Kerakoll Geocalce Tenace crack-free breathable NHL lime technical plaster (max 30 mm)

Does thick plaster crack as it dries? Traditional plaster shrinks and cracks without mesh. Geocalce Tenace’s TPI 3D texture absorbs the stress. Up to 30 mm in one layer — crack-free even without mesh. Pure NHL lime: breathable (μ ≤ 10) and strong. This is Kerakoll Geocalce Tenace.

• Thick plaster cracks while drying: TPI 3D texture absorbs thermal expansion and shrinkage stress — guaranteed crack-free plastering
• Up to 30 mm in one layer, without mesh: thick application in one go — fewer layers, faster work, yet no cracking
• Higher load, impact, movement: higher flexural, tensile strength and impact resistance — stronger than traditional lime plaster
• Earthquake-proof renovation: anti-spalling plaster for infill masonry, alone or with Geo Grid 120 mesh — for earthquake-prone areas
• Outdoor facade, weather resistance: water-repellent (W1), more resistant to atmospheric effects — maintains breathability for a long time
• Cement traps moisture in old walls: no cement here — the family’s most breathable plaster, μ ≤ 10, ≥ 40% porosity
• Light, smooth application: better thixotropy — easy to work by hand or machine, does not slip
• Part of the system: technical base structure — Biocalce Intonachino Fino fine plaster and breathable surface finish

What is it suitable for?

Masonry: Natural stone, brick, tuff stone, concrete block, adobe — partition and load-bearing walls, indoor and outdoor. Infill masonry in earthquake-prone areas. Anti-spalling system for brick-concrete slabs. Thick technical plaster for external thermal insulation systems (ETICS) on EPS or mineral wool panels, over galvanized plaster mesh.

Usage: Crack-free breathable plastering in one layer up to 30 mm. Earthquake-resistant, anti-flaking renovation alone or with Geo Grid 120 mesh. Plastering of strip cornices. Thick technical plaster in structural reinforcement systems.

Not suitable for:

• On contaminated, loose, dusty substrates
• On surfaces containing salts in their pores
• On substrates prone to dampness and rising moisture

The Geocalce breathable plaster system

Geocalce Tenace is the technical base structure layer. The crack-free, earthquake-resistant build-up:

Which Geocalce plaster do you need?

• Crack-free, earthquake-resistant technical plaster up to 30 mm in one layer: Geocalce Tenace — this product, TPI 3D, CS III + M5
• Traditional, economical breathable plaster (10–15 mm), for stone/brick historic walls: Geocalce Intonaco — CS II, μ ≤ 15
• White, multipurpose plaster-smoothing for any substrate (3–30 mm), also for repairs: Geocalce Multiuso — CS IV, R1

Frequently asked questions

Why does thick plaster crack, and how can it be prevented?
Because traditional plaster shrinks as it dries and cracks without mesh—especially in thick layers. The crack-free technical plaster (e.g., Kerakoll Geocalce Tenace) with TPI 3D texture absorbs the stress, so it does not crack even without mesh up to 30 mm in one layer.

What is TPI 3D technology?
TPI 3D is the three-dimensional, mineral fiber-reinforced texture of Geocalce Tenace. It absorbs the stresses of thermal expansion and drying shrinkage, providing guaranteed crack resistance and greater flexural and impact strength.

How thick can it be applied in one layer?
Up to 30 mm in one layer. This makes it faster than traditional plaster, which must be applied in thinner layers. For very thick surfaces, apply multiple layers after the lower one has set.

Which plaster is needed for earthquake-resistant or anti-spalling renovation?
Strong, breathable technical plaster suitable for mesh embedding. Geocalce Tenace alone or with Geo Grid 120 mesh forms an anti-spalling system for infill masonry and brick-concrete slabs in earthquake-prone areas.

What do the CS III and M5 classes mean?
Geocalce Tenace has dual certification: CS III according to EN 998-1 plaster mortar standard, and M5 according to EN 998-2 masonry mortar standard. So it is not only a plaster but also certified as masonry mortar with technical performance.

How many m² does a 25 kg bag cover?
Material requirement ≈ 16 kg/m² per centimeter. For a 1.5 cm layer, a 25 kg bag covers ≈ 1 m²; for 1 cm, ≈ 1.6 m².

Geocalce Tenace, Intonaco, or Multiuso — which one do I need?
Tenace is the crack-free technical plaster: up to 30 mm in one layer, for earthquake-resistant systems, with μ ≤ 10 and excellent breathability. Geocalce Intonaco is the economical plaster for large stone and brick surfaces (10–15 mm). Geocalce Multiuso is the versatile plaster-smoother ideal for small surfaces. For thick crack-free layers use Tenace, for economical large surfaces use Intonaco, and for mixed small jobs use Multiuso.

When should I NOT use it?
Do not use on contaminated, dusty, or loose substrates. Also not on walls containing salt in their pores or exposed to rising damp — in those cases, salt and moisture issues must be treated first (e.g., with a remediation plaster).

Can I apply it myself?
Can be applied by hand or machine, with good thixotropy — it does not slip. However, the design of mesh and fastening for earthquake-resistant and anti-spalling systems, as well as the restoration of historic walls, requires expertise. We also undertake complete execution.