How to create a Tadelakt Bathroom

Origins of Tadelakt

Firstly lets talk about the origins of Tadelakt. The plaster and technique originates from Morocco. Here you’ll see it as a feature across many aspects of Moroccan architecture. It is a lime plaster which is extremely water resistant so you’ll find it in bathrooms, showers and wet rooms as well as interior walls and floors. The name means ‘to rub in Arabic and this reflects the application process of rubbing layers of plaster onto a surface which is followed by more burnishing to form a smooth even surface.

Creating a Tadelakt Bathroom

This cost effective tadelakt bathroom update is a perfect way bring bland walls or tiresome old tiles up to date. As the plaster can cover any surface there’s a minimal amount of prep to do. In this project the product is applied over the existing tiles. This means there’s no mess, dust, waste or expense from breaking off and removing the old tiles from the walls. Additionally the all in one application of tadelakt compares favourably with the price of buying good quality tiles along with a skilled tiler to apply them. Simply build up a 3-4 mm layer of tadelakt over the existing substrate – plaster walls, existing tiles etc. This creates a uniform finish across every surface including inside the shelves of this bathroom. This is one of the most unique properties of this type of plaster. By covering every surface, it is the perfect material to create soft, organic, minimalist decor schemes.

 A tadeakt bathroom project by Ferri Interiors

CHOOSING COLOURS

For this bathroom a bold blue colour was chosen. The tadelakt can match to a huge range of colours. This is done with the application of synthetic and natural pigments to the plaster. The RAL colour system is a European standard which codes colours to match. It is widely used across interiors, architecture and construction. Most brands of paints can be matched to a polished plaster wall colour through the RAL code system. We also have a section of popular colour samples which you can see.

NATURAL AND HEALTHY

This bathroom update is kinder to the environment
than other forms of renovation. Firstly there’s minimal waste creation as
there’s no need to remove and dispose of the old tiles. Secondly in comparison
to other materials tadelakt is low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These
are toxic nasties which realease into the atmosphere during production and use
of materials such as paint, modern plasters and adhesives. Not only are they
bad for our environment but also for our health. Both for the people who apply
these materials and the subsequently the occupants who have to live with them.

As a lime based plaster tadelakt is highly alkaline preventing growth of mould and mildew. It also absorbs carbon for a healthier atmosphere.

AFTER CARE

Caring for the walls in bathrooms and wet rooms,
simply requires wipe down with water and light detergent. Steer clear of harsh
chemicals and bleaches as these will damage the surface. From time to time the
waterproof coating requires a top-up using a marseille soap or similar to
protect the surface and revive the walls

To find out more about the possibilities of
creating a tadelakt bathroom in your home, please contact us for
more information.