Modern finishing materials are diverse in their color and texture design. On the construction market today you can find a wide variety of panels made of PVC, fiberboard and other materials, and numerous paints and putties. However, many of them, the same paints, for example, have already “become boring”, but Moroccan plaster is a relatively fresh finishing material on our market.

This type of finish has a number of features that distinguish it from all others.

What it is

It must be said right away that, in fact, this type of plaster performs the same functions as all the others..

However, this finish has its own secrets that make it unique:

• Specially obtained pigment for color;
• Specially developed application technology;
• natural ingredients.

So, the pigment was derived by specialists from a combination of many colors. They are mixed with each other in a certain proportion, and this very effect is obtained.

Today in production, all mixing formulas are known and they are used like clichés. For this reason, a new color cannot be found, which is only for the better. Each individual batch will not vary greatly in color.

As for technology, it will be discussed a little lower. It is only necessary to say that this instruction has come down to us in its original form from the time it was founded. If something has changed, then only the tools, due to their time.

Moroccan plaster consists of several components, each of which is natural. None of the ingredients pose a threat to the life and health of people and animals and has no restrictions on use. On the contrary, it contains lime in large quantities, which is an excellent natural "regulator" of the indoor microclimate.

Application technology

The whole technology will contain several successive stages of work, both on the mixture itself and on the walls.

Advice!
So that the look of Moroccan plaster is not spoiled, the walls are pre-plastered with ordinary mixtures.

Indeed, this material is used for leveling conventional plaster mixes.

So the technology is:

• The walls are plastered;
• A small layer of tile adhesive is applied to the plastered and slightly dried surface, which is necessary for better adhesion;
• On a slightly dried layer of glue, the first layer of finish is applied. After it dries, a second layer is applied;

• After the second layer has completely dried, it begins to be compacted and leveled. Final compaction and leveling is done with a special smooth stone.

Advice!
In order for the surface to acquire the property of repelling water, it is treated with grout soap, which is done at the last stage.

As you can see, the technology is simple, but each stage uses its own tool. It will not be superfluous to talk about this.

Applicable tools

So, the following tools are used depending on the stage of application:

• To apply a layer of glue, you can use a regular spatula;
• To apply the first layer of plaster, use the size of wood, wooden graters;
• For the second and subsequent layers, steel spatulas will be required;
• For grouting, compaction and leveling, a well-polished stone is used;
• To apply the soap solution, you need a regular brush.

When choosing a tool, special attention should be paid to its quality. For example, steel tools often have a characteristic gray coating on their surface. Naturally, getting on the surface of the plaster, it will change its color, which is not acceptable.

To avoid this, before use, all steel tools are thoroughly wiped with a solvent or alcohol.

Separately, it should be said about those stones that are used at the last stage. They can be found in hardware stores, where Moroccan plaster itself is also sold. As a rule, a whole set of stones is sold, each of which is made according to a pattern made long ago.

There is a small nuance in the application technology itself. The thing is that the amount of liquid in such plaster is quite small. Therefore, after applying the first layer, it is left to dry for 10-15 hours, after which the second layer is applied.

If this is not done, then the surface of the material will be difficult to rub, and indeed, to any processing.

Conclusion

As you can see, do-it-yourself Moroccan plaster can be made even by non-professionals. This is due to relatively simple technology. The most important thing to remember is the correspondence of tools and stages of work. The video in this article will tell you more about everything.

Moroccan plaster

Moroccan plaster, also called tadelakt, is a traditional finishing decorative material in Morocco (hence the name).

It has been used by Moroccan masters for many centuries. Now it has received worldwide recognition as a finishing building material with unique properties.

Characteristics of Moroccan plaster

Such material is a dry mixture that dissolves easily in water. Tadelakt is 100% ecological product. Components for its manufacture:

• quartz sand;
• hydraulic lime;
• cellulose;
• marble flour;
• diatomaceous earth (containing the remains of marine organisms, shells);
• clay.

This type of plaster is hypoallergenic and has disinfectant properties. The mixture is white and odorless.

The mixture is dissolved in water, after which the plaster is ready for application to the main surface. It is possible to finish with tadelakt both internal and external surfaces of the walls.

What is Moroccan blend used for?

In addition to the fact that this type of plaster is used for its traditional purpose (wall decoration), sinks, pools, etc. are made from it. Due to the fact that tadelakt retains heat remarkably, it is often used for decoration.

It should be noted that plaster from Morocco is extremely resistant to high humidity. The Moroccans kept drinking water in products made from it. This fact confirms the complete environmental safety of the material.

