Material Study: Slaked Lime and Pigment
A close examination of the tadelakt-inspired lime plaster finishes appearing in a new generation of Costa del Sol bathrooms and spas.
By Editorial Team · Updated 06 OCT 2026
Lime plaster finish with natural pigment
The Material
Slaked lime plaster — modified with marble dust and natural pigments — is appearing in an increasing number of Costa del Sol residential and hospitality projects. The finish, inspired by Moroccan tadelakt but adapted for Andalusian humidity levels, produces a waterproof surface with a depth of colour that synthetic paints cannot replicate.
The Application
The plaster is applied in three coats: a scratch coat of 8mm, a body coat of 5mm, and a finish coat of 2mm. Each coat must cure for 24-48 hours before the next is applied. The final coat is burnished with a stainless steel trowel — a process that compresses the lime and creates the characteristic soft sheen.
The wall is not painted. It is grown.
The Pigments
Natural earth pigments from the Ronda basin — ochre, umber, and sienna — produce a palette that sits comfortably within the Andalusian landscape. Synthetic pigments are available but produce a flatter, less nuanced colour.
“The daily record is where a place reveals its actual rhythm.”
Mistral & Marea · field note