Michel Couvreux's blog

Hi Kevin,

I see in episode 8 you'll talk about plaster for shower walls. I'm presently doing a bathroom/shower project totally in a lime plaster technique called tadelakt. It's a Morrocan plaster waterproofing technique. I've read about the application of it but that's all so far. I'd greatly appreciate any insights or advice from anyone who has worked with it.

Thanks,
Dave Mascoveta

Dave,

Tadelakt is a waterproof lime plaster originating from Morocco and, more specifically, from the city of Marrakech.

This plaster is made of a slightly hydraulic lime and a fine aggregate. Its application requires some very skilled workers and is very time consuming. The polishing of the plaster with a small stone provides wonderful results when executed at the right time, simultaneously with the application of black soap.

However, you have to be very careful: Any imperfection or cracking (due, for example, to settlement or movement) will lead to water infiltration and catastrophic damages. In order to limit these risks, the greatest care will have to be given to the construction of the shower stall and its primary waterproofing.

Good luck!
Michel Couvreux, President TransMineral USA

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