Ideally, tadelakt is suitable for finishing rooms where there is a constant high humidity. Moroccan plaster is also successfully used in residential or other premises. Excellent decorative properties allow you to use it to create stunning, original, unusual interiors.

Moroccan plaster finish

Decorative properties of tadelakt

Despite the fact that the initial color of the mixture is white, it is possible to use natural dyes. With their help, you can paint the plaster in any desired color. It is worth noting that the texture of this building material can imitate precious stones. It is easy to create a truly luxurious interior with it.

This type of finish has another unique property - using it, you can sculpt surfaces with rounded, bizarre shapes. In addition, using a grinding stone, you can bring the coating to a glossy sheen. Using Moroccan plaster, you can implement the most unusual design ideas that cannot be realized with any other finishing material.

It is also interesting that a layer of olive soap is applied to the laid plaster, which is then polished. This layer makes the coating incredibly durable and 100% waterproof. That is why bathtubs and pools, sinks and vessels for storing liquids are made from tadelakt.

Moroccan plaster wall decor

Applying and polishing the mixture

The mixture is applied to the surface with a trowel. This process does not require any special skills. Any master can easily cope with the work on applying Moroccan plaster.

After a layer of plaster is applied, the surface is polished. For this, a special stone (agate, basalt) is used, the diameter of which does not exceed 8 cm. A solution of olive soap is applied with a soft brush, then the grinding process is repeated. After this treatment, the coating acquires a glossy sheen.

How to take care of the treated surface Moroccan plaster? Care is very simple. To clean it from dirt and dust, plain water and a soft cloth are enough. Strength and beauty - this is the result of finishing the walls of Moroccan decorative plaster.

And in the decor of the kitchen is often used.

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Moroccan plaster looks somewhat reminiscent of Venetian and is even a variation of it. If you characterize it in a nutshell, then this is a material that is used to decorate indoor surfaces and resembles marble in appearance. In this article from the site, we will talk about the features of this plaster, its advantages and disadvantages, and also dwell on the nuances of applying it yourself.

Moroccan decorative plaster photo

What is Moroccan plaster

This type of wall decoration, although it resembles, has a very distinctive characteristic - gilded fragments that are visible between several layers of coating. By the way, about multi-layer - this multi-component coating has an interesting texture and is applied in five or more layers. Although it has the appearance of a deep embossed surface, the result is a smooth surface achieved by several layers of topcoat, each of which is ground, polished and brought to perfect smoothness.

A feature of Moroccan plaster is the ecological characteristics of all components.

It contains only natural and harmless components:

• clay;
• lime;
• marble flour;
• linseed oil;
• wax.

Chemical solvents and other harmful substances do not take part in the manufacture of Moroccan plaster.

Moroccan plaster photo

If we talk about its decorative properties, then this is at least a two-color coating, which is used not only for wall decoration, but also for other surfaces. With the help of decorative Moroccan plaster decorate the ceiling, cornices, columns and semi-columns, as well as other interior elements. In Moroccan plaster, a large number of pigments are used, so the surface has a rich color.

What does Moroccan plaster look like?

Advantages and disadvantages of Moroccan plaster

This type of finish has one great quality - it is not afraid of moisture, so it can be used even in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom. Polishes and waxes, which cover several layers of base plaster, make the surface insensitive to moisture and waterproof. In addition to moisture resistance, Moroccan plaster has the following advantages.

Coatings also have disadvantages.

1. Of the minuses, it should be noted the price (such a decorative coating is not cheap) and careful preparation of the base (before applying, you need to level the walls to perfect condition).
2. Insufficient resistance to mechanical damage. No matter how glossy the surface is, it still scratches.
3. Also, a disadvantage for some craftsmen may be the difficulty with self-application. You can purchase all the components and apply them according to the instructions on the surface. But what will come out "from the pen" of a novice master, no one can predict. Therefore, it is possible to approach wall decoration in this way only when there are skills.

We will talk about the sequence of applying Moroccan plaster with our own hands in the next section.

Principles and nuances of do-it-yourself application

First of all, it is necessary to pay great attention to the preparation of the surface, bringing it to perfect evenness. First, she putty and. The surface must be as if it were to be painted. It is allowed to apply this decorative coating on concrete, brick, lime-cement plaster. But metal or wooden surfaces should not be covered with it because of the possibility of cracks.

If the preparatory stage is completed, you can proceed to the main work. Moroccan plaster is applied in several layers, and then two more stages of polishing.

After going through all these stages, we can see a beautiful, elegant, noble, glossy decorative coating on the walls.

Finally, once again we will focus on the environmental friendliness and safety of the material - Moroccan plaster can be used even in a children's room.

