Tadelakt: A How To

Special thanks to our cousin Dimitri Brown for providing us with the music stems for this video.
Lime Tadelakt is a Moroccan technique of polished lime used to waterproof primarily Earthen bathroom walls, sinks and tubs. It is similar to lime plasters around the world but is unique in that it's compressed with a stone while being treated with soap.
Read more about Tadelakt here ranchomastatal...
Traditionally hydraulic lime was used, as opposed to Type-S Air Lime used in this video. You can use many kinds of lime from Hydraulic, NHL3 to lime putties made from quick-lime.
Wall prep
Over substrate and then all subsequent coats, your wall should be clean, free of dust and well hydrated. Test by applying small amount of mix to wall, you should have ample amount of time to work. If not be sure to hydrate wall well, it may take up to several hours. Or try reduce amount of suction by applying an acrylic concrete bonder with water will reduce suction from existing substrate. If possible, seal room to add more humidity, allowing for longer curing times.
Step 1 - Base Coat (optional)
This does not need to be lime specifically, it could be stucco or earthen basecoat. I would skip this if going over conventional cementboard, especially if you red-guard it.
It can be applied over an earthen or masonry wall. It can take many forms, but the purpose of this step is to:
- Level and shape; and
- Give an extra layer of water protection to our walls, strawbales in our case.
Once applied, it is typically floated with wood or polyfloats to shape and level.
Basecoat Recipe
1 Part - Hydrated Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) - We used Type-S here
3 Part - Mortar Sand - the quantity will vary depending on your sand
Water - as needed
Optional ingredients:
¼ Part - Fiber - I used an Acrylic Fiber. There are many synthetic and natural fibers out there that can be replaced. I used this type as I like the size and way it mixes into the plaster.
Part - Water retainers - Methocellulose is a common one to add to thickness to your lime mix which helps slow drying time and allows for more working time. Again, there are many thickeners over the years, such as nopal (prickly pear), seaweed, blood and on. I also use Hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Pozzalon or Portland - this is to give the lime plaster a hydraulic set.
Application - can vary depending on aggregate sizes and what’s needed for base wall to get desired shape. In this video, I used sand screened through ¼ inch screen so could not be applied any thinner than ¼ inch. Most important aspect of application is to float to shape and level, using a wood or poly float, as they are more rigid than a steel trowel.
Can be left to cure completely or if you add Pozzolan/Portland mix you can apply the Tadelakt mix soon after it has firmed up.
Step 2: Tadelakt Mix
Generally applied in 1/16 - 1/8 inch layers (1.5mm-3mm). Can apply as many coats as you feel fit. I personally have never done more than 4 coats.
I only do the first coat with fiber and do not use again for all subsequent coats.
Ingredients
1 Part - Hydrated Lime
1 Part - Lime Sand in this case
Both sifted through windowscreen
Water as needed
Optional ingredients:
Pigment - often needs to be broken down by screening through mesh or dissolving in alcohol.
Fiber - refer to above. Fibers help prevent cracking but be careful with them as they can show up in finish. Make sure to leave time between coats and applying ample amount of mix. Only use in your first coat.
Water Retainer - Refer to above. Tadelakt mix is already fat because of the amount of lime to sand is very high, so you don’t need much water retainer. I like to use it to give extra water retention and a creamy, workable mix.
Pozzolan - I like using Metakaolin or white Portland
Application - usually apply between two to four coats as needed, applied very thinly with a steel trowel or float, and giving time to set-up in between coats, but not dry completely. This drying time helps the lime carbonate and lets it shrink between coats, helps guard against cracking. Floating between coats helps to align the aggregate and to level the surface. Floating is optional but just the way I like to do it.
Soaping - Use a soap high in steric acid. I use Black Olive Oil Soap in this video as it is the traditional soap used in Morocco for Tadelakt. There are plenty of other soaps that can be used however that have more stearic acid. If not already in liquid form, than grate or chop to dissolve. The soap needs to diluted with water - 1 soap to 10-20 water (I prefer more water).
DESCRIPTION CONTINUED (as KZbin didnt allow enough characters for Tadelakt):
docs.google.co...
For workshops, check out www.caneloproject.com/workshops

[@gnarbeljo8980]

I love tadelakt. And zelige tiles. Moroccan interiors are beyond beautiful

[@rubberbiscuit99]

As someone who does work with my hands, I have no words to tell you how much I love this video.

