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We consistently receive a lot of interest in our Tadelakt material. Below is an edited version of some previously posted information on Tadelakt Installation:
General information:
If you’re not familiar with Tadelakt, it’s a wonderful material. A traditional Moroccan wall finish, originating in the Marrakesh Region, is is found in the Hammams, the Moroccan steam bath, and in the riads of Marrakesh.
Here is some advice on how to easily apply Stucco Italiano’s Tadelakt. We have included some notes to compare this modern application method with the antique or traditional Moroccan method. Installers are often using more modern application methods to give a more refined effect compared to those obtained with the rougher, more rustic methods which use less sophisticated tools and less refined products.
Tadelakt - How to apply:
The preparation of the substrate is similar to that used with Stucco Italiano Marmorino Carrara. The ideal substrate is new plaster composed of lime, a little cement and sand. It can also be applied over old substrates as long as there is no crumbling and it has been treated with a primer.
Mix an 18 kg. container of material with about 6.5 – 7 kg of water. Once the material is well-mixed, it can be colored and then left to rest for about a half an hour. It can then be applied, either that day or the next. (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.)
After the substrate has been prepared, the first coat, tinted or not (white), is applied with a metal 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 Carrara, to replace all the protective tape. For the second coat, apply the material with the color of your preference with a large, metal trowel. As with Marmorino Carrara, 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 sponge float.) Let it dry a little until it loses its shine, which is due to an excess of water. 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 big trowel, or a smaller one if you chose.
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 appear during this stage, you’ll need to wait a little more before the final burnishing stage.
It may be advantageous at the final stage of polishing to use a plastic trowel, especially with lighter colors, to avoid burning the surface. At this point in traditional Moroccan applications, the burnishing is done with a polished stone that, given its round shape, allows 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 or more days, it can be protected with a special Moroccan soap (the same one which is still used in the public, Moroccan baths) which is made from olive oil. The soap is spread as is, or diluted up to 100%, with as much water as desired. Since this soap is very dark, 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.
Next Post: Tadelakt for showers, countertops, and floors. I’ll try to have that ready that for tomorrow. You can subscribe to our blog if you don’t want to miss this post.
Stucco Italiano Open Studio will be an ongoing networking event for our alumni students who want to exchange ideas and build their portfolios.
Any student who enrolls in one of our new classes, or has attended Aaron’s classes at either Vandelae Studios or Seattle Architectural Finishing Studio, is welcome to attend these fun networking events.
Upcoming 2009 Stucco Italiano Open Studios will be held on the following Saturdays:
INTRODUCING OUR NEW, All-in-One, Master Venetian Plaster Training, Materials, & Support Program
Let’s face it. These days, we’re all pinching pennies a little more than we have in the past. You are looking for more value than ever before when you reach into your pocketbook.
That’s why we are enhancing our classes by adding FREE materialand tools to take home after class, and offering GUARANTEED, ongoing, on-the-job support for our students and customers.
Whether you are a homeowner looking for a way to economically remodel your home, or a professional artisan aspiring to be at the top of the field, we can help you succeed.
High quality is important to you, but you don’t want to pay high prices for installation. Well, pick up a trowel and plaster it yourself! This one-day class introduces beginners to the foundation of Venetian plastering… (Read more about Plaster-It-Yourself)
The beginning to intermediate artisan who recognizes the importance of using the highest quality materials and the best techniques can take his or her career to the next level by becoming certified as a Stucco Italiano Installer… (Read more about Stucco Italiano Certification)
The future of interior design is green. While your clients are increasingly demanding all-natural materials that won’t harm the environment, they don’t want to sacrifice style. During this intermediate to advanced level intensive, you will learn a wide variety of the most sought-after finishes in the field, using only the finest non-toxic lime-based plasters… (Read more about Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion)
Sometimes you want to skip the natural look and go for a bolder texture, finish, or glaze. You need the versatility of an acrylic material, and we use only the best: Golden Proceed. (Read more about Go Golden: The Proceed Line)
Upcoming Class Schedule
PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics (1-Day Workshop)
February 21, 2009 (Sat)
April 25, 2009 (Sat)
Stucco Italiano Certification Course (3-Day Class)
February 23-25, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
April 27-29, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion (3-Day Class
Thanks to Steve Manby of Authentic Plaster Effects and Alltex Stucco for submitting video of his crew doing an impressive Tadelakt installation in the Vancouver, BC area. Watch how they create a very natural distressed finish by starting with a strong vertical pattern and gradually backfilling into the pattern. Looks very realistic and organic.
Work was done on about 50 columns total on this impressive home which also features a naturally green, lime based Intonachino application on the exterior.
We’re all looking for ways to ride out this economic downturn…
For those looking to earn some extra income:
Environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional building materials, like installing Venetian plaster using our natural, lime based materials, is still a growing segment of the building industry. Smaller projects can be done on your own time (well, your client might have some input on that as well), so it can work for you as a supplemental income.
For those who are already professional contractors:
If you’re already a plaster artisan, the material you’re using can have a big impact on your productivity. Experienced independent contractor Mozelle Spencer describes how using Stucco Italiano plasters helps her maximize her time and profits:
“I am so impressed with this product line. We love using Stucco Italiano on our job sites. The ease of use when burnishing the Marmorino has enabled us to create numerous gorgeous finishes. Finishes that once we avoided due to how labor intensive the high polish plasters were. The Carrara and Classic are our favorites. The clean up on job sites is easier and the use of time is more productive and profitable.“
For the plaster-curious, as well as the master plasterers who haven’t tried our superior lime-based plasters, we’ve provided a link to download our print-ready Stucco Italiano catalog.
Simply click on the picture below (be patient… it’s a large file).
Here’s a photo Kay Lynn took in Venice during the trip:
…and here’s the same area this week, during the flood!
According to the New York Times, “Venice routinely floods several times a year, but in recent years the phenomenon has worsened. Experts say global warming is the main culprit.”
Hmmm… yet another reason to do your part to combat global warming by choosing green materials for your walls…
More photos of the flood, which is now receding, here.
Last week we had a round of our Venetian Plastering classes with new students from all over the country. One of the great benefits of our Stucco Italiano Certification (VP2) and Advanced (VP3) courses is the opportunity to not only perfect your techniques by working on the sample boards, but to also get the feel of working on larger surfaces, and even real walls. Scroll down to see photos of Gary helping remodel our new conference room, building his real-world Venetian plastering expertise.
If you’re a former student of ours and are looking to update your skills, consider taking advantage of our Portfolio Builder and Product Update Workshop next month: November 14-15. You pay for supplies only, have the chance to work on large surfaces, and learn the hottest new finishes. And of course, network with your fellow artisans as we go out to dinner Friday night!