Do-it-yourself Moroccan plastering is performed after preliminary preparation and obtaining certain practical skills.

The main difference between this method of creating an unusual, beautiful, durable surface is the use of materials that are quite affordable and the ability to create an interior in an ethnic style, but light and as if filled with air.

The relief texture of Moroccan plaster and the use of two colors make it possible to create unique patterns, and the quality of the material makes the surface of walls designed in this way not only durable, but also very attractive.

Peculiarities

Lime gives plaster plasticity and antiseptic properties.

The preparation of a mixture to create decorative Moroccan plaster requires the use of certain components, including:

1. Lime, which is the basis of the composition, which provides strong adhesion of particles and gives the plaster from Morocco antiseptic properties.
2. Many pigments and various additives that give depth and saturation to the color of the coating.
3. Natural wax and pure linseed oil, thanks to which tadelakt (Moroccan plaster) has excellent water-repellent properties.
4. Protection against moisture is provided by the coating and a thin, but very durable film formed by the interaction of polishing soap and lime base.

Wax makes the coating resistant to water

No less important is the fact that tadelakt is created using two layers that are clearly visible on the surface of the walls.

Preparatory and basic or embossed, they have a variety of colors and shades, which makes each newly created surface special and unique in its own way.

The peculiarity of the composition and its complexity are associated with the selection of the highest quality substance that protects the surface from moisture.

Many experts prefer to use wax prepared by their own hands. If there is no experience in performing this operation, then it is worth purchasing a ready-made wax, as this is an essential component of a high-quality coating. Moroccan plaster for a long time does not lend itself to deformation and destruction under the influence of temperature differences in the room, changes in air humidity. It is resistant to mechanical damage, so it becomes an adornment of spacious halls and living rooms, bedrooms and offices.

Decorating bedrooms, dining rooms and even spacious bathrooms with Moroccan plaster on the walls is possible due to the fact that this material is one of the environmentally friendly, not hazardous to human health. Indeed, in its composition there are only natural natural components and there are absolutely no chemical additives.

Today, many use tadelakt in the form of a ready-made composition, but experienced craftsmen prepare the solution on their own, strictly observing certain proportions of lime and sand, preparing wax with their own hands, which will not only protect the surface from the negative effects of moisture, but also give it a glossy sheen.

Technology

The coating is applied in small areas

Applying Moroccan plaster to the walls is a laborious process that requires patience and diligence. Despite the fact that the surface of the walls does not require special preparation, the work itself must be done very carefully and carefully.

The finished composition is applied to a small section of the wall, since tadelakt requires careful processing of each applied layer. Otherwise, the surface will not differ in such qualities as strength and resistance to moisture.

To perform the work, you will need a dry mix, into which water is added strictly according to the instructions and thoroughly mixed with a construction mixer. Before starting to make tadelakt, the walls are covered with a layer of tile adhesive, penetrating primer or concrete contact. The choice depends on the quality of the surface. These compounds provide maximum adhesion of the plaster to the wall.

You can work with the old layer of plaster without waiting for drying

The thickness of the layer applied on a clean and dry wall can be up to 5 mm and there is no need to carefully level it. The first base layer is applied with a plastic or wooden spatula, not achieving a 100% even surface, but trying to avoid strong drops.

You should not wait for the composition to dry completely. The second layer can be applied after 10-12 hours, but they work with it immediately, without waiting for the composition to harden. Before starting work, in the process of preparing the mixture, the required amount of color is introduced into it to obtain the desired color or shade. Some masters achieve the desired result by mixing several colors.

When starting coloring, you need to remember that you won’t be able to create exactly the same shade again, so it’s worth preparing such an amount of solution to cover the surface with a relief pattern so that it is not only enough, but also a little left.

The textured layer is created with a trowel

The most popular method of applying Moroccan plaster is facing. A trowel or a natural sea sponge is applied to the surface of the composition in the container where it was prepared, and a textured layer is created by touching with a slight pressure and a sharp separation.

Then, with light movements, it is as if they are trying to smooth out all the bumps, but such movements should be very light.

The pattern he created also depends on the direction of movement of the master's hand.

Perhaps the most time-consuming process is grouting the surface with basalt stone. Circular movements with a small galloon continue until the stone begins to slide on a glossy surface. Having achieved the desired result, you can proceed to the final stage of the work. For a master class on applying plaster, see this video:

The entire surface is treated with oil and soap, and then carefully polished. Wax is then applied to which gold leaf can be added to create a veined effect. The last operation is surface polishing. Here you need an angle grinder and a soft nozzle that leaves no marks.