[@TashJansson]

I've literally been looking for a good tadelakt instructional video in a language that's not Arabic for YEARS! I cannot believe how lucky I am that you guys, the absolute pros, were the ones to deliver it

[@colonynaut1627]

Same here, this is rare information.

[@sarawest7075]

Now... where the heck do you buy the stuff?

[@tonyhussey3610]

Same here

[@tonyhussey3610]

@@sarawest7075 which country ?

[@9mil168]

@@sarawest7075 You make it my friend

[@EdurtreG]

Used on the inside but also outside (clay with fibre) creates houses that neither get too cold or too warm. Love them. Nice job Nito!

[@picsi-software]

I found that a strong mix of Lux soap flakes did as well as Olive soap.. Its the reaction between sodium stearate (washing soap) with Calcium hydroxide, giving you calcium stearate which isn't water soluble that is important. You can finish with wax or linseed oil. For pigments you can go to your local paint shop and ask them to mix up a colour without adding it to paint.. just keep in mind there is extra water in that pigment, also measuring it out is important with chromate dyes since they are quite strong and you don't want big variations between plaster batches (though some variation gives a nice effect)

[@PrintKingdom904]

one of the most beautiful projects ive ever seen, craftmanship is breath taking pure art

[@samarindo]

I agree

[@tonyhussey3610]

Mee too

[@흔남-b7l]

나도

[@FranciscoRodriguez-md7vq]

amazing work as always, ur channel is truly one of the best things youtube have ever shown me, keep up the good work!

[@TGSSMC]

You are the man, each work is a sculpture.

[@jessemurphy8871]

Always love seeing your posts! Keep ‘em coming as you can and thanks!

[@brynmcauley]

Oh my gosh this is stunning. Such beautiful workmanship and the result is timeless, elegant and so calming. Congratulations on your beautiful space.

[@dear_darling]

You do INCREDIBLE and BEAUTIFUL work!!! I always love watching these tutorials. Bravo 👏🏼

[@lossless4129]

The delivery of information here is…exceptional. Thank you for sharing, and beautiful work!

[@tworebelsoffgrid]

Absolutely gorgeous work! We are going to attempt this in our off-grid bathroom. It's probably going to get interesting :)

[@beerose4309]

The absolute beauty in this is just astounding!! Love the quality and craftsmanship.

[@manonamountain]

Easy to identify a true craftsman. Limited, basic tools, but ability, and desire to produce aesthetic beauty, beyond what the bloke with all the latest gear, and the big, shiny new van could ever achieve. I am impressed.

[@artytomparis]

It's a beautiful technique. The result is incredibly attractive and warm, like soft marble. Very easy to live with.

[@futurekron]

I love this! I'm looking at renovating an old Bulgarian home...many have shower rooms with uneven plaster walls. This could be the solution to getting a high-end, natural finish without tearing out all of the walls!

[@tadelaktmarakch8260]

I am from Morocco and I work in the Tadelakt market. Welcome

[@Pickles-gu6dz]

I really like the shape of the counter, specifically the underside space for the pipes

[@jefersilver]

Miss your vídeos! They are increadible. Congrats

[@ruthlongridge2137]

Maestro, I am humbled

[@richardbidinger2577]

Beautiful and flawless. Fantastic work. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@richardschneider4775]

Incredible. Your work attention to materials and application is an art form to itself. True an old-world craftsman with the feel for the earth born products that turn into homes ,walls and furnishings. Excellent. I watch on mute jus for the work.

