Features and specifics of applying decorative Moroccan plaster

Tadelakt, another name for decorative Moroccan plaster, is a traditional plastering method that gives walls and other surfaces a distinctive and opulent finish. This plaster, which comes from Morocco, is well-known for its polished, silky look and delicate, organic color and texture variations.

Moroccan plaster is unique in that it is long-lasting and versatile. Its timeless elegance can be employed in a variety of settings, including modern homes and traditional interiors. It is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and even external walls because of its water-resistant qualities.

Moroccan plaster application calls for some patience and skill. There are various steps in the process, such as priming the surface, combining the plaster, and adding layers. To get the desired finish, each layer is painstakingly polished and smoothed.

The end effect is an exquisite, handmade appearance that can completely change any area. Anyone can learn the art of Moroccan plaster and add a touch of exotic beauty to their home with the correct tools and techniques.

The main characteristics of the plaster

Moroccan plaster is known for its unique composition, which is 100% environmentally friendly and consists only of natural ingredients. The building composition’s light sheen and total water resistance are due to the presence of unique natural substances. Tentlact, also known as Moroccan plaster, gets its name from its ability to push moisture. It is a great alternative to tiles for decorating living rooms and bedrooms that get wet. The material was first developed in Morocco for the purpose of cladding water tanks; interior decoration was not until much later.

A Moroccan stands out against the background of "brothers" as decorative properties. Following drying, the coating has tiny embossed areas and is smooth with lovely golden flashes showing through. Moroccan plaster has a complicated recipe, but you can make the mixture by hand if you’d like.

To achieve the intended decorative effect, it is equally important to adhere to a specific application technique. Preparatory and embossed layers make up the majority of Moroccan decorative plaster, and their colors can differ. Following the application of mass, the walls are polished to eliminate any sharp edges in the relief and create seamless transitions.

The composition of Moroccan plaster

Lime is the primary ingredient in plaster; it facilitates particle interaction and has antiseptic and antifungal qualities. Additives are used to give the texture a specific structurality:

• marble flour;
• quartz sand;
• clay;
• diatomite.

These materials also aid in strengthening the mixture’s reinforcement and surface adhesion. After the plaster dries, it is coated with a unique polishing soap that reacts with the lime to create a strong water-repellent layer that makes the mixture waterproof on the outside. Additionally, a Moroccan or in its final coating are:

• pigments – to give decorativeness, obtaining juicy shades of material;
• linseed oil – to enhance water resistance, facilitate the application of mass and care for the finished coating;
• Wax – for additional giving hydrophobic properties.

Advantages and disadvantages

Moroccan plaster offers a lot of benefits.

• universality, the ability to use in different interiors, various rooms, for facade work, instead of tiles in the bathroom and in the kitchen;
• seamless coating, lack of ugly joints;
• glossy surface with unique decorative properties, high aesthetics;
• Complete fire safety – the material does not ignite and does not support combustion;
• Resistance to the action of high temperatures, the possibility of using fireplaces for cladding;
• environmentally friendly composition – there is no excretion of toxins even if temperature rises;
• lack of propagation of bacteria, fungi, mold on the decoration;
• excellent tolerance of high humidity and direct contacts with water;
• vapor permeability, support for optimal microclimate in the room, lack of clogging of pores, “breathing” properties;
• the ability to select any shade, suitability for any interior style;
• hygiene, easy care and the possibility of washing;
• long service life, wear resistance;
• Simplicity in work thanks to elasticity and suppleness.

One of Moroccan plaster’s drawbacks is that it can be difficult for novices to apply without proper training. You will need to practice beforehand on the draft surface because it will be challenging to handle the formation of a decorative layer without the necessary experience. Plaster is also highly expensive due to the high cost of its constituent parts. This is particularly valid for factory mixes that are produced in their final state.

Talekt has additional drawbacks. It is preferable to begin the solution yourself in order to save costs. You must meticulously prepare the walls before beginning work, or the coating’s quality will suffer. Moroccan plaster is not resistant to impact or other mechanical harm; extra caution is needed when handling the coating.

A distinctive method of incorporating the vivid colors and rich textures of traditional Moroccan interior design into your house is to apply decorative Moroccan plaster. This adaptable finish creates a range of lovely, textured surfaces that can improve any space by fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary methods. To attain the desired effect, the procedure entails meticulous layering and polishing from preparation to application. Moroccan plaster is a popular option for people wishing to add a touch of exotic elegance to their interiors because of its durability and breathtaking visual impact, which can turn plain walls into striking features.

Where the material is used

Because it is completely unafraid of moisture, shells are made from it in Morocco, the home country of plaster. It is also used to cover water storage containers. However, it is thought to be more customary to decorate apartments, homes, cottages, and public buildings with aidalact. The material is equally well-suited for the architecture of retail malls, multipurpose halls, cafes, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Plaster is used to finish floors, kamins, and stoves.

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Tools for applying plaster

Before applying a decorative mixture, get a couple of spatulas ready. The narrowest one should measure at least 4 cm in width and roughly 60 cm in length. Medium-sized (15–25 cm) stainless steel instruments are utilized for wall cladding on small coverage areas and in difficult-to-reach areas. You can purchase a cell with rounded edges or a rubber spatula for surfaces with rounded shapes. Additionally, get the following gadgets ready:

• bristle brushes for soap solution, priming;
• polishing stone for finishing with a hardness of 7-10 points on the MOOS scale (often comes with ready-made mixtures);
• wooden spatula for the final stage of work;
• grinding machine for polishing the finish layer;
• rubber roller for staining with a second shade (if it is decided to give a different color to the protruding parts of the relief);
• Additionally – painting tape, rags, containers.

