Ultimate Guide:
How to apply Waxes for Tadelakt and Mineral Stuccos
Wax is not just about aesthetics; it is the invisible shield that protects your work.
At EasyTadelakt, we know that a professional finish depends on the quality of the material and an impeccable technique.
To ensure the result is eternal and highlights the organic beauty of the substrate, follow these universal application rules.
Golden Rules
for a Professional Sealing (Valid for: Wax with Soap – Carnauba Wax – Special Wax)
The Substrate: Clean and Dry
- Patience above all: The surface must be totally dry and cured. If you wax over a wall with internal moisture, spots will appear. Always wait between 5 and 7 days after finishing.
- Prior cleaning: Before starting, clean the surface with a soft cloth and clean water to remove any debris. Allow to dry completely before you begin waxing.
Step 1: The Application (Thin and repeated layers)
- Less is more: It is much better to apply several very thin layers than a single thick layer. The goal is for the wax to enter the pore, not to create a thick layer on top. Spread well, creating a millimetric layer. Proceed with the application of a light coat until the surface no longer absorbs any product.
- Work in sections: Do not try to wax the entire wall at once. Work in small areas (maximum 1 m2), to ensure total control over drying.
- The technical gesture: Use a clean cotton cloth or a soft sponge. Apply the wax with circular movements, "massaging" the surface with light pressure to force the wax into the mineral micropore. The wax should "disappear" into the wall, not remain floating.
Step 2: The Resting
- You must let the wax rest before buffing. You will know it is ready when the surface looks matte or loses its initial wet shine. The time varies depending on the type of wax (see technical datasheets below).
Step 3: The Polishing (Awakening the shine)
- Rub vigorously with a clean cloth or a polisher at low RPMs. The heat generated by friction is what "awakens" the noble shine and definitively seals the protection.
Step 4: The Repetition (Double Sealing)
- Fundamental: To guarantee total protection, allow 4 to 8 hours to pass and repeat the process. Applying two thin layers (polishing between them) is much more effective than trying to apply a single saturated layer.
Recommendations and Yield Notes
- Test first: Always perform a small test in an inconspicuous corner to confirm the finish is to your liking.
- Note on Yields: The figures indicated are estimates on optimal, compacted, and polished substrates. Actual consumption will depend on porosity and technique. In the first layer, consumption is high; in the second layer, it is much lower because the pore is already saturated. In maintenance applications, yield multiplies.
- Storage and Safety: Keep containers tightly closed in their original packaging, in a dry place at room temperature (avoid frost and excessive heat). Store out of reach of children and away from sources of heat or ignition.
EasyTadelakt Wax Technical Catalog
WAX WITH SOAP
Natural Protective Wax "The essence of tradition."
This wax is a tribute to classic finishing methods. It is a 100% natural high-quality wax, widely used in Venetian stuccos, grassello, and essential for traditional Tadelakt, due to its balanced composition based on white beeswax and Marseille soap, and its breathability.
Its application is designed for those looking to highlight the warmth and organic depth of the material, transforming the surface into a silky and unique tactile experience. By applying it, we not only protect the substrate, but also grant it that classic and natural gloss finish that defines the noblest mineral coatings in history.
- Resting time (Step 2): 30 to 60 min. at room temperature (20-25°C). The resting time is indicative, especially in the first coat it can be shorter.
- Maintenance: It is recommended to reapply every 1 to 2 years. More frequent in wet areas.
- Usage: Mix the product until a homogeneous cream is obtained before use. Specifically designed for vertical surfaces (walls), ceilings, and decorative elements. Also suitable for bathrooms, provided more frequent maintenance is observed.
- Maximum Yield: Up to 30-50 m² per liter / 1 coat (we recommend a minimum of 2 coats). Subject to base porosity. (See note on yields).
- Safety warning: It is the most harmless option. Does not require special precautions.
CERA + CARNAUBA
High Resistance Noble Wax "The strength of the natural shield."
When the beauty of a mineral wall must face the passage of time and daily use, this wax presents itself as the definitive solution. It is the result of a perfect alliance: the flexibility and sealing of beeswax combined with the indomitable hardness of vegetable carnauba. Together, they create a high-resistance physical barrier that firmly protects bathrooms and surfaces exposed to constant friction.
Unlike wood, the mineral substrate does not "absorb" the matter; therefore, this paste wax has been formulated to remain anchored in the micropore of the stucco, creating an extremely hard and scratch-resistant surface film. Thanks to turpentine, which facilitates deep technical penetration before evaporating, we achieve three fundamental goals: superior protection, total waterproofing, and a shine that provides a unique depth to Tadelakt. It is, in essence, the balance where aesthetic elegance and structural durability are essential.
- Resting time (Step 2): 15 to 30 min. at room temperature (20-25°C). The resting time is indicative, especially in the first coat it can be shorter.
- Maintenance: Recommended to reapply every 2 to 3 years, depending on use.
- Usage: Multi-surface, bathrooms, and high-contact surfaces.
- Floor application: Due to its high friction resistance, it is suitable for pavements. In this use, machine polishing at low RPMs is recommended; mechanical friction helps to compact the wax to reach its maximum hardness.
- Maximum Yield: Up to 55-90 m² per liter / 1 coat (we recommend a minimum of 2 coats). Subject to base porosity. (See note on yields).
- Warning: Contains natural solvents with a characteristic and intense odor. Ventilate the room well during application and drying to avoid discomfort.
SPECIAL WAX
High-Performance Synthetic Wax "The technical evolution of sealing."
This wax is born where nature reaches its limit and high precision begins. It is a professional secret designed by EasyTadelakt to stop time and preserve the mineral essence of Tadelakt without ever altering it. Its high-purity synthetic nature is not just a guarantee of resistance; it is the promise of an unalterable stability that defies heat and intense use, being suitable for the recovery and conservation of historical heritage.
When applied, the surface is wrapped in an invisible shield with a silky touch, a high-density caress that repels water while exalting the original luminosity of the substrate. Its great magic lies in its absolute transparency: a liquid crystal that protects the purest whites and the subtlest tones without yellowing, bathing them in a crystalline shine of amazing clarity. With an amazing self-polishing capacity, this wax transforms the finish into an agile process, providing visual depth and elegance. It is the definitive solution to turn showers, countertops, and floors into spaces of armored and eternal beauty.
- Resting time (Step 2): 10 to 20 min. at room temperature (20-25°C). The resting time is indicative, especially in the first coat it can be shorter.
- Maintenance: Recommended to reapply every 2 to 5 years, depending on use. Check the 'beading effect' of the water to determine the exact time to repeat application.
- Usage: Protection for Tadelakt in high-demand areas: showers, exteriors, and countertops. Does not alter the color of whites, does not yellow.
- Floor application: Excellent for high-performance pavements. On floors, machine use at low RPMs is required to achieve vitrification of the surface, creating a very durable and easy-to-maintain protection layer.
- Maximum Yield: Up to 90-120 m² per liter / 1 coat (we recommend a minimum of 2 coats). Subject to base porosity. (See note on yields).
- Warning: High technical evaporation product; the use of gloves and constant ventilation is recommended for an optimal application experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Which wax is best for a shower? Any of the 3 is a good option; it depends on the use and the area, one or the other will be better.
- When should I reapply? When the "beading effect" disappears (water stops sliding off in droplets).
- Will the color change? No, but the tone will be more vivid. On whites, always use Special Wax.
- Can I polish by hand? Yes, a cloth is sufficient. The machine is optional; it is only to gain speed and extra hardness.
- Doubts about your project? Consult our EasyTadelakt technical service.