[@liohh554]

this video is one of the best. I’ve been having Staten Island many issues with my tadelakt and this video has helped tremendously

[@ZipSnipe]

As soon as I hit my first million I am flying this guy to America to do my bathroom

[@oumchar]

As a moroccan I'm happy that this Moroccan technique made its way out of Morocco. Moroccan is mesmerizing to say the least.

[@sneg__]

you should probably mention Morocco a bit more often in your comment, I was confused where this technique came from.

[@oumchar]

@@sneg__ haha true that. Never enough, it's a good feeling

[@MrOuchy]

Moroccans are definitely the Moroccans of Morocco. Ask any Moroccan.

[@GOODdeels]

It's from Algeria

[@OutOfTheBoxThinker1]

@@GOODdeels Zebiii ! Ntouma kolchi dialkom !!!

[@paulus.tarsensus]

I've not done tadelakt yet, but I'm an OK plasterer. Drywall finishing is EZ, but I've never done a Level 5 finish. Some of your 'mud' plaster finishes are 'Level 5' amazing and you lay everything out plainly. Other videos on tadelakt aren't as clear; I feel I could take it on now confidently by simply copying your actions. Thank you.

[@bojanglesobrien6883]

Find some excuses around the house to use different processes. That’s how I originally got into venitian plaster which then got added into my business once I was competent. Now I’m learning this in hope of adding another tool into the belt.

[@peterschoffauer8445]

brilliant craftsmanship, great photography, good music. thank you!

[@zorroinhell5549]

This is beautiful art! This gentlemen is an artist.

[@renaissancemaneric8019]

I like the Earthship inspiration applied. Beautiful work.

[@juanmorse50]

Just wanted you to know, that your work is absolutely amazing.

[@rumhound5903]

It looks peaceful and futuristic. Beautiful

[@calexiou69]

Always love your posts. Very inspiring and beautiful. Thank you.

[@leighharron]

A pleasure to watch. What a beautiful thing

[@PhongthoHoang]

I 'vs learnt a lot from thí video! Thís is really the best way to build one's own house for cheap!

[@markzambelli]

Beautiful video with lovely music... gorgeous technique and such a stunning look to the entire room. Just as calming as your Dorodango vids, thankyou for showing us.

[@stephenericmoller1886]

Thanks Nito for some good information and techniques. You're a real artisan.

[@hhadra9780]

first time i see something like this and i love it. seems like a lot of work, but looks timeless. wonder how robust it is and how easy to repair if necessary

[@kwhatten]

Love the bottle lights!

[@ps603]

Wow...Just Beautiful..

[@rhohoho]

Beautiful work as always. Thank you for sharing it.

[@dominicbird6020]

Great videography, so relaxing

[@danielvaughan2370]

I've never been so absorbed in a video! Amazing work

[@empirecherifien6716]

what a great video, many thanks

[@manasikashyap]

Each process/layer is so time sensitive. The focus it must take! Thank you for sharing this!

[@husbyhogan]

Awesome result. Great craftsmanship. I love the lamps in the wall :-). Will use it also in my project :-)

[@jofreund]

Beautiful work!

[@markgibbins4143]

Lovely work 👍

[@thiagobispo5782]

Thanks from brazil!!

[@EmileTheart]

Fantastic project. And a massive thank you for this how to video.

[@pubby666]

Looks beautiful! Nice work

[@chadhumes1684]

Nice job brother Beautiful design and lots of care.

[@mojavebohemian814]

Thank you

[@trasher2848]

Beautiful.

[@tomtomdrunk]

Magnifique ! As usual

[@dementecato]

Beautiful. Entretaing. Informative. Inspiring. Gracias.

[@radicalgastronomy]

Out of the park, as always!

[@daliborsedmak8343]

Great work 💎

[@donovanallen]

Love your videos and always great music. Truly amazing to watch a master at work.

[@adamkhan7234]

I fell in love with tadelakt when I visited Morocco some years back. Always wondered how they achieved that incredible finish. Thanks for sharing this, and your bathroom overall turned out absolutely gorgeous. Love the seamless plumbing and choice of fixtures.

