The Earthaus Tadelakt System is inspired by traditional Moroccan Tadelakt. Tadelakt means "to rub in", referring to the process of rubbing olive oil soap into lime plaster to create a water-repellent surface.
Critical note: Performance depends on installer technique and ongoing maintenance. Earthaus cannot guarantee finish outcomes.
This article is a summary of the official Earthaus Tadelakt Installation Guide. Download the full Tadelakt Application Guide (PDF).
Materials Summary
Total system thickness: 3/8"
Substrate preparation — varies for shower vs. non-shower.
Base Plaster: Two 1/8" coats (1/4" total).
Tadelakt Plaster: Four coats, each 1/32", totaling 1/8".
Mineral Pigments: One pigment pack per bag of Tadelakt (finish) Plaster only. The Base Plaster base coat is not pigmented in the Tadelakt system.
Olive Oil Soap Sealer: Three coats, burnished into plaster.
Beeswax Protective Sealer: Two coats for added water resistance.
Properties
US-quarried lime, pumice, mineral pigments, and plant-based binder.
100% natural materials. Zero VOCs or chemical additives.
Excellent adherence and workability.
Absorbs CO2 and re-carbonates into limestone.
Mold and mildew resistant. Durable and breathable.
Area Suitability
Recommended areas: showers, steam showers, bathtub surrounds, bathroom walls, accent walls, fireplaces, range hoods, backsplashes.
High-risk areas (staining, etching, chipping, or wear risk): bathroom shelves, vanity tops, basins, floors, shower niches, benches, furniture, tabletops, floors and stairs.
Preparation
Tools needed:
Mixing: 1200 RPM drill, egg beater paddle, 5-gal buckets, mesh strainer.
Application: sponge float, neoprene float, hawk, trowel, scraping knife.
Soap & wax: 1-gal bucket, brush or roller.
Practice first: Tadelakt requires skill. Practice a full system application (minimum 25 sq. ft.) before attempting a real project.
Safety precautions: Highly alkaline when wet. Wear a dust mask, safety glasses, neoprene gloves, and protective clothing.
Substrate Preparation
Shower applications: Framing must meet ANSI 108.11. Rigid 1/2" backerboard (e.g., HardieBacker, Durock, Wedi). Waterproofing per ANSI 118.10. Thinset key coat: 1/8" layer applied with a V-notch trowel.
Non-shower applications: Level-4 finished drywall or previously painted walls primed with Earthaus Primer Grit.
Base Plaster Application
Two-coat wet-on-dry system, 1/4" total thickness.
Mix plaster for 3 minutes until lump-free.
Apply first coat (1/8"), smooth, let dry.
Apply second coat (1/8"), float and knock down.
Tadelakt Plaster Application
Four thin, wet-on-wet coats, 1/8" total. Each coat approximately 1/32" thick. Burnishing starts at a 45-degree angle, done while damp but firm.
First coat: Feather edges, apply thinly.
Second coat: Apply immediately over damp first coat.
Third coat: Same as second.
Fourth coat: Refine surface, achieve smooth finish.
Olive Oil Soap Sealer Application
The soap sealer chemically bonds with lime to create Tadelakt's water repellency.
Apply the same day as the plaster.
Dilute 1 part soap : 6 parts warm water.
Work in small sections (5–10 sq ft).
Apply 3 coats, burnishing with a flat trowel at high pressure.
Beeswax Protective Sealer
Wait 5 days after the Soap Sealer.
Apply 2 coats with a foam roller (2 hours between coats).
After 12 hours, caulk all joints with clear silicone.
The shower is ready 24 hours after the final wax coat — but if you caulked, wait for the silicone to fully cure first (typically 24–48 hours per the manufacturer) before water exposure.
Downloadable Guides & Documents
Installation and care guides:
Tadelakt system product data sheets:
Disclaimer
The performance and appearance of Tadelakt Plaster depend on correct handling, preparation, and installation techniques, which are outside Earthaus's control. Users must test suitability, follow all guidelines, and comply with industry standards.
Questions? Email support@earthausplaster.com or text 1-800-917-2414.