Natural Lime Plastering Workshops: Learn Thappi and Tadelakt
Master traditional lime plastering techniques in our hands-on workshops. Discover the beauty of breathable, carbon-neutral finishes like Moroccan Tadelakt and Rajasthani Thappi.
The wooden "thappi" tool against a finished wall, showing the distinctive cross-hatch texture it creates. This is the signature of the traditional Rajasthani lime plastering technique.
A satisfying slow-motion video of the thappi tool being used to beat the lime plaster, compacting it and creating its unique texture.
An artisan demonstrates the application of the base coat for a Thappi plaster finish. This video shows the skill involved in spreading the lime and surkhi mixture onto the wall.
A close-up still of an artisan applying the Thappi plaster, showcasing the rich, earthy color and rough texture of the initial coat.
A gloved hand uses a float to smooth the lime plaster, an essential step in achieving the desired finish. This clip highlights the hands-on nature of the technique.
A still image capturing the process of floating the lime plaster. The vibrant color and tactile quality of the material are clearly visible.
An illustration explaining the concept of Thappi, the Rajasthani art of lime plastering, showing the tools and the resulting texture.
An animated version of our Thappi illustration, bringing the technique to life by showing how the tool creates the signature cross-hatched pattern.
An announcement for our hands-on Tadelakt plastering workshop. This image outlines the key takeaways for participants, including practical application on walls and tiles.
About The Art of Natural Finishes
The most important thing to know before you sign up is that these sessions are physically active. You will be mixing lime and surkhi, standing for hours, and learning to use the thappi tool to beat and compact the plaster. It is rewarding work, but be prepared to get messy and tired by the end of the day.
Whether you are an architect, a design student, or just someone curious about building a home that breathes, understanding natural finishes is a game changer. We focus on two primary methods in our sessions:
Rajasthani Thappi Plastering
This is an ancient, tactile technique. You use a wooden tool, also called a thappi, to beat a mix of lime and surkhi onto the wall. This process is rhythmic, almost meditative, and creates a distinctive cross-hatched texture. More than just aesthetics, the beating action compacts the material, closes micro-cracks, and ensures the plaster adheres firmly to the substrate.
Moroccan Tadelakt
Known for its waterproof qualities and smooth, stone-like finish, Tadelakt is perfect for bathrooms and wet areas. It involves applying lime plaster and burnishing it with smooth river stones and olive oil soap. It is a slow, methodical process that results in a beautiful, water-resistant surface that ages gracefully.
What You Will Learn
Our workshops are held in our Ashok Nagar studio in Bengaluru and occasionally in Kochi. You will learn:
- Material Science: How to source and mix lime, surkhi, and natural pigments.
- Surface Prep: Why and how to prepare walls before plastering.
- Application: Practical time spent applying, floating, and finishing on practice tiles and studio walls.
- Maintenance: How to care for natural lime walls so they last decades.
We provide all tools, including trowels, wooden beaters, and polishing stones. You just need to bring curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
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