How can we help?
About us
- How do I get started?
We always start with a conversation, working with you to understand your project, your vision, and your requirements. We can then arrange for samples and work to support you on every step from product selection to specification and connecting you with an applicator in your area.
- Are your products available in my location?
We work with clients all over the world, and our products are available internationally through our partner network. You can see a full listing of our current partners on our Contact page, and you can always get in touch with us to start a project.
- Where can I see your materials in person?
Photography only gets you so far with a surface this tactile. There are a few ways to experience the material before specifying it:
- Our distributor network has showrooms with large-format panel displays, and our headquarters in Moglia, Italy is open for visits by appointment.
- Sample sets can be addressed directly to your studio.
- We regularly attend trade fairs and run training events where you can see and feel the finishes in person.
Contact us if you’re interested in seeing our products in person.
- Is this the right material for my project?
MATTEOBRIONI surfaces work across a wide range of project types — residential interiors, high-end hospitality, commercial spaces, heritage restoration, and exteriors. They’re particularly well suited to projects where atmosphere matters: when you want a space that feels calm, natural, and atmosphere. Along with offering our core products, we also work with architects and designers on bespoke projects, where we will collaborate with you to create a finish that’s completely unique and aligned with your vision. Contact us and we can work with you to understand your needs and find the right path forward.
A few things worth knowing upfront: these are applied finishes, not tiles or panels. They require a skilled applicator, correct substrate preparation, and the right product choice for each zone. Our team is here to guide you through all of that — if you’re unsure whether the material is right for a specific application, get in touch and we’ll help you work it out.
- What makes MATTEOBRIONI different from other materials?
The difference lies essentially in how we treat our raw materials: we keep our clays as close to nature as possible, adapted only enough to perform in real-world spaces.
Most clay plasters start from a light clay base and add pigments to achieve colour. Ours don’t. Every shade in the MB Terra palette comes from a single origin — the colour is the clay itself, with the character and genius loci of the place it came from.
Over the years, we’ve extended our product line so that a raw earth effect is achievable in almost any environment, including spaces where traditional clay couldn’t perform: direct, continuous water contact; exterior facades; high-traffic interiors. In those situations, we use a mineral plaster to achieve a similar result.
- What are MATTEOBRIONI surfaces?
MATTEOBRIONI makes raw earth surfaces for contemporary architecture and design — clay and mineral plasters that are hand-applied to create seamless surfaces. Our line includes five product families: clay plasters for interior spaces, mineral plasters for wet areas and high-traffic environments, an exterior-grade mineral plaster, a lime plaster for heritage work, and an easy-to-apply clay paint.
- How can I get your sample? Which Size have the standard samples? How much for the standard one?
Our standard samples are in A4 and A3 formats. Please, contact us directly for info and orders.
Usage
- Can MATTEOBRIONI products be used to coat tables, chairs, and other objects?
Yes — coating freestanding elements is a good way to extend the same material language from walls into the rest of a space. The right product depends on context: MB Terra Plus for interior furnishing elements; MB Tecnica for both interior and exterior use.
- Can the same finish be used on both floors and walls?
Yes — a continuous ‘box effect’ across floors and walls is very achievable. The approach is to identify the most demanding surface in the space — typically the wet area — and use that product throughout. Consistency is what creates the seamless result.
If different zones have genuinely different technical requirements, we can specify products from the same color palette — though there will be a subtle textural difference between zones.
One thing to factor in either way: light hitting surfaces at different angles creates slight tonal variation. This is inherent to the material, not a defect. We recommend approving on a physical sample in your actual space before signing off.
- Can your products be used over underfloor heating?
Yes — both MB Terra Floor and MB Tecnica Floor can be applied over heated screeds. The screed needs to be correctly laid, fully cured, and compliant with minimum thickness requirements. Expansion joints must be respected, and a thermal shock cycle on the screed is mandatory before the surface coating goes down.
- Can your products be applied on stairs?
MB Terra Floor and MB Tecnica Floor can coat masonry or ceramic stairs — not timber. A steel ‘L’ angle profile is needed at each exposed edge and corner. For bull-nose steps, the rounded profile needs to be present on the substrate before application — our hand-trowelled finish will follow the shape naturally, with the organic quality that’s characteristic of the material.
