Carved plaster changes the look of a salon and its ceiling: it is the art of drawing and carving, done by hand by the maâlem (master craftsman). Before you agree, tell decorative carved plaster apart from ordinary repair plaster, and look at the maâlem's work before you listen to promises.
In your first conversation with the maâlem
Say whether you want decorative carved plaster, plaster repair or just a final finish on the wall or ceiling. The word "plaster" covers very different jobs: the agreement should say what will be done, where, and with what finish.
In photos or at the workshop
The Hassan II Mosque Foundation explains how the plaster is prepared, how the design is traced with a template and then carved layer by layer, in geometric, calligraphic and plant patterns. Ask for close-up and wide photos, so you can see whether the lines are harmonious and the details crisp.
Before the deposit
Have the surface area, layers, design, finish, repairs, transport, timing and what happens if a crack or defect appears all written down. Plasterwork decorates, but it doesn't prove the building itself is sound.
Among the plasterers and cooperatives on Hdaya
Look at the maâlem's own work, ask who will actually do the job, and send photos of the place and the measurements. On Hdaya, you can see photos of maâlems’ work before you contact them.
A good place to start
Gather photos of the place, choose the type of plaster and the design you want, then ask for a written price covering the surface area, finish, transport and repairs before you agree.
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When a house is being prepared for a wedding or a move, the first thing guests look up at is the ceiling. Carved plaster is drawn and carved by the maâlem's hand, in geometric, calligraphic and plant patterns, and it gives the salon its own face.
At the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, carved plaster is among the crafts the maâlems worked on, and the mosque's foundation explains the steps: preparing the plaster, tracing with a template, then carving. The Ministry of Handicrafts counts carved plaster among the traditional building crafts. The same craft is found today in family salons, and every maâlem has his own hand.
Name exactly the service you want, so the price is for the same thing.
If you are preparing the whole salon, see also Zellige Beldi, The Moroccan Carpenter and The Upholsterer and the Moroccan Salon.
No. Carved plaster is decoration with drawing, carving and patterns; ordinary plaster can be a coating, a repair or a finishing touch. The agreement should name the service exactly.
Ask for photos of their work, the materials, the design, the surface area, the finish, transport, repairs and timing.
No. Plaster is decoration and craft. Structural or damp problems need a building specialist or an engineer.
Procedures change. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it again.