Earthaus Installation Information logo
Earthaus Installation Information logo

All articles

Tadelakt Finish FAQ

Tadelakt Crack Repair Technique

It is not uncommon to have very fine hairline cracks in a Tadelakt Finish.  If all of the substrate preparation has been done correctly, these cracks should not affect the water repellant functionality of the Tadelakt system.   Here is a technique th

Can I apply Tadeakt on my Shower Floor?

No. Due to issues with potential staining and long-term durability, we don't recommend the Earthaus Tadelakt system on shower floors.

Can I use Tadelakt in a Steam Shower?

Yes. Provided that all of the substrate preparation is done in accordance with building codes for steam showers, Earthaus Tadelakt can be used in these areas.

Can I build a Tadelakt Bathtub?

No. Due to issues with potential staining and long-term durability, we don't recommend the Earthaus Tadelakt system in bathtubs .

Can I Tadelakt my Kitchen Countertops?

No. Due to issues with potential staining and long-term durability, we don't recommend the Earthaus Tadelakt system on Kitchen countertops.

Can I apply Tadelakt Directly over Tile?

While previously installed tile is not an approved substrate for Earthaus Tadelakt, successful installations have been done with the proper substrate preparation. Please refer to our Tadelakt over tile guide for more information.

Isn't Tadelakt waterproof? Why do I need a waterproof membrane?

Tadelakt is water resistant and should never be considered the only waterproofing material in a shower enclosure.  Follow local building codes and standards for proper preparation of a Tadelakt  Plaster system in wet areas.

My Tadelakt Plaster has hairline cracks when it gets wet. Is that normal?

Hairline cracks that are only visible when the Tadelakt is wet are fairly common.   In most cases these cracks will disappear when the Tadelakt dries out.  Cracks that don't dry out or are bigger than hairline should be evaluated by a plaster profess

I'm not a Plasterer. Can I do Tadelakt in a wet area myself?

The Earthaus Tadelakt technique is a skill set that requires practice and understanding. It’s recommended to test and practice all of the steps and techniques before attempting a real Tadelakt project to ensure that you have adequate understanding. W

How can I find a Professional to install my Tadelakt Plaster?

Please refer to our Artisan Directory to find a Plaster Artisan in your area.  The Directory allows you to filter for Tadelakt applicators as well as Artisans who are willing to travel.

How often do I need to re apply Soap and Wax to Tadelakt?

A coat of Beeswax Protective Sealer should be applied annually at minimum Wax can be applied as frequently as needed or desired without consequence. A gentle, plant-based diluted soap is recommended for routine cleaning. Cleaning products with chemic

How do I clean my Tadelakt Shower?

A gentle, plant-based diluted soap is recommended for routine cleaning. Cleaning products with chemical or acidic ingredients can damage an Earthaus Tadelakt Finish. Earthaus Olive Oil Soap Sealer works well:. Dilute five-parts warm water to one-part

Do I have to apply the Tadelakt Finish to my whole bathroom in one day?

No. In fact, you should only apply the Tadelakt Finish coats on one wall at a time.  Apply the Tadelakt finish coats inside corner to inside corner on one wall (plane) at a time.  Finish that wall completely including the application of the Olive Oil

Can I re-apply another coat of Tadelakt if I'm not happy with the finish?

No. Tadelakt is a burnished, sealed finish and can not simply be re-coated.  Refinishing a tadelakt wall is a multi-step process and varies depending on several factors.   Please reach out via email to discuss your specific situation.

My Tadelakt is Blistering during application. What's wrong?

Blisters, often the size of a quarter, may appear during the application of tadelakt, indicating the presence of air trapped beneath the finish. There are multiple reasons why this could happen:. Insufficient base coat: If the base coat is too thin o

Why does the Earthaus Tadelakt Finish not use Polishing Stones?

The traditional Moroccan process of burnishing the walls with polished stones is a technique that can be done with the Earthaus Tadelakt Finish. We don't specify it in our system because done correctly over modern substrates, the Earthhaus Tadelakt F

How long after the wax coat is applied is the shower ready to be exposed to water and ready for use?

There is a specific sequence of steps for curing and sealing a Tadelakt Shower Finish:. -Allow the Olive Oil Soap-sealed Tadelakt plaster to dry completely and cure for five days, minimum. -Apply 2 coats of Beeswax Protective Sealer with a 6 inch foa

Can my Tadelakt be finished Matte?

No. The water-repellent seal of a Tadelakt Finish is dependent on a smooth finished surface.  Plasters that are matte tend to have a rougher texture and can present problems with moisture intrusion and mold growth in a wet environment like a shower.

How much does it cost to have Tadelakt installed Professionally?

Prices vary considerably for professional Tadelakt installation.   A good range is $30 to $50 per square foot for a Tadelakt Finish in a wet area.

My Tadelakt Plaster darkens when it gets wet. Is that normal?

It is not unusual for Tadelakt to darken in areas of high water exposure.  This is more pronounced with darker-colored finishes.  As Tadelakt is a breathable material, it should eventually dry out to its original color.

Do I need to caulk Tadelakt where it meets the shower floor?

Yes. We recommend a bead of clear silicone caulk wherever Tadelakt meets another surface or material in wet areas.   This step will prevent water from intruding into any gaps that may form between Tadelakt and adjacent materials.

Can I drill into Tadelakt to install doors and fixtures?

When done properly, it is possible to drill into a tadelakt surface in the same way you would for tile or other solid material.   It is highly recommended to allow the tadelakt plaster to cure a minimum of 30 days after application before drilling in