One of the questions we’re asked most often is whether Mas Maya Coating is waterproof. The answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Mas Maya Coating is naturally water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for humid spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, exterior facades and even swimming pools.
However, like most decorative mineral finishes, it is not a substitute for a waterproof membrane. In areas exposed to constant water, such as showers, basins, pools or wet rooms, an intact waterproof membrane beneath the coating is essential.
Once this is in place, the correct Mas Maya system provides a beautiful, durable and highly water-resistant finish designed for long-term performance.
Mas Maya Coating is made primarily from limestone, white cement and plant extracts, creating a breathable mineral coating that naturally resists water while allowing moisture vapour to escape. This breathability helps reduce condensation and minimises the risk of trapped moisture, making it a healthy choice for modern homes.
Some of the properties that make Mas Maya Coating ideal for humid environments include:
It's important to understand the difference.
Mas Maya Coating itself is water-resistant, but waterproofing is achieved by the complete installation system rather than the coating alone.
In any area exposed to constant moisture—including showers, baths, wet rooms, pools and many exterior applications—the substrate must already have an intact waterproof membrane before installation begins. Without this membrane, water can penetrate the structure beneath the coating, potentially causing dampness or structural issues over time.
Think of the waterproof membrane as the building's waterproof barrier, while Mas Maya Coating provides the beautiful, breathable decorative finish.
Mas Maya Coating performs beautifully in bathrooms. For bathroom walls, floors and wet areas, we recommend using:
For bathroom floors or commercial bathrooms where additional durability is required, two coats of Mas Maya Heavy-Duty Sealer can also be added for extra abrasion and chemical resistance.
Surfaces that experience constant water exposure always require:
For high-use residential or commercial installations, Mas Maya Heavy-Duty Sealer provides additional protection against wear and cleaning chemicals.
Mas Maya provides pools with breathable mineral finish, designed for life in and around water.
Mas Maya Coating applied to swimming pool.
Pools require a slightly different system because they remain permanently submerged.
The recommended system is:
After installation, it's recommended to allow the pool to cure for approximately three weeks before filling it with water.
Mas Maya Coating is equally suitable for exterior walls thanks to its breathable mineral composition. For long-term weather protection, exterior facades should be finished with:
For particularly demanding environments, Mas Maya Heavy-Duty Sealer can be added for increased durability.
A long-lasting finish always begins with proper preparation.
First, ensure the substrate is stable, smooth and clean. Any imperfections deeper than 3 mm should be levelled with Mas Maya Prep, and in wet areas an intact waterproof membrane must already be present.
Next, apply Mas Maya Primer (or Mas Maya Pool Primer for pools and permanently wet areas), followed by the appropriate Mas Maya Coating system. Depending on the substrate, Mas Maya Mesh may be required to reinforce the coating and minimise the risk of cracking.
Once the coating has fully dried, apply two coats of Mas Maya Presealer. This step is essential—it preserves the natural colour of the coating, closes remaining pores and ensures even absorption. Applying Mas Maya Sealer directly onto the coating without Presealer will significantly darken the finish.
Finally, apply two coats of Mas Maya Sealer. For floors, furniture, commercial spaces or other high-traffic areas, two additional coats of Mas Maya Heavy-Duty Sealer can be applied for enhanced protection against wear, chemicals and abrasion.
Not every installation requires sealing.
For interior walls and ceilings in dry, low-contact areas, Mas Maya Coating can be left unsealed. This allows the material to retain its maximum breathability while showcasing its natural texture and appearance.
Sealing becomes necessary whenever the surface will be exposed to moisture, frequent cleaning, staining or heavy wear.
Mas Maya Coating is naturally water-resistant and exceptionally well suited to humid environments. When combined with the correct preparation, an intact waterproof membrane where required, and the appropriate Mas Maya sealing system, it delivers a durable, beautiful finish for everything from bathrooms and kitchens to pools and exterior facades.
The key is remembering that Mas Maya Coating is the decorative finish—not the waterproof membrane itself. When each layer of the system is used as intended, you'll enjoy a natural surface that combines timeless aesthetics with long-lasting performance.
