Description

Tadelakt is not manufactured—it is created

Made slowly. Made deliberately. Made by hand.

The Bernini® Authentic Moroccan Tadelakt Dry Mix, curated by Ronald Layman, honors one of the world’s oldest continuous plaster traditions. Rooted in Moroccan architecture and refined through generations of master artisans, this material is offered in its purest form: a dry powder, waiting for water, pigment, and skilled hands to bring it to life.

This is not a pre-tinted or pre-mixed product.
It is a true craft material—meant to be finished by the artisan.

What It Is

Bernini® Tadelakt is a traditional lime-based dry mix.
It arrives as a fine mineral powder that must be combined with clean water and compatible mineral colorants to achieve the desired tone and working consistency.

This approach preserves the integrity of the material and allows complete control over color, texture, and finish—exactly as Tadelakt has always been practiced.

Why Lime Requires Respect

Lime plaster behaves differently than modern coatings. It does not “stick” in the way acrylic or cement products do—it bonds chemically and mechanically to mineral surfaces.

Masonry & Mineral Substrates

When applying Bernini® Tadelakt over masonry surfaces such as:
Brick
Stone
Lime render
Cementitious plaster

Pre-wetting the surface is essential.

We recommend thoroughly dampening (not saturating) the substrate prior to application. This is critical because:
Lime cures through carbonation, not drying
A dry masonry surface will aggressively absorb moisture from the plaster
Rapid moisture loss weakens adhesion and disrupts proper curing
A properly dampened surface allows the Tadelakt to:
Open up and bond naturally
Carbonate evenly
Achieve maximum strength and durability
This is how lime has been applied for centuries—and it still works because the science has never changed.

Non-Masonry Surfaces
For all non-mineral substrates—including:
Drywall
Painted surfaces
Previously sealed or dense substrates

We strongly recommend the use of Bernini® Quartz Primer.
Quartz Primer creates:
A mineral-rich bonding surface
Mechanical “tooth” for lime adhesion
Consistent suction across the wall

Without it, proper bonding cannot be guaranteed.
This step is not optional—it is foundational.

The Traditional Finish

Once applied, Bernini® Tadelakt is:|
Compressed and polished using smooth river stones
Densified through pressure, not sanding
Sealed using traditional olive oil soap, worked into the surface by hand
The olive oil soap reacts with the lime, forming a naturally water-resistant, breathable finish—ideal for wet areas when applied correctly.

This is not a topical sealer.
It is a chemical transformation.

Where It Belongs|

Bernini® Tadelakt is suitable for:
Interior walls & ceilings
|Bathrooms and powder rooms|
Showers & wet areas (proper technique required)
Fireplace surroundsF
Feature walls & architectural elements
High-end residential and hospitality interiors

Each surface is seamless, tactile, and alive with subtle movement.

Who This Product Is For
This product is intended for:
Trained applicators
Serious artisans
Designers and builders who respect traditional materials

Tadelakt rewards patience, discipline, and understanding.
It does not forgive shortcuts.

The Bernini® Standard|
Every Bernini® product reflects the philosophy of Ronald Layman:|Authentic materials|
Traditional processes
No modern shortcuts|
Results meant to last generations
Bernini® Tadelakt is not about speed.

The Faux School

Tadelakt