Tadelakt microcement of superior resistances | Natture

Tadelakt consists of lime dyed with natural pigments and polished with pebbles to achieve that smooth, shiny and natural appearance for which it is characterised. An ancient decorative technique whose formulation has been modernised, mixing lime and marble powder; to then be polished with a trowel.

Tadelakt is a word that comes from Arabic, specifically from the verb "dakala" which means "to massage, rub, polish". An ancient decorative technique that dates back to Morocco and that arises from the need to protect the walls of the hammams from environmental humidity. But it was also used in riads and basins to shape ceramic vessels in the purest Moroccan style.

There are many benefits why tadelakt continues to be one of the most versatile and used stuccos in decoration. Below, we develop the most important ones:

Completely ecological

Tadelakt is an eco-friendly coating, made from materials that are not harmful to either the environment or human or animal health. A product that fits perfectly in the current landscape where companies direct their policies, in part, to reduce the ecological footprint.

Great resistance to humidity

tadelakt withstands very high levels of environmental humidity. That's why it's one of the most recommended coatings for renovating rooms such as steam rooms or bathrooms. In this regard, it does not proliferate mould and other problems derived from the humidity to which spaces such as bathrooms are exposed.

Wide variety of finishes

the wide range of colours available for tadelakt, as well as the possibility of being able to review the product, contribute to countless decorative finishes.

A stucco of great durability

the lime that makes up the tadelakt is largely responsible for its long lifespan. A coating capable of staying in optimal condition despite the passage of time.

Despite the fact that tadelakt plastering has a history of over 2,000 years old, it has been gaining new followers in recent years due to its multiple decorative possibilities. A material designed as a coating for both interiors and exteriors, it can be used on walls, facades, furniture and floors.

To avoid future problems with the tadelakt coating, the following application method must be strictly followed; the first step being to properly clean the support and ensure that it is in good condition.

1. First layer as a primer

With this hand, the good adhesion of the tadelakt on the new support is guaranteed.

2. Dampen the surface

Next, it will be necessary to minimally moisten the support with water.

3. Apply two coats of tadelakt

Apply a first layer of tadelakt on the wall, smooth with a spatula and let dry overnight. Once the wall is completely dry, apply a second layer somewhat thicker than the first. Likewise, let it dry.

4. Apply a layer of wax to waterproof the wall

To finish the application of the tadelakt, it is important to use a wax so that the coating solidifies and also achieves that precious waterproof finish.

The bathroom makes up one of the best rooms to place the tadelakt due to the waterproofing it provides to the treated support. How? By closing the pores of the material and proceeding to a subsequent polishing. Mixed with natural pigments, an infinite number of decorative finishes can be obtained, making it an ideal alternative to tiles.

Furthermore, if you decide to clad the bathroom walls with tadelakt, they will be able to "breathe"; as it is a material porous to air but not to water. A cladding of incomparable aesthetics and incalculable features. Opting for tadelakt in the bathroom means forgetting about the appearance of mould, fungi and bacteria.

Taking into account the advantages that this lime-based mortar provides, it can be assured without risk of error that the price of tadelakt is very affordable. However, there are a series of elements that condition the final cost per square metre of this coating that we are going to develop below.

M2 of the surface

the first factor to analyse is the dimension of the support that is going to be coated with tadelakt, as it directly affects the amount to be paid.

Desired finish

on the other hand, the type of finish that is sought to give to the pavement or wall is also crucial to set one price or another per m2 of the tadelakt. And it is that depending on the technique, the number of layers and the type of product used the cost will be one or another.

Surface repair or not

on the edge of the previous point, not all supports are in an optimal state at the time of the tadelakt application. The surface has to be perfect and, for this, it is necessary to carry out the necessary repairs; increasing in these cases the price per m2.

Product quality

of course, the better the product and features, the higher the price will be.

Labour

it seems obvious, and it is, but that does not stop it from being a circumstance to weigh up. Each applicator has its own rates to value the performance of their work. In fact, it represents one of the variables that can most make the cost of the tadelakt fluctuate.

In summary, a fixed cost per square meter cannot be set. There are many variables, circumstances and context that define how much this lime mortar is worth. However, a price range can be set. Therefore, the price of tadelakt per m2 ranges between 30 and 100 euros.

Natture is a coating that maintains its good mechanical and chemical resistances under the weather, so it can be placed outdoors without problems, facades included.

Natture is a lime-based microcement characterised by having minimal shrinkage, thus ensuring the creation of durable coatings that do not crack. However, for 100% guarantees, we recommend the use of mesh in the case of pavements.

Natture allows you to choose between different adhesion promoters, according to the tastes and preferences of each client. In this regard, we advise using the primers Primacem ABS or Primacem Plus and, in the event that the support may have moisture, we recommend Primapox®100 Barrier, as it blocks capillary moisture.

To increase the chemical resistances of the Natture tadelakt microcement, it is advisable to seal the support and protect it. For this, we will apply two coats of Presealer followed by another two coats of Topsealer WT.

Natture contemplates 34 colours, however, if the customer so wishes, they could obtain different shades. Either by mixing pigments or by configuring new ones from our Arcocem pastes.

No, not all grain sizes are suitable for floors and walls. While Natture XL, L and M can be applied to both supports, Natture S can only be done on vertical walls.

Natture is designed as a continuous low-thickness coating that stands out for its low shrinkage and hardness. Therefore, it is suitable for decorating interior and exterior walls or floors where these qualities are to be taken advantage of. As for aesthetics, it is perfect for emulating a tadelakt or exposed concrete finish. Product compatible with the addition of resins.

In the technical sheet of Natture, the proportions of powder to resin mix that have been tested in our laboratories by our chemists are specified. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment and support, the sample ratio may vary slightly. If one wanted or needed to make the product more fluid, a little resin could be added without exceeding 2%.