- Can your products be applied to furniture and doors, including flush doors?
Yes. The following ranges work well on furniture and door panels: MB Terra Plus for interior furnishing elements; MB Tecnica and MB Materia for interior and exterior applications. The correct primer and base coat need to be applied first. For doors specifically, it’s worth checking thickness, clearance, and how the finish will behave at edges and sides.
- Can your products be used in kitchens?
MB Tecnica and MB Terra Plus, finished with the MB Sealant protective cycle, comply with UNI EN 12720 (cold liquid resistance on furniture surfaces). That said, hot oily liquids — boiling oil, frying splashes — can permanently stain even well-protected surfaces over time. We’d recommend avoiding use on worktops and cooking splashbacks unless the client is comfortable with the natural ageing of the surface.
- Can your products be used outdoors?
We have two products formulated for outdoor use. MB Materia is specifically formulated for exterior exposed applications, and MB Storia can also be used on specific traditional substrates including lime and clay base coat plasters. Other families are designed for interior use or protected exterior environments. We don’t currently produce exterior flooring products.
For ETICS (external wall insulation systems): each component needs to comply with CE Marking standards, and our products are fully compliant. A complete ETICS system requires ETA certification covering the system as a whole. Since we produce finishes only, we don’t hold our own ETA — but we’re happy to supply finish samples to the insulation manufacturer so they can certify the complete system.
- How should the shower tray-to-wall junction be detailed?
The approach we recommend eliminates visible silicone entirely. Waterproof the tray-to-wall joint using a liquid membrane or technical sheeting with specialist corner pieces, creating a rounded fillet at the junction. Apply the continuous coating over the membrane up to the rounded edge, then finish with the specified protective treatment.
The result is a clean, hidden joint — provided the waterproofing detail itself is executed correctly. Our specification sheets require waterproofing of shower walls before the surface coating goes down.
- Can your products be used in bathrooms or wet areas?
Yes — and it’s one of the most common applications. The key is matching the right product to the level of water exposure:
- Walls and surfaces not in direct or continuous contact with water (bathroom walls, ceilings, vanity surrounds) → MB Terra Plus
- Surfaces in direct and continuous contact with water (shower interiors, baths, sink basins) → MB Tecnica or MB Terra Floor, with the specified waterproofing and protective cycle
There’s also a less obvious benefit: clay naturally absorbs excess humidity — post-shower steam, for example — and releases it gradually, which helps prevent condensation and mould.
- Can we use any of your products to do flooring and walls with the same finishes?
No. We have specific products for flooring surfaces like TerraTon Floor, TerraFloor, TerraFloor Commercial and others for vertical application like TerraVista, MultiTerra, TerraTon Wall: see our products page for specifications and details.
Product Information
- What kind of products do you sell?
The MATTEOBRIONI line is built around five families, each developed for different environments and performance requirements:
- MB TERRA — raw earth clay plasters for interior use; maximum breathability
- MB TECNICA — high-performance mineral plasters for wet areas and demanding spaces
- MB MATERIA — a mineral plaster specifically formulated for exteriors
- MB STORIA — lime plasters for heritage and restoration work
- MB SETA — clay paint, applied by brush or roller
Each family includes variants — for example, Natural, Plus, and Floor within MB TERRA — to suit specific contexts.
- Where do your colours come from?
Each colour in the MATTEOBRIONI Terra palette is derived from natural clays extracted from specific quarries across Europe and around the world — not from a light clay base with added pigments. This is the most significant difference between our products and most others on the market.
Because the colour comes from the source material itself, it has absolute UV stability and a depth that synthetic pigments simply can’t replicate.
In the case of our mineral plasters and other non-clay materials, we match our palette using mineral pigments.
- Are your products breathable?
Products in the MB Terra Natural line are among the most breathable finishes available. The water vapour diffusion resistance factor (μ) for raw earth plasters typically sits at 5–10, compared to 30–50 for cement-based plasters. Products that incorporate polymer binders trade some breathability for greater water resistance — the right choice depends on the application.
- Are your products resin-based?