Decorative coating "business card" Moroccan style. It has high plasticity, excellent gloss, allowing you to create surfaces similar to marble, polished to a mirror finish. Coating in the style of "Moroccan" plaster, masks minor wall defects. It acquires final completeness after applying one or more types of wax. After applying the wax is not afraid of water. It does not require careful preparation of the base, it can be applied to plastered walls without puttying.

Ingredients: water dispersion of acrylic polymer, fine marble filler (sour cream), processing aids, water.

PRICE: 1950 rub.

Packing: 15kg.

LEARN MORE

Tinting is possible to achieve different color effects*:

— MAROCCO bases

- waxes

* - can be tinted with any water-based colorants.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SURFACE TO BE APPLIED: Smooth, dry and fat-free surface (wall for wallpaper).

PADDING:

— Apply one layer to the prepared wall surface primer "TRITON".

- After 4 - 6 hours, apply a second layer primer "TRITON".

- After drying, the resulting surface should be free of stains, clean and dry.

— Primer "TRITON» dries completely within 24 hours depending on humidity and room temperature.

— If the base is applied in a thin layer (< 1мм.) или поверхность беспористая, нанести слой soil "WALL".

APPLICATION:Before applying the base, it must be mixed with an electric mixer at low speed or manually. The mixture should be homogeneous, without lumps.

- Depending on the desired effect, apply base "MAROCCO» in one or two layers with a spatula or trowel, creating the necessary relief. It is possible to use various application techniques, which are limited only by the imagination of the master, circular, linear and cross, movements in different directions, increasing and weakening the pressure force.

- It is advisable to apply from corner to corner to avoid visible joints between different areas.

- Depending on the desired effect, after complete drying of the base the surface can be sanded and polished with a stainless steel trowel with rounded edges.

DRYING THE BASE:

- final after 24 hours.

NOTE: Before applying wax, it is recommended to carefully check the degree of drying of the base. « MAROCCO» . The consumption of wax and the intensity of the color of the final coating will depend on the relief of the application of the base. Never mix the wax into the base mix. To get the effect of an "old" shabby wall, you can use gray waxes " TRITON ».

"Grey" waxes are more mechanically resistant to abrasion.

PROTECTIVE LAYER:Before applying waxes containing silver or gold pigments, they must be mixed manually or with an electric mixer on low speed.

- After 24 hours, after complete drying base "MAROCCO» . For protection, moisture resistance, or to achieve an additional color effect, apply glazing WAX coating.

- Wax is applied with a spatula, soft cloth or sponge.

— To avoid staining and to obtain a uniform layer of tinted wax, the manufacturer recommends applying a preliminary coat of colorless wax. Stir the wax thoroughly before application. If the wax is too thin, place the closed jar of wax in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

— colorless wax applied to the surface with a sponge moistened with water or a brush 5-6 cm wide in a circular motion, lightly, without pressure, in order to avoid applying excess wax. If excess wax is applied, it is recommended to remove it with a clean sponge.

- tinted wax depending on the desired effect, it is also applied with a spatula, a brush 5-6 cm wide or with a sponge, evenly distributing it over the surface.

- Without waiting for complete drying (after 30-40 minutes), you should slightly rub the wax in circular motions over the entire surface of the wall with a soft rag or sponge in order to avoid color spots and streaks from the brush.

- It is not recommended to re-apply wax on the same place until the first layer is completely dry (24 hours), because. this may cause spots on the surface after drying. - Correction of errors in waxing is possible only the next day, i.e. after 24 hours.

- In order to avoid transitions and visible joints, wax should be applied starting from the untreated surface from the bottom up, at the joints with previously applied wax, the thickness of the applied layer should be reduced to nothing.

- If joints are found on the wall, in the process of applying wax, until it dries, shade the joints with a damp sponge.

- The final color of the coating will appear after the complete drying of the wax (3-4 hours after application).

– Depending on the desired effect, after the wax has completely dried, the surface is polished with a rotary motion of a woolen rag, with light pressure, until the desired degree of gloss is obtained.

DRYING OF THE PROTECTIVE LAYER:

- the surface is dry to the touch - after 4-6 hours;

- final drying at least 4 - 7 days, depending on the ambient temperature and the level of humidity in the room. In particularly humid and unheated rooms for a long time, the coating can dry for more than 7-10 days.

NOTE: The coating can be cleaned with water or soapy water only 15 days after application.

After drying, the material is odorless, non-flammable, environmentally friendly.

Store at temperatures between +5°C and +30°C. Protect from frost.

Shelf life in unopened original packaging: 12 months