SHOWER Plaster Instructions - Tadelakt
SAFETY FIRST
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. AVOID EYE CONTACT WITH. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF INGESTED OR EXPOSED TO EYES. AVOID PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SKIN. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES AND GLOVES WHEN WORKING WITH PLASTER. WEAR NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATOR WHEN WORKING WITH DRY MIXES OR WHEN SANDING PLASTER. FOR MSDS (MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET), VISIT WWW.VASARIPLASTER.COM
Watch our instructional video https://vasariplaster.com/pages/videos
GENERAL
Vasari Plaster is an ideal way to finish showers (and everything else). It’s beautiful and versatile. Plastered showers were common place for thousands of years. An ancient form of Moroccan lime based plaster used in showers called ‘Tadelakt’ is formulaically, minerally and aesthetically identical to our materials.
Tadealkt is not a product, rather it is system where layers of lime plasters are applied and then sealed with natural sealers.
Vasari materials can be applied in wet areas such as shower enclosures, shower stalls and bath surrounds. There are various methods and substrates for building shower / bath enclosures. Veneziano, Marmorino, Carrera, Mastercoat and Lime Paint can all be applied inside showers and exteriors.
Showers can be finished with any sheen or texture. Veneziano will give you a polished texture, Marmorino a medium to high sheen and the Carrera will be the least polished and least varied in color variation (mottling).
AVOID SHOWER APPLCATIONS ON CEMENT OR CEMENT BASED TILE ADHESIVE. Cement based product will crack as they cure and transfer though the finish plaster.
APPLYING OUR MATERIALS ON FLOORS OR SHOWER PANS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
APPLICATION
1. Install moisture grade panel boards such as cement board, fiberglass board and other boards made for wet areas, using screws and not nails.
2. Mesh the seems of board with adhesive fiberglass tape. DO NOT USE CEMENT OVER THE FIBERGLASS TAPE.
3. Apply a generous coat of waterproofing elastomeric primer (Laticrete Hydro Ban, RedGard, DryLock, etc) on the board and seems, unless there is already a weaterproofing sysem as part of the board (such as Kerdi-Board).
4. Apply two coats of Vasari Mastercoat or until the surface is smooth. Wait 2-3 days for complete drying between coats. Mastercoat will adhere to elastomeric primer. Mastercoat can be the finish coat if desired and can then be sealed (steps 6 and 7)
5. Apply one or more coats of any Vasari plaster or Lime Paint. Marmorino is the most common finish coat in showers. We recommend burnishing / polishing the last coat of plaster (or Lime Paint) to give greater durability and more natural water resistance.
6. Seal the final coat of plaster with or Lime Paint with Vasari Mineral Sealer. Apply two simultaneous coats wiping down and buffing any excess sealer. Pay particular attention to where the wall meets the floor and fixture openings. Allow at least 6 hours to dry.
7. Apply two simaltaneous thin coats of Vasari Wax. Pay attention to where the wall meets the floor and fixture openings. Buff out as it dries.
8. Wait 24 hours before using shower. If any darker areas apear, let them dry and rewax them for waterproofing.
SUITABLE SUBSTRATES AND SUBSEQUENT LAYERS
Follow instructions for specific materials on product data sheet.
If using lath and cement - Using diamond lath, apply one coat of cement scratch coat, two coats of cement (scratch and brown coat). Allow the cement to dry 30 days before applying topcoats. Apply elastomeric primer or waterproofing membrane. Apply 2 coats of Shower Basecoat. Apply at least 3 coats of plaster , Mineral Sealer and Vasari Wax. Allow for complete drying between all layers.
If cement board, fiberglass board and other boards made for wet areas - Always use screws and not nails to install any board product. Apply elastomeric primer. Float the entire area twice with Vasari Mastercoat to ensure a smooth and level surface. Apply at least 1 or more coats of finish plaster with sealer and wax. Allow for complete drying between all layers.
FLOOR AND PAN – where the walls meet the floor
We do not recommend our materials be used on the floor.
We recommend at least a half inch tile trim around the base of the shower pan to avoid potential water intrusion through potenial fissures around the shower pan.
Always make sure that water drains out away from the wall. Corner joints can be caulked with shower grade silicone, grouted or left with a gap and a metal riglet. Assume that the wall and floor will move independently resulting in a potential fissure / cracking around the edges, especially if grouted. Consult a professional for further information for best methods and materials.
