I am currently looking for a natural wall finish that I can use on a curved wall in a shower recess. Mosaics or small tiles would be one solution but I am looking for a more natural and traditional product that looks similar to polished plaster.
One material that I am investigating at the moment is Tadelakt.
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If you have ever been to Morocco you may have noticed the shiny plastered walls of palaces, hammams and bathrooms. These walls have been made with a traditional application of applying a lime plaster to the wall then polishing the wall by hand with a stone and finishing with an olive oil soap mixture for its final appearance and water resistance. This method gives you both a lovely natural appearance and a waterproof finish.
Just think that this traditional finish goes way back to the days when glass and plastic showers were not available!
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Polishing the wall with a glass bead.
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It's a unique finish but the process is labour intensive and time consuming which may result in a higher price tag then just tiling a wall. Like any feature finish if this is the look that you after then it's worth the investment.
Also to note in Australia you may still need to waterproof your wet area before applying this plaster finish.
Have fun.