MATTEOBRIONI products are primarily mineral and clay-based. Some formulations, such as Terra Floor and Terra Plus, incorporate epoxy resins or polymers to increase performance and impermeability where needed. The binder type is always specified in the product data sheet.
- Are your products filler plasters or decorative finishes?
All MATTEOBRIONI products are decorative — they’re the final layer of a surface build-up, not structural fillers. The collection includes clay paints, finishing plasters, single-coat plasters, and low-thickness continuous flooring.
Typical thickness: finishing plasters and continuous coatings 1–4 mm; clay paints a few microns; single-coat plasters 8–15 mm. Maximum thicknesses are specified in the relevant TDS for each product.
- How long does it take for samples to be available?
It depends primary on the kind of samples ordered: standard samples kit, A4 or A3 format samples, custom samples. Secondly i depends also on the destination of the order and the time of the request. Please contact us directly for more details.
- How can I get your sample? Which Size have the standard samples? How much for the standard one?
Our standard samples are in A4 and A3 formats. Please, contact us directly for info and orders.
Performance & Durability
- How are prominent corners and edges handled?
Mandatory Reinforcement: Corner beads or protective plates must be installed on all external corners, high-traffic edges, and structural/expansion joints.
Material Compatibility: Only anodized aluminum or rigid PVC profiles are permitted. The use of galvanized steel or non-treated metal profiles is strictly prohibited, as they may react with the natural moisture of the clay, leading to oxidation, rust staining, or color bleeding.
Application Method: Profiles must be fully embedded into the base coat using the specific structural meshes and glass fiber tapes indicated in the Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and price list. This ensures continuity of the reinforcement and prevents shrinkage cracks.
Aesthetic Finishing (Alternative to Profiles): If the architectural design requires a finish without visible profiles, the applicator is required to perform a mechanical chamfering (rounding) of the edge with a minimum radius of curvature of 3 mm.
- Do your products come with a warranty?
Yes. Products carry a 2-year warranty in accordance with EU Norm 2019/771, covering the quality and compliance of the material prior to application. Warranties covering the application itself are issued by the installing contractor.
- Is clay a good thermal insulator?
Not in itself — raw earth plasters have thermal conductivity similar to lime and cement (λ ~0.6–1 W/mK). Where clay performs well is in thermal mass and hygroscopicity: it acts as a natural climate regulator, slowing heat transfer in warm conditions and absorbing excess moisture in humid spaces. It contributes meaningfully to comfort, even if it doesn’t qualify as an insulator in the technical sense.
- What slip resistance do your floor finishes offer?
Standard floor treatment cycles achieve R10 slip resistance (DIN 51130 / EN 13036). If a project requires a higher rating, get in touch with our technical team.
- Are your products heat-resistant?
Our finishes can be used near heat sources, but they’re not designed for direct contact with flames or very high-temperature surfaces. The linear expansion coefficient of our finishes is 10-11 x 10-6 K-1, which means they’re resistant to the dimensional changes that cause cracking — though the same isn’t always true of the substrate beneath. If you’re specifying around heat sources, it’s worth involving our technical team early.
- Are your products fire-resistant?
Raw earth is inorganic and non-combustible. We hate official tests certificates, according to EN 13501-1:2018 that classify MB Terra Natural, MB Storia, and MB Materia at Euroclass B-s1, d0.
Specifying & Ordering
- What’s the minimum order?
One standard package of the chosen product — usually a 10 kg bag, which covers a minimum of around 5 sqm. This makes it straightforward to manage small repairs, on-site samples, or test areas.
- I’d like to test the material on a section of wall before committing. Can you supply it free of charge?
Material for on-site testing sampling is supplied at a charge, so there is a cost for both the material and shipping. For quantities exceeding 100sqm the cost will be deducted from the final bulk order value upon project confirmation
— Contact us for pricing - What’s the price range?
Our product range spans from easy-to-apply clay paints at the more accessible end, through to high-performance continuous floor coatings and our most advanced custom finishes. We have a price list available with all details, and our team is happy to help you estimate costs for a specific project.
- Can I visit your headquarters?
Yes. Technical visits and meetings at our Moglia premises can be arranged by appointment. Contact us to set something up.
- Is there a list of approved applicators?
Yes — we have an international network of certified partner applicators who’ve completed our training programmes. Share the project location and our commercial team will help you find the right match.
