Colors do not look the same across different Earthaus finishes — the same mineral pigment color will look noticeably different depending on which finish you apply it to. This is not a defect. Each finish has its own material composition, surface texture, and sealing method, all of which affect how the pigment interacts with light.
Understanding these differences will help you set accurate expectations and avoid surprises on your project.
Quick Reference: How Each Finish Shifts Color
Finish | Color vs. Fan Deck | Why |
Slightly darker | Burnishing with Olive Oil Soap Sealer compresses and polishes the surface, deepening saturation | |
Slightly darker, more movement | Burnished like Tadelakt, with more pronounced tonal variation from multi-coat application | |
Closest match to Fan Deck | Fan Deck swatches are matched to Stone Finish. Sealed but not burnished by default | |
Closely matches Fan Deck | Unsealed and matte. Sealing enhances color slightly | |
Closely matches Fan Deck | Unsealed and matte. Sealing enhances color slightly | |
Closely matches Fan Deck | Brushed opaque coating with a fine sandy texture, unsealed and matte | |
Closely matches Fan Deck | Exterior product, unsealed and matte | |
Brighter and more pastel | Pure lime base (no pumice) is more light-refractive, making pigments appear softer |
Burnished Finishes: Tadelakt & Marble
Tadelakt and Marble are both burnished — meaning the plaster is compressed and polished using Olive Oil Soap Sealer. This process:
Deepens color saturation, especially noticeable in mid-range and darker shades
Creates a smoother, more reflective surface that interacts with light differently than matte finishes
Has less effect on lighter whites and off-whites — these colors remain relatively close to the Fan Deck
Marble Finish additionally produces more visible movement and tonal variation across the surface due to its multi-coat application technique.
What this means for color selection: If you're choosing a mid-range or dark color for Tadelakt or Marble, expect it to appear a shade or two deeper than the Fan Deck. Order a Handmade Sample Board in your chosen finish to see the actual result.
Matte Finishes: Stone, Sand, Base, Lime Slurry & Lime Stucco
Stone Finish is the baseline — the Fan Deck swatches are color-matched to Stone Finish, so it provides the most accurate color reference for Stone.
Sand, Base, Lime Slurry, and Lime Stucco finishes are unsealed and matte by default. Colors in these finishes will closely match the Fan Deck.
Sealing changes color slightly. If you apply a sealer to Sand, Stone, or Lime Stucco, the color will become slightly enhanced and more saturated — closer to the Fan Deck representation. Unsealed surfaces will appear slightly lighter and more chalky.
Note: Stone Finish can optionally be burnished. If you burnish Stone, expect the same color-deepening effect described for Tadelakt and Marble.
Limewash: A Different Material Entirely
Limewash is not a plaster — it's a brushed lime-based paint. It behaves differently from all other Earthaus finishes:
Brighter base: Limewash is pure lime without pumice, creating a brighter, more light-refractive surface. This makes pigmented colors appear more pastel compared to the Fan Deck.
Light sensitivity: Lighter hues (marked with ▫ in the Limewash Palette) can get washed out in bright lighting, reducing or eliminating the tonal variation that is characteristic of Limewash.
Tonal variation: Mid-range to darker colors consistently produce the visible tonal variation and movement that Limewash is known for.
What this means for color selection: Do not expect Limewash colors to match the Fan Deck. They will be lighter and softer. If you want a more saturated version of a color, consider a plaster finish instead.
When to Order Samples in Multiple Finishes
Order Sample Boards in more than one finish if:
You're deciding between two finishes for the same space and want to compare how the same color looks in each
You're using different finishes in adjacent areas (e.g., Tadelakt in the shower, Stone on the surrounding walls) and want to make sure the same color reads consistently across both
You're considering Limewash alongside a plaster finish and want to understand how much the color will shift
The Bottom Line
The Fan Deck is a starting point, not a guarantee. For any finish other than Stone, order a Handmade Sample Board in your specific finish to see the true color. This is especially important for Tadelakt, Marble, and Limewash where the color shift is most noticeable.
For color questions, email support@earthausplaster.com or text 1-800-917-2414.