Chukum Made Simple: How to Apply This Ancient Plaster Finish

Chukum may look like a modern design trend, but its roots run deep—literally. Originally used by the Mayans in the Yucatán Peninsula, Chukum is a natural lime-based plaster infused with the resin of the native Chukum tree (Havardia albicans). The result is a breathable, earthy, waterproof finish that’s been used for centuries in everything from sacred structures to cenotes.

At Chukum USA, we are proud to be the original modern manufacturer of authentic Chukum products. Our formula is untampered, pure, and true to the artisanal method still used across the Yucatán today. If you’re working with Chukum from us, you’re working with the real thing.

And while it may have ancient origins, applying Chukum doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re resurfacing a pool, designing an indoor sanctuary, or building a tropical modern home, we’ve made it easy to choose the right product and get started.

Two Types of Chukum—Each with a Purpose

To simplify the process, we offer two core products: Chukum Base and Chukum Extra Fino. Each is designed with a specific surface and environment in mind.

Chukum Base – Built for the Outdoors (and Wet Areas)

Chukum Base is the rougher, thicker blend made for exterior surfaces and high-moisture environments. It works best when applied over rough substrates like stucco, cement block, or other porous materials.

Perfect for:

 

• • Swimming pools (interior and perimeter)

• • Showers and bathrooms

• • Exterior facades

• • Retaining walls, garden walls

• • Wet zones like spas or steam rooms

Because it’s naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant, Chukum Base is the ideal solution for areas exposed to humidity, splash, or the elements. It not only holds up—it gets better with time.

Chukum Extra Fino – Designed for Interiors & Smooth Surfaces

Chukum Extra Fino is a finer, smoother blend ideal for interior walls, ceilings, and finished surfaces. It’s designed to glide over smooth drywall, plaster, or skim-coated cement, creating a warm, velvety matte texture.

Perfect for:

 

• • Interior walls and ceilings

• • Accent niches and built-ins

• • Bedrooms, living rooms, and common areas

• • Offices, wellness spaces, or gallery walls

Extra Fino lets you achieve the refined look of Chukum in interior settings without losing the organic texture that makes it so visually rich.

Why Our Chukum is Different

While others may try to replicate the look, authentic Chukum cannot be created without the tree resin that gives it its name. Our products are made with real Chukum resin water—the reddish-brown liquid extracted from the Chukum tree, which has been used for generations as a natural binder and waterproofer.

We spent years perfecting our formula through lab testing and real-world application. And we’ve proven this: Chukum cannot be Chukum without Chukum resin water. It’s what gives the material its signature character, movement, and ability to age gracefully over time.

Our formula stays true to the original Mayan process. We don’t add chemicals, synthetic dyes, or fillers. Just lime, Chukum bark resin, and craft. If your Chukum product doesn’t come with our resin water—it’s not the real thing.

How to Apply Chukum (The Simple Version)

Applying Chukum is a hands-on process, but it’s not complicated once you know the basics.

 

1. • Prepare the surface

     
     
     • • For Chukum Base: rough surfaces like stucco or cement are ideal.
     • • For Extra Fino: drywall or smooth plaster works best. Use bonding if needed.

1. • Mix the product

      

     • • Combine the dry material with our authentic Chukum resin water until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.

1. • Trowel it on

      

     • • Apply in one or two thin coats, depending on desired depth. Work in sections and smooth as you go.

1. • Let it dry

     
     
     • • Chukum dries quickly in most environments. No sanding required unless you’re refining texture.

1. • Seal (if needed)

     
     
     • • For pools and bathrooms, sealing is recommended for extra protection. For interiors, it’s optional depending on desired patina and finish.

We offer full how to videos and application videos on our website. Contact us for applicators, questions, or anything related to application and we will guide you!

It’s Alive: The Beauty of the Patina

One of the most special things about Chukum is how it changes over time. As it breathes and ages, Chukum develops a soft patina—subtle shifts in tone, slight clouding, or gentle marbling. It’s not just a finish, it’s a living surface.

This is only possible with real Chukum made with tree resin. Pre-mixed synthetic versions or lime plasters without the resin simply don’t evolve. If you want that rich, dynamic effect—you need the real thing.

Look for the Tree—Work With the Source

At Chukum USA, we stand by the authenticity of our product because we are the source. We manufacture it, ship it, and support you through application. Whether you’re a designer, builder, or homeowner, working with us means working with the original.

Look for our tree logo on every bag and resin bottle. That’s your sign that you’re using genuine Chukum—the kind seen all over the Yucatán, still used today, and now made accessible for modern design through our hands.

Ready to build something timeless?
Choose the original. Choose Chukum USA.