The most simple and elegant results always have a behind the scenes we don’t see.

  • Tadelakt and microcement are not cost saving options.
  • Tadelakt is a living organic product. It has a zero-carbon footprint so is good for the environment.
  • By its nature it will always absorb gasses and moisture. Olive oil soap is a natural counterpart.
  • Chemical sealants can be used, however tadelakt will always be inclined to breathe. If not from the surface, then through the sub-surface. This is normal. For example, a surface that has been sealed and conditioned with castille soap will resist water absorption but it wont completely eliminate it. Moisture will absorb in areas, looking dark for a time. This dries out as the moisture dissipates.
  • A surface that has been chemically sealed will tend to absorb moisture from shower floor. The wall-floor transition is where water holds on making this the ideal spot to wick up moisture. It will always dry out. Give it the time it needs.
  • Tadelakt and microcement are not comparable to ceramic, porcelain and granite. Ceramic and porcelain are baked at high temperatures to rapidly mimic the transformation that takes place in the earths crust. Granite, marble and limestone rock has had thousands of years to naturally harden under heat and pressure.
  • The chemical composition of Tadelakt will return to limestone rock over time. At the beginning, however, it is young. Newly created. And needs you to nurture it for a time. Much like a newborn, Tadelakt needs to rest. The first three days, it may be splotchy. After a few days it gains some strength and plumbing fixtures can be put on. After a final wash with castile soap you can start using your shower.
  • Ceramic and porcelain surfaces will not absorb moisture from the start. Tadelakt will. Especially oil from your hands. Wait until you have conditioned with castile soap a few times before resting your hands on the surface.
  • Tadelakt must be cared for throughout its life. Mineral pigments are UV stable and will not bleach or wash out. It will scratch or chip if you scratch or chip it. Depending on the method of installation used, you may notice a fissure in the surface when tadelakt gets wet. A fissure is not a crack. A fissure may occur where expansion and contraction is present in a wall. Micro fissures may occur during the drying process. This is the natural way for moisture to escape from the surface. Ambient temperature, humidity or air flow will have an influence in this. The resulting finish that you have is time stamped by nature.
  • A crack on the other hand is due to a force acting on the structure. This may be from a load bearing stud that is weaker than the other studs in a wall. Moisture under the house could cause excessive expansion. Any type of surface is prone to crack under these circumstances. It will always be of concern until properly remedied. When Tadelakt has formed a fissure, micro fissures or a crack, we remedy it by applying free lime. Lime will crystallize in the void and heal itself gradually over time.
  • Other naturally forming organisms that derive from calcium carbonate are seashell, mother of pearl, marble, tufa, dolomite, coral. We care for these things when in our possession because each one is a work of art.

Choosing colors for Tadelakt and Microcement

Traditional and modern colors can be found with one of our vendors, Earth Pigments. These are non-toxic pigments, French minerals, oxides and ochers. We also custom blend colors and provide samples for sold jobs. Click to view colors.