[@WEP300]

Very good video, thanks for explaining the technique step by step

[@sartura]

this is so beautiful, amazing craftsmanship, well done!

[@lightingnabottle6065]

I can't express how much I've enjoyed watching this.HIS CRAFTMANSHIP IS SUPERBE ! What a beautiful look.

[@mikefiedler8813]

Now that's craftsmanship.

[@anjalisn9499]

Thank you for passing on all the knowledge... Hoping to apply it someday soon ❤️❤️

[@abrahamcale3659]

Excellent! Beautiful work

[@round69]

Wow,.. that´s beautiful,. Bravo,.☀

[@mothanwrdz]

Yes!!! I've been hoping that you did a Tadelakt video one of these days. Dreams do come true!

[@banjaran611]

Your videos are very inspiring and helpful. Haven't come across a better tadelakt video with respect to instructions, materials and videography. However, I'd be greatful if you could let us know what walls/textures this can be applied on. Can this be applied to raw bricks, or should we mud plaster it first? and can this be used over flyash cement blocks? Keep up the amazing work!

[@debraboyd1779]

Mostly used on cob which is made from sand, straw and clay. Honestly I've never seen it used on brick walls.

[@antoniospanayiotou8619]

Beautiful

[@PurnamadaPurnamidam]

Beautiful ❣💯

[@petersguazzato8291]

That was fantastic ❤

[@AndyTausK]

Fabulous! Tfs. Greetings from cologne Andy

[@jinst3r]

this is amazing. thank you for sharing. jc from la

[@VaQm11]

Inspiring and uplifting to see such craftsmanship shared. Thank you for this instructional video!

[@f.demascio1857]

Very impressive.

[@stargazer3887]

Amazing!

[@damoisellecadillacducarlad6626]

SUPER TAFF ET SUPER RENDU ... Je suis jalouse !

[@ham-cn5yf]

beautiful

[@sammaris9246]

fantastic

[@twally-fg5ge]

more content please! love everything on this channel

[@mercedeslewis4598]

Wow I have so many questions! Neat!

[@avenuex3731]

Gorgeous

[@ParoOoxx]

Wonderful work as always. If you want, i invite you to Morocco in my farm, to teach Moroccan mason the knowledge they lost during the last 40 years.

[@chompers11]

That sounds amazing

[@mrearthshome1375]

Great job, I loved the finished look.

[@patstats1]

It’s so satisfying to watch an artisan apply his craft with great love and skill. This video was easy to follow. Thank you.

[@MrCastillo71]

Nito!!!!! que pasa amigo? Porque no subes más proyectos de lo que haces. Se que debes estar super ocupado, pero lo que haces es una maravilla. Compartelo con nosotros!!!! un abrazo desde Panama, Panamá.

you guys are insane. thanks for shared that art!

[@genesisanimations8877]

I love your videos,they always have great cinematography, and are very knowledgeable, I hope you can make more great content

[@ivoted7199]

Well done indeed. looks grat!

[@vincentjean6756]

Superb.

[@lilazeepnatuurlijk706]

Wow love it

[@evemaegoodman4983]

absolutely mesmerising and very informative - I feel like it explains the process pretty well, whilst also making sure not to overcompliocate it for the average diy person ! Well done to both Brothers ! The video is so well filmed :) I'm really inspired to try and plaster my own bathroom in this gorgeous. traditional technique !!

[@robertocfaguiar]

Nice job.

[@newenglandman2413]

Pink Tadelakt, Crushed velvet seats, Riding in the back, Cruising down the street.... (If Springsteen were Moroccan.) What outstanding craftsmaship. Breathtaking, in fact.

[@dontstalkmebro]

Stunning. Except the bottles.

[@ALehrer-s8f]

really really cool

[@kennyholm7384]

Realy Nice thank you♻️

[@justayoutuber1906]

very unique!

[@yungxama1606]

Long time no see!

[@chrisgibbsphoto]

Stunning work. A lot harder than the faux North American version I just tried.