Tadelakt

The Tadelakt (pronounced Tade - lakt, of Moroccan / Berber: dellek = knead, crush, Arabic: تدلاكت ) is an ancient Moroccan lime plaster. Due to the strong compression during processing resulting in high strength and water resistance of the coating and a shiny effect.

The waterproof feature is based on the insolubility of calcium soaps, which is also used in the Opus signinum technique.

Developed Tadelakt - according to oral tradition - several thousand years ago by Berbers for sealing tanks. Later he was also developed for hamams, oriental steam baths for high gloss shine, and finally used for palaces.

Processing

Tadelakt is obtained from a natural, high hydraulic limestone from the region of Marrakech. When processing Tadelakt is applied with a trowel, and smoothed with wooden boards or plastic spatula and then compacted with semi-precious stones such as agate and polished. Then the surface is not hydrophobic black oil soap. Lime and soap arrive thereby the chemical compound calcium soap. The basic mass, the Tadelaktpulver is hellgräulich and can with color pigments that are mixed into the wet mass prior to application, be colored as desired. Original Moroccan Tadelaktpulver is mixed with water and is then sealed airtight, for several days to process.

Applications

With Tadelakt coatings for walls (interior and exterior ), flooring, bathtubs, sinks, table tops and the like. Traditionally Tadelakt in Morocco is used by Berbers, who pass on knowledge from generation to generation. Meanwhile Tadelakt but it will apply worldwide.