CEILINGS
Ceilings are usually plastered in showers. Vasari plaster will absorb excess humidity from the shower and not form droplets of water on ceiling. It is often best if ceilings are not sealed so they can absorb the steam. If the shower is tiled, and there is exposed plaster on the upper portion of the stall which not in constant direct contact with water, it is not necessary to seal it.
GENERAL BATHROOM AREAS – outside a shower
Plastering entire bathrooms is a always a great idea. Not only is it beautiful, but the plaster absorbs excess humidity, naturally kills mold and mildew (85% more effective than anti-microbial latex paint) and generally keeps the bathroom feeling fresh and clean. If plastering the entire bathroom including the shower, it is necessary only to prep the shower area for Mastercoat or water proofing. The rest of the bathrooom walls can be normally primed drywall when preparing for plastering or Lime Paint.
LIME PAINT IN A SHOWER
Lime Paint can be used in showers only when applied on Mastercoat. It can be applied opaque or thinned with water to create a lime wash for more color translucency.
SEALERS
Appply sealers as recommended above. Acrylic sealers can also be used at your own risk. Synthetic sealers can be advantageous for a more matte finish or for greater abrasion resistance. The disadvatages of synthetic sealers is that can trap water and can’t breath. They are also very difficult to repair. The Vasari sealer and wax is breathable and can be maintained indefinitely. Test synthetic sealers thouroughly before applying inside showers.
What happens if you don’t seal it? Assuming the substrate is waterproofed and there is no water instrusion into the panel board or substrate, not sealing plaster might create lighter and darker areas where it is most water soaked. Essentially, the plaster will naturally patina. If the substrate is contained and waterproofed, then not sealing it will have little or no effect except for some potential discoloration. An unsealed shower will be more prone to potential stains from chemicals, soaps and hair dyes.
As the plaster repeats a cycle of wet and dry, it will become harder and more naturally water resistant as a result of carbonisation. Officially, we recommend that you seal your shower.
CARE AND MAINTENENCE
All Vasari products can be cleaned using water or soap in most instances. For tougher stains, lacquer thinner, nail polish remover, acetone and mild detergents can be used to remove tougher stains. Do not use bleach, chlorine or acidic cleaners. Salts and chlorine can damage plaster if not sealed or protected. Persistent water streaks can naturally weather plastering and leave a patina or water staining over time.
In general, if the substrate is water proofed, unsealed plaster with heavy water contact will just patina the plaster without any structural damage. Sealer and wax is mostly used to avoid potential discoloration or permanent staining.
We always recommend Vasari Wax as the final coat in wet areas. This will make the plaster waterproof and easy to maintain. Wax can be re-applied at any time for general maintenance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Flame Spread: ASTM E84, rating of 5; UBC Class I. NFPA Class A. Smoke development 0.
Sound: ASTM 423-07; SAA: 0.09; NRC: 0.10. ASTM 90-04; STC:31
Mold Resistance: 0% mold growth, per test results from procedure ASTM D3273-00
Incompatibility: Salt, chlorides, aluminum, hydrogen fluoride and inter-halogens.
Ph Factor: 11 Ph
VOC & LEED: 0-VOC’s, Up to 8 LEED Point Certified.
Hazardous: No known hazardous waste or by-product. No known hazardous decomposition of product or byproducts are known to have occurred.
Health Hazards: Do not ingest or inhale powdered materials for prolonged periods of time. Acute gastric or bronchial irritation will result if ingested or inhaled. Consult your physician if condition worsens or if condition is lasting more than 6 hours.
Flash Point: None
Composition: Micro-filtered lime, powdered marble, crushed marble, particles of minerals and other natural elements make up the composition of all of our products. Additional small percentage organic additives and resins are included to help improve in the technical and application aspect of the product.
Avoid: Avoid continual contact to the skin and avoid contact with the eyes.
Areas officially not recommended for Vasari products: Water containers, such as tubs or sinks and floors.
WARRANTY
Vasari expressly warranties its shower products to be fit for the ordinary purpose for which they are intended for a period of 10 years from date of installation when applied and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions within six months of purchase.
For more technical information, videos, MSDS, ASTM, LEED, creative ideas and ordering materials visit WWW.VASARIPLASTER.COM.
Vasari lime products are considered as some of the finest paints and plasters available. Visit our site to discover the endless possibilities for creating the perfect space. Best shower plaster. Premium authentic Tadelakt.