which use unsophisticated tools and unrefined products.

The preparation of the substrate is similar to that used with Marmorino. The ideal substrate is new drywall that’s primed with Protek Sharktooth Primer. It can also be applied over old substrates as long as there is no crumbling and they have been treated with Protek Sharktooth Primer.

Mix a 17 kg medium or 15kg of fine Tadelakt with about 6.5- 7.0 litres of water. Once the material is well mixed, it can be coloured and then left to rest for about a half an hour. It can then be applied, either the same day or the next day. (The material will still be good for several days if it is kept in a sealed container away from heat. However, it’s best to apply it within 2 or 3 days of mixing.)

After the substrate has been prepared, the first coat, whether white or tinted, is applied with a stainless-steel trowel. (With the traditional Moroccan method, it is applied with a tool similar to a Swiss trowel which leaves a slightly wavy surface.) Let the first coat dry completely (overnight). Remember that part of the pattern that is left in the first coat will be visible in the finished work.

Before beginning the second coat we advise, as we do in the instructions for Marmorino, that you replace all the protective tape. For the second coat, apply the material coloured to your preference with a stainless-steel trowel.

As with Marmorino, it should be applied over the entire surface smoothing out any marks left by the trowel, keeping in mind that any marks left at this stage with remain visible in the final surface. (For those wishing for a completely smooth surface, pass over the entire surface with a with a damp sponge float.)

Let it dry a little until it loses its shine. In some places you will see a slight lightening of the color. At this
point you can apply the third coat using the same material and the same trowel. The important thing is to use a trowel with sharp edges. Apply a thin layer, pressing (unifying) the second and the third coat into one thickness.

You will have to pass over the surface numerous times, always moving the trowel in different directions until you achieved the desired finish. If you see bubbles appearing during this stage, you’ll need to wait a little more before the final burnishing stage. It is advantageous at the final stage of polishing to use a plastic trowel.

At this point, in traditional Moroccan applications, the burnishing is done with a polished stone that, given its round shape, allowing the artisan to follow the wavy surface which has been created in the preceding coats with the Swiss-type trowel.

When the Tadelakt is completely dry, usually after one day or more, it can be protected with a special Moroccan soap made from olive oil (the same one which is still used in the public, Moroccan baths.) The soap is spread as is, or diluted with as much water as desired, up to 100%. Since this soap is colored by the olives, we advise that it be well-diluted when applied on light colors in order to avoid unwanted discolorations. Normally it should be applied with a metal trowel, rubbing it on the surface until it is completely absorbed. Any excess soap can be removed using a cloth after about 10 minutes.