- Can you provide a quote for supply and installation?
We handle material production, quoting, and technical consultancy. Installation is carried out through our network of trained partner applicators, both in Italy and internationally. Share the project details and we’ll connect you with a professional close to you, or provide the contact for a master applicator who can oversee the work and train installers on site.
- We have a large project. Is the 20 kg bag the only option?
Yes — and there are good reasons for it. European workplace health and safety regulations prohibit weights over 20 kg. The bag size is also easier to manage on site with less waste, and avoids the powder stratification during transport that can affect consistency in bulk bags. Large volumes aren’t a problem for us — our production facility runs at up to 15,000 kg per daily shift, so a 500 sqm project is well within standard operational parameters.
- What should I budget for installation on a project?
Application costs are generally equivalent and in line with those of other materials’ decorative plasters.
As a ballpark indication please consider the same amount of the material.
However, costs vary sensibly from Country to Country and depend on a number of jobsite variables.
Our team will be glad to connect You with a certified applicator in Your area
- Can different clays be mixed together to create new colours?
Absolutely—all our clays are fully compatible and mixable. To help you find the perfect shade, we have developed a chromatic gradient system: starting from our 21 pure clays, we have created 60 intermediate tones by blending them with Latte clay (our brightest white).
Thanks to this approach, you can now choose from a range of 81 extraordinary colours, all born from nature and ready to use. If you instead decide to create your own custom blend, we recommend mixing the dry powders first to ensure a homogeneous shade, and preparing the entire quantity needed for the area in a single batch to avoid variations between lots.
- Can you reproduce colours from older collections?
Yes. A physical reference sample helps significantly — we’ll use it to prepare a colour recipe in our lab. Batch formulas and recipes are supplied. A very close match is achievable, though natural ageing and patina mean a perfect match can’t always be guaranteed.
Application
- Can MB Terra be applied over any existing plaster?
MB Terra can be applied over most existing plasters, provided they’re correctly prepared. The adhesion is mechanical, so it bonds to any sufficiently porous and absorbent substrate.
- How do I get a more textured finish from MB Seta?
MB Seta is available in two versions: smooth and structured. For a textured finish, specify MB Seta Structured. For full technical guidance, download the Technical Data Sheet or contact us directly.
- Who can attend your application courses?
Our courses are aimed at professionals: craftspeople, decorators, plasterers, and applicators. They’re not introductory courses in plastering basics — they’re specifically about how to apply MB products correctly and follow our specified cycles. Advanced courses, such as those covering our Evoca finish, are by invitation only and reserved for partner applicators who’ve already completed the standard course and successfully applied our products on at least five projects.
Applicators can apply by providing proof of experience and a portfolio. The course is aimed at training professionals upon whom MB can rely for future application works in their regions, so no one-off contractors will be accepted.
- How can applicators get trained?
Training is a central part of how we work. Courses run regularly at our Moglia premises and through our distributor network. The standard course runs 2 days (Thursday 9am to Friday 3pm) and covers theory, practical demonstration, and guided application on panels. Advanced and certification courses are by invitation, for applicators who have completed the standard course and applied our products on at least 5 projects. Bespoke training is available for specific projects or on-site workforce training. Contact us for details.
- Do your products require certified applicators?
For certain advanced techniques including our Evoca finish, application is restricted to certified applicators. For all other finishes, we strongly recommend working with applicators who have experience with MB — the material rewards skilled hands. Contact our team for a referral.
- What are the drying times?
Raw earth dries through evaporation—generally faster than lime, which goes through a chemical carbonation process. Good ventilation makes a meaningful difference. Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, our smooth clay finishes typically dry within one day. As a general rule, allow one day of drying for every 1 mm to 1.5 mm of applied thickness.
Please note that for mineral-based finishes, surface drying does not coincide with the complete chemical reaction or curing of the product. While the material may appear dry, the full setting and seasoning process can take 1 to 2 weeks. Exact times vary by product, substrate, and ambient conditions; the specific TDS (Technical Data Sheet) is always the primary reference.
- How much water goes into each bag?
