Tadelakt microcement with excellent resistance | Natture

Tadelakt consists of lime dyed with natural pigments and polished with pebbles to obtain that soft, shiny and natural look for which it is characterised. It is an ancient decorative technique which formulation has been modernised by mixing lime powder and marble and then polishing it with a trowel.

Tadelakt is a word that comes from Arabic, specifically from the verb "dakala", meaning "to massage, rub, polish". It is an ancient decorative technique that dates back to Morocco and arose from the need to protect the walls of the hammams from humidity. But it was also used in riads and basins to mould pottery vessels in the purest Moroccan style.

There are many benefits why tadelakt continues to be one of the most versatile and widely used stuccos in decoration. Here are the most important ones:

Totally ecological:

tadelakt is an ecological coating, made from materials that are not harmful to the environment or to human or animal health. A product that fits perfectly in today's environment where companies are partly focusing their policies on reducing their ecological footprint.

High resistance to humidity

tadelakt withstands very high levels of environmental humidity. This is why it is one of the most suitable coverings for renovating rooms such as steam rooms or bathrooms. In this sense, 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 refinish the product, contribute to countless decorative finishes.

A highly durable stucco

the lime that makes up tadelakt is largely responsible for its long service life. A coating capable of remaining in optimum condition despite the passage of time.

Although tadelakt stucco has a history of more than 2,000 years, it has been gaining new followers in recent years due to its multiple decorative possibilities. It is a material designed for both interior and exterior cladding and can be used on walls, façades, furniture and floors.

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

1. First coat as a primer

This coat ensures good adhesion of the tadelakt to the new substrate.

2. Wet the surface

Next, it is necessary to dampen the substrate minimally with water.

3. Apply two coats of tadelakt

Put a first layer of tadelakt on the wall, smooth it with a spatula and leave it to dry overnight. Once the wall is completely dry, apply a second layer, slightly thicker than the first. Leave to dry in the same way.

4. Apply a coat of wax to waterproof the wall.

To finish the application of the tadelakt, it is important to use a wax to solidify the coating and also to achieve that much-prized waterproof finish.

The bathroom is one of the best rooms for tadelakt because of the impermeability it confers on the treated substrate. How? By closing the pores of the material and then polishing it. 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 cover your bathroom walls with tadelakt, they will be able to "breathe", as it is a material that is porous to air but not to water. A wall tiling with incomparable aesthetics and incalculable performance. Opting for tadelakt in the bathroom means forgetting about the appearance of mould, fungus and bacteria.

Considering the advantages of this lime-based mortar, it is safe to say 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 cladding, which we are going to develop below.

M2 of the surface

the first factor to be analysed is the size of the substrate to be coated with tadelakt, as it directly affects the amount to be paid.

Finish required

on the other hand, the type of finish to be applied to the floor or wall is also crucial to determine the price per m2 of tadelakt, as the cost will vary depending on the technique, the number of coats and the type of product used.

Surface repair or not

in line with the previous point, not all substrates are in an optimum state when tadelakt is applied. The surface must be perfect and, to achieve this, any necessary repairs must be carried out; in these cases, the price per m2 increases.

Quality of the product

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

Labour

it seems obvious, and it is, but it is still a circumstance to be considered. Each applicator has his own rates to assess the performance of his work. In fact, it is one of the variables that can most affect the cost of tadelakt.

In short, there is no fixed cost per square metre. There are many variables, circumstances and context that define how much this lime mortar is worth. However, a price range can be fixed. Thus, the price of tadelakt per square metre ranges between 70 and 100 euros.

Natture is a coating that maintains its good mechanical and chemical resistance outdoors, so it can be applied outdoors without any problems, including facades.

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

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

To increase the chemical resistance of tadelakt Natture microcement, it is advisable to seal the substrate and protect it. To do this, apply two coats of Presealer followed by two coats of Topsealer WT.

Natture includes 34 colours, however, if the customer wishes, it is possible to obtain different shades. Either by mixing pigments or by configuring new ones from our Arcocem basic colours.

No, not all granulometries are suitable for floors and walls. While Natture XL, L and M can be applied on both substrates, Natture S can only be applied on vertical surfaces.

Natture is designed as a low-thickness continuous coating that stands out for its low shrinkage and hardness. It is therefore suitable for decorating interior and exterior walls or floors where these qualities are to be exploited. In terms of aesthetics, it is perfect for emulating a tadelakt or concrete finish.

The Natture technical data sheet specifies the mixing proportions of powder and resin that have been tested in our laboratories by our chemists. Depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment and substrate, the sample ratio may vary slightly. If you want or need to make the product more fluid, you can add a little resin without exceeding 2%.