Tadelakt is an ancient Moroccan plastering technique.  It can be used as a wall finish, or even used in wet areas like steam rooms and showers.  

The allure of Tadelakt

The finished result of Tadelakt is like no other finish.  Even a new Tadelakt finish has the appearance of being centuries old.  It must be seen in person and touched by hand to be fully appreciated.  Perhaps it is the depth of color, or maybe the subtle hairline "micro-cracks," or the undulating surface.  It is hard and cool to the touch, yet soft and silky.

The process

Tadelakt is a lime plaster that gets its name from directly from its process.  The word tadelakt means "to rub".  To create the soft polished feel of tadelakt, the artisan rubs olive oil soap into the surface of the plaster with a small polished stone.  This creates the soft undulations and polishes the surface while adding strength and durability by compressing the plaster.  The olive oil soap chemically changes the lime making it hydrophobic, allowing the plaster to be used in showers or wet areas.  This process takes time and patience as the artisan must know when to polish and when to wait.  This process can take multiple days from start to finish, and may take several days or even weeks for the plaster to dry.

Tadelakt on furniture

Unlike all other plaster finishes which are applied as thin as possible, Tadelakt is a thick substantial finish which must be applied to a thick strong base.  This gives the finish substance and weight making it appropriate to use on our furniture pieces.  Q Creations is proud to be pioneering the use of Tadelakt in furniture pieces.