The mix should reach a firm, spreadable consistency — thixotropic. As a guide: approximately 300 g of water per 1 kg of powder (around 6 litres per 20 kg bag). Pour 90% of the water into a clean container, add powder gradually while mixing, then add the remaining water slowly — mixing for at least 1 minute total until smooth and lump-free. Always follow the specific TDS, as ratios can vary slightly by product.
If a liquid binder (such as MB BINDER) is required for the specific product, the amount of binder used must be subtracted from the total 30% water content to maintain the correct ratio.
- What equipment is needed on site?
For mixing: a professional mixing drill (minimum 800 W) together with a precise electronic scale (from 1 gram upwards) with an appropriate paddle is sufficient for most projects; very large projects over 10,000 sqm can use a drum or continuous screw mixer. For application: clean buckets, trowels, steel floats, plastic spatulas or sponges for finishing, and brushes and rollers for primers and protective coatings. Clean water needs to be on site.
- How many coats does the product need?
Generally two coats of one of our clay and mineral surfaces by trowel or float, along with at least one layer of primer and one layer of treatment. Certain primers and protective finishes are applied by brush or roller. The complete application cycle and recommended tools for each product are described in the TDS.
- What’s the standard application sequence?
Check and prepare the substrate — clean and remove anything loose. Consolidate or skim any irregularities. Apply the specified primer or base coat. Apply base coat or skim coat if the specification requires it. Apply finishing coats by trowel, brush or roller (depending from the product). Apply the correct treatment as specified (stain-resistant, anti-reflective, or wax finish). We also share full procedures and products for each step in the TDS.
Care & Maintenance
- What happens if the surface gets wet unexpectedly?
For occasional exposure, the appropriate product families handle this well — particularly with protective coatings applied. Products not designed for water contact will absorb moisture and then dry naturally; don’t attempt to force-dry the surface with heat or mechanical means.
For prolonged or standing water, aesthetics and durability can be affected if the correct waterproof cycle wasn’t applied. Only MB Terra Plus, MB Terra Floor, and MB Tecnica are designed for continuous water contact — and even these need the right waterproofing cycle to perform as specified.
- How do you match colour for a repair when no sample exists?
To ensure the most accurate match, we require a colour reference from an international standard such as NCS, Pantone, or RAL. In addition to this code, we work from photographs and, where possible, a small physical sample taken from the existing installation.
Please note that providing a physical sample of the actual material remains the most precise and accurate solution for colour matching. From there, we prepare a dedicated colour recipe in our laboratory, and batch formulas are supplied with the repair materials. Bear in mind that factors such as ageing, patina, and subtle differences in application technique mean the match will be very close, but not necessarily identical.
- Can repairs and touch-ups be done if a surface is damaged?
Yes — localised repairs are possible for experienced, certified applicators. The process involves sanding locally, re-applying product, and finishing with protective treatment. For high-value surfaces, best practice is to redo the entire wall or zone rather than a purely localised patch — it gives a much cleaner result.
We offer a colour-matching service and batch recipes to replicate the original colour. A very close match is achievable, but a perfect one can’t be guaranteed — natural materials applied by hand develop their own patina over time, and that’s part of what makes them so special.
- The product looks different from the images on your website — why?
Lighting, angle, texture, substrate absorption, and post-production all affect how a surface photographs. This is entirely normal — which is why we always recommend the physical sample as the definitive reference for colour and finish selection.
- What should I do if the surface gets stained?
MB surfaces are designed to be lived in. With the right protective treatment applied at installation, most everyday spills and marks can be cleaned easily. For full guidance on cleaning, stain removal, and ongoing maintenance, download our Maintenance and Care Protection document.
- What can be used to clean the surfaces?
Natural finishes need gentle handling. For routine cleaning, dust or use a lightly damp cloth — a small amount of neutral liquid soap (diluted Marseille soap works well) is fine for light soiling. Treated and sealed surfaces can be wiped down with a cloth and neutral pH detergent. Always avoid bleach, acids, aggressive alkaline degreasers, and anything abrasive.
- Are your products washable?
With the appropriate protective treatments applied, yes — surfaces become washable. For areas in continuous water contact, a waterproofing and two-component protective cycle is required. For unsealed clay wall surfaces in normal conditions, gentle dusting is usually all that’s needed day to day to keep them clean.