Surface preparation

Due to its thinness, the final coating will allow for the release of all imperfections. In order to achieve this, the walls are given extra care; dirt and fat stains are removed, equalization is applied, and the walls are polished. Specialized vehicles are used to isolate any metal elements.

Finish plaster is put directly in front of the ram (gypsum solutions can be used in rooms with normal and low humidity). Following the wall, two layers are primed with a deeply penetrating composition that is applied crosswise with a brush. Two layers are dried for a minimum of three and eight hours, respectively. Additionally, a single thin layer of tile glue applied to the base can improve adhesion.

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Application technology

There are simpler ways to apply aidelact, but the traditional method is the most complex. Before using, the plaster powder is diluted with water; the final mixtures are then simply combined in buckets. Pigment can be added in relatively large amounts—up to 10% of the plaster’s overall mass. Trial coloring should be used to choose a particular shade. If a plaster pattern is to be applied, painting tape is used to adhere the pattern’s contours beforehand.

Classical Moroccan plaster – work technique

Applying the first layer of plaster is subtle; it should only be 1 mm thick. A metal spatula or a cell is used for work. If the work is being done on the floor, two of these layers are applied right away. Otherwise, the layer is applied without sealing. Give the ram 14 to 16 hours to dry.

Using a spatula, the second layer is also applied; its thickness is marginally greater than the plaster grain size. Once the mass begins to grab slightly, the wall is polished using a stone in small, pressure-free circular motions after the polishing soap has been applied with a brush.

Using a wooden spatula to compact the second layer of mixture and then using a stone afterwards is thought to yield even better results. When a shine and a distinct solid sound appear, the work is finished. Give the plaster a full day to dry.

Application of plaster with a brush

Using a spatula, the first layer is applied in the conventional manner. Plasters of two different colors are prepared in separate containers in order to perform the second layer. After dipping the brush into the first solution, ends are used to make strokes. A spatula is used to rub each smear, creating cruciate motions. Several one-color strokes are made between them before adding more, creating the second shade. After allowing the surfaces to dry and polishing them with a stone, this process is repeated using polishing soap the second time.

Simple application

Apply the first layer, which is one millimeter thick, using a brush, cell, spatula, or other comfortable tool. The solution is compacted with a wooden spatula and polished with a stone, making it easy to grasp. Next, use soap to reapply polish to the layer in order to make it shine.

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The technique of applying with a sponge

Plaster is applied with a small spatula to an elastic sponge that has rounded ribs. After the mixture is evenly spread over the sponge, it is placed on the wall using circular or puking motions. The mass is ironed after it has dried, glossing with a metal cell to remove the relief’s upper edges. To ensure lumps are removed from the tool, it is regularly wiped. The layer should then be polished using soap and a grinder fitted with a specific polishing disc.

Moroccan with cracks

The walls are primed beforehand using a unique soil that contains quartz sand. Without leaving any spaces between the cuts, the first coat of plaster is applied. The second layer is applied, covering no more than 5% of the uncovered areas, once the first layer has dried. A sharp tool edge is used to scratch the cracks until the mass has dried up; the cracks are initially wide and a scattering of small cracks is removed from them. Once the wall has solidified, it is sanded, varnished, and finally waxed with mother of pearl.

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Imitation of moroccan acrylic plaster

Ordinary acrylic plaster is tinted prior to work. After applying the first layer precisely for one hour, the second layer is applied using the spatula’s short crossbars. An hour later, the incision is painted with strokes of golden varnish.

Feature	Specifics
Application Method	Applied in layers with a trowel for a smooth, polished finish
Surface Preparation	Walls must be clean, dry, and smooth before application
Drying Time	Each layer needs 24 hours to dry completely
Finishing Touch	Polish with a steel trowel to achieve the desired shine
Maintenance	Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners
Durability	Highly durable and resistant to cracking

Decorative Moroccan plaster is a great way to give any area a colorful, textured makeover. The method offers distinct aesthetic benefits that traditional paint or wallpaper just cannot match, even though it does require some skill and patience. It is a popular option for people wishing to give their homes more character and depth because of its complex patterns and luxurious textures, which give interior spaces an authentic, exotic feel.

Applying and preparing Moroccan plaster correctly is essential to getting the best results. It is essential to make sure the surface is clear, even, and adequately primed. A strong and elegant finish can be obtained by applying the plaster in thin, even layers and giving each coat enough time to dry. Compared to conventional wall treatments, it may require more time and work, but the amazing results make the effort worthwhile.

Furthermore, Moroccan plaster has useful advantages in addition to its aesthetic appeal. It can be used in a variety of climates and environments because it is strong, breathable, and has the ability to control indoor humidity. It’s also an eco-friendly option for people trying to lessen their environmental impact because of its natural ingredients.

Adding Moroccan plaster to your interior design can be a satisfying endeavor. In addition to being useful and sustainable, it also adds a hint of elegance and sophistication. Moroccan plaster offers countless opportunities for artistic expression and design, regardless of your preference for a muted texture or a striking statement wall.

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