One of the most common misunderstandings customers have is thinking they can buy a single product and have a finished plaster wall. For most Earthaus finishes, that's not how it works — they are complete systems that require multiple materials applied in a specific sequence.
Think of it this way: buying a bag of Tadelakt Plaster and expecting a finished shower is like buying flour and expecting bread. You need every ingredient, in the right amounts, applied in the right order.
The Exceptions: Limewash and Lime Slurry
Two finishes are not multi-product systems:
Limewash is always a single-product finish. It comes pre-pigmented and is brushed on directly — no separate primer, base coat, pigment pack, or sealer.
Lime Slurry is a single-product finish when applied over porous, unsealed masonry (brick, stone, or concrete block) — it bonds directly, no primer needed. Over primed or painted drywall, it needs a primer with Earthaus Primer Grit mixed in (a second product). One note on color: 1-gallon Lime Slurry comes pre-pigmented, but 5-gallon Lime Slurry requires a separate Mineral Pigment Pack.
The rest of this article describes the multi-product finishes (Tadelakt, Marble, Stone, Sand, Base).
What Goes Into an Earthaus System?
Every Earthaus finish system follows the same general structure, though the specific products vary by finish:
1. Substrate preparation. Primer Grit is mixed into a compatible primer and applied to the wall. This creates the mechanical bond that allows mineral plaster to adhere to modern substrates like drywall. Without it, the plaster won't stick.
Note: Shower-only Tadelakt projects applied over cement board do not require Primer Grit.
2. Base coat. Base Plaster builds thickness and creates a flat, stable foundation for the finish coat. It's the structural layer of the system. Base Plaster is required for Tadelakt, Marble, Stone, and Sand finishes.
3. Finish coat. This is the product most people think of when they hear "Earthaus Plaster" — Tadelakt Plaster, Stone Plaster, Sand Plaster, etc. The finish coat provides the final texture and appearance. It's applied over the cured base coat.
4. Color. Mineral Pigment Packs are added to the plaster at the time of mixing — one pack per bag. Pigment packs are purchased separately from the plaster. Limewash and 1-gallon Lime Slurry come pre-pigmented.
5. Sealer & protectant. Depending on the finish, you may need:
Olive Oil Soap Sealer — Used for burnishing and sealing Tadelakt, Marble, and Stone finishes
Beeswax Protective Sealer — Applied over Olive Oil Soap Sealed surfaces for added stain resistance
Acrylic Sealer — Used for Sand, Base, and Lime Stucco finishes
Example: What You Actually Need for a Tadelakt Shower
Here's what goes into a complete Tadelakt system for a typical shower:
Primer Grit — substrate preparation (not required for shower applications over cement board)
Base Plaster — base coat (2 coats)
Tadelakt Plaster — finish coat (4 coats)
Mineral Pigment Packs — color (1 per bag of Tadelakt Plaster only; the Base Plaster base coat is not pigmented)
Olive Oil Soap Sealer — burnishing and water resistance
Beeswax Protective Sealer — stain protection
That's six different products, each playing a critical role. The Tadelakt Calculator tells you exactly how much of each you need based on your square footage.
How the Calculators Solve This
Every Earthaus finish has a dedicated Project Materials Calculator that takes your square footage and color, then tells you:
Every product you need, listed in application order
The exact quantity of each product
The cost breakdown
One-click add to cart for the entire system
Always use the calculator. Don't try to figure out quantities on your own. The calculator accounts for coverage rates, multi-coat requirements, and includes 10% overage. To find the calculator for your finish, see the article "How Do I Figure Out What to Order?"
What Happens If You Skip a Step?
No Primer Grit? The plaster may not adhere properly and could delaminate.
No Base Coat? The finish coat won't have a stable foundation. Cracking, uneven texture, and adhesion failure are likely.
No Sealer? Burnished finishes (Tadelakt, Marble, Stone) won't achieve their characteristic sheen or water resistance. The surface will be porous and vulnerable to staining.
No Pigment? The plaster will be bright white. Pigment cannot be added after the fact — it must be mixed in during application.
Still Confused?
If you're not sure what you need, the simplest path is:
Pick your finish — see the article "Which Earthaus Finish Is Right for My Project?"
Measure your square footage (wall area, not floor area)
Pick your color from the Color Palette
Use the calculator for your finish
Or email support@earthausplaster.com or text 1-800-917-2414 and we'll walk you through it.