On Dec 30, 2009, at 12:39 PM, sherri@******** wrote:

Hi Kay Lynn and Aaron -
I designing the surfaces for a huge residential project and would like to specify Tadelakt for the showers and accent walls. A couple questions:
- How much p sqft is the going install rate for Tadelakt?
- As the installer, how can I ensure that the Tadelakt is truly waterproof?
- I would like to use Tadelakt for an adobe style fireplace (steel frame w/ cement board substrate). Will the olive oil soap cause any problems with the heat from the fireplace? Does applying the olive oil soap affect surface breathability sim to other waxes?
Thanks a bunch for all your help throughout the years!

Cheers -

Sherri

Hi Sherri,

Apologies for the delayed response.  Install rates for Tadelakt can vary considerably, especially when doing smaller areas like showers.  I’d be looking in the $15-$25 per sq foot range to give yourself the time necessary to do those areas properly.  For straightforward walls it’s probably about twice as labor intensive as a basic AC wall and the material cost will be around $2 – $2.50 per sq foot.
Waterproof is not the right word for traditional Tadelakt finishes. Tadelakt plus olive oil soap applied properly should be described as hydrophobic(water-repellent).  The substrate preparation is very important of course.  Traditional Tadelakt will stain over time in high moisture areas although this is not a sign of failure of the material – it is actually a testament to the fact that the surface remains breathable.  We have a water-based carnauba wax which will give an added level of water repellency after the surface is applied, but I’d be careful not to guarantee there will be zero water staining over time even with that wax.  The Lucido wax is low but not a zero voc product.

Only issue with fireplace is that the soap will not protect against high-heat discoloration if flames are lapping over the surface.  But the soap is not flammable in any way.  The olive oil soap allows the surface to remain breathable.

We’re getting tons of requests to do some Tadelakt classes – seems like interest in that particular material has really surged this past year.

Talk to you soon,
Aaron

Here’s a Stucco Italiano Tadelakt floor installation done in Santa Fe last October:

If I may quote Kit:

Designers in France are using it today for its silky texture and indescribable patina, which are unmatched by any other plaster finish available. It is absolutely stunning.”

Couldn’t have said it any better myself.  Here’s a link to the full post.

We love Tadelakt for walls, showers, floors, it’s a wonderful material.

Thanks also to Canadian Master Plasterer Steve Manby for turning me on to the post through his lime green plaster blog.  Check out the black exterior Tadelakt project he did this past spring in the Vancouver, BC area on a contemporary home. Very impressive.  Here’s a couple of photos:

That’s is LAME.  I’m a bad blogger, what else can I say.

I’ll blame it on Twitter.

OK I’ll make it up to you – I’ll post something fascinating about Venetian Plaster or Tadelakt or something equally compelling every day for the next week at least.  Then I promise to post no less than twice a week no matter what.  Hopefully making this public will give me some extra motivation as well as some accountability.

It’s been a great summer for us – hope all is well with you all out there.

Aaron

Steve Manby of Authentic Plaster FX posted on his blog about Aaron checking out his black Tadelakt exterior.

Hopefully he’ll send us more pics soon!

Regina is quite prolific and her blog, Fauxology, is always a great read.  One of the most articulate and balanced resources we know of.  Definitely subscribe if you’re in the biz. Check her out on twitter too.

Thanks Regina for all you hard work!

Speaking of Lars, if you’re in Colorado this weekend be sure to check out his Handcrafted Finishes booth at the Four Corners Green Living Expo at the Durango fairgrounds (For those of you who live in Telluride, please come down, it is only a two hour drive).

Check out Lars’ personal Stucco Italiano applicator profile…

…and Lars’ website.

Lars of Handcrafted Finishes made a series of videos showing his process applying Tadelakt in a modern home in Denver.

Take a look:

More of of his Tadelakt videos here and here.

Work was done on about 50 columns total on this impressive home which also features a naturally green, lime based Intonachino application on the exterior.