Plaster Diaries

The renowned beauty of Tadelakt along with its hydrophobic functionality make it a standout among designers and artisans, alike. While many use a Tadelakt installation as a backdrop for timeless showers and bathroom designs, our team has recently seen the ancient plaster technique creep into other areas of the home. From range hoods to backsplashes, Tadelakt's minimalistic appearance creates an overall harmony in a home that is not easy to replicate.

The term “plaster” conjures various images. Here in the United States, most believe it’s an imported high gloss finish made in Italy, while some consider it to be smeared drywall mud that’s painted. There are a select and latent few that cling to its original calcium roots. Throughout our many trowel travels, we have gained the perspective that there are “different strokes for different folks.” We respect the trade as a whole and ponder the motives of every plasterer we meet.

From trowels and drills, to buckets and maskers; we're going to run through what the team at New Age Artisans believes to be the top 10 “must-have” plaster tools for any industry professional or DIY enthusiast.

If you have been doing any research on modern plaster walls, it probably comes as no surprise to you that the Tadelakt system has been around for thousands of years. However, you might not have been aware that Tadelakt is a specific type of lime plaster and was created by the Berbers in Northern Morocco. The Berbers, of Northern Africa have no written language. Therefore, this tradition was passed down verbally from generation to generation.