Tadelakt Bathroom

Tadelakt is a natural hydraulic lime plaster, polished with river stone and treated with black olive soap. Originating from Marrakech, it creates a smooth, waterproof and luminous surface, ideal for bathrooms, hammams and pools.

Air lime sets on contact with air and is more porous. Hydraulic lime sets even in the presence of moisture, making it more water-resistant: it is the type used in traditional Tadelakt.

No. Moroccan Tadelakt is a natural material based on hydraulic lime, stone-polished and treated with black soap. Venetian stucco has a different composition and application techniques. Tadelakt offers better natural waterproofing.

Traditional Tadelakt is made with:
• Natural hydraulic lime from Marrakech
• Natural mineral pigments
• Water
• Black olive soap (for the final treatment)
No chemical additives, no resins: only natural materials.

Tadelakt is as resistant as most lime plasters. Correctly applied by an experienced craftsman and properly maintained, it lasts for decades without problems. Avoid acidic or abrasive products for cleaning.

Yes, Tadelakt is semi-waterproof. Thanks to polishing with river stone and treatment with black soap, the surface becomes water-resistant. This is why it has been used in bathrooms, showers and hammams for centuries.

Applied Tadelakt plaster is between 3 and 8 millimetres thick, depending on the substrate and desired result. This relatively thin layer makes it suitable for renovations without significantly altering the dimensions of spaces.

Tadelakt application requires the expert hand of a specialist craftsman. The main stages are: substrate preparation, first layer application, polishing with river stone, burnishing and final treatment with black olive soap. The entire process takes several days.

We recommend applying Tadelakt on a hydraulic lime base coat or on a stable, well-prepared cementitious substrate. The substrate must be clean, solid and free of rising damp. It is not suitable on plaster or plasterboard without specific prior treatments.

In Marrakech, Berber craftsmen apply Tadelakt with traditional tools: wooden spatulas, polished river pebbles and natural sponges. Every gesture is precise and methodical, the result of years of apprenticeship under the guidance of a Maalem (master craftsman).

Tadelakt maintenance is simple:
• Clean with warm water and diluted black soap
• Avoid acidic products or bleach
• Apply pure black soap every 6-12 months to renew protection
• Avoid abrasives that could scratch the polished surface.