Authentic chukum from the Yucatán Peninsula
A natural finish with a historic footprint. Chukum tree resin and lime from the peninsula, applied layer over layer.
A land that keeps whatever passes through it.
From the impact that marked the peninsula to the material that now covers its walls. Sixty-six million years in three chapters.
What is chukum
A natural stucco of Maya origin: resin from the chukum tree blended with lime from the peninsula. The Maya used it in their cities and today it covers much of the architecture of Tulum and the Riviera Maya. It bonds firmly, repels water and holds up in tropical weather.
- The tree
- Havardia albicans, a thorny tree of the Yucatán lowland forest. The Maya named it chukum and harvested its bark for centuries without felling the tree.
- The technique
- The bark is boiled to release its tannins and the extract is blended with hydrated lime. The result is a paste applied as fine stucco, layer over layer, with no paint or sealers.
- Naturally water-repellent
- The Maya used it to waterproof cisterns and reservoirs. That is why it now lines pools, artificial cenotes and bathrooms: it repels water and lets the wall breathe.
- Authentic, not imitation
- Authentic chukum carries real tree resin. Acrylic imitations copy the color, but they never breathe or age the way lime does.
- Export ready
- 20 kg bag format, made in the Yucatán Peninsula, with technical data sheets and support for international projects.
Six finishes, one land
Mineral pigments over the same resin-and-lime base. No paint: the color is the material. Pick one and see the same house before and after.
Before
Terracota
Drag the bar to see the same house before and after.
Request a Terracotta sampleWhere history becomes architecture
Walls and facades, pools and cenotes, interiors, bathrooms and furniture. One paste, applied layer over layer.
Frequently asked questions
What architects and installers ask us before ordering samples.
How much does one bag cover?
A 20 kg (44 lb) bag covers about 4 m² (43 sq ft) with two coats on a smooth wall. Rough or very absorbent surfaces reduce coverage, so we confirm the quantity from your measurements.
Does it work outdoors, with sun and rain?
Yes. Chukum was born for the Yucatán climate: it repels water and lets the wall breathe, so it withstands direct sun, humidity and salt air without peeling.
Can it be used in pools and cenotes?
That is one of its original uses: the Maya waterproofed cisterns with it. Today it is applied in pools, water features and artificial cenotes, with the right base preparation.
How is it different from an acrylic chukum-style finish?
Authentic chukum carries real tree resin and lime. Acrylic imitations copy the color, but they never breathe or age the way lime does: it shows over time.
Do you ship outside Mexico?
Yes. We make it in the peninsula and export. Message us with the destination and the area, and we'll send lead times and shipping costs.
Can I order samples before deciding?
Yes. We send physical samples of the finishes you are interested in so you can see them in the light of your own project.
How much chukum does your project need?
Enter the area and we’ll calculate how many 20 kg bags you need.
Estimate based on an average coverage of 4 m² (43 sq ft) per bag, two coats. Exact quantities confirmed per surface and finish.
From Yucatán to the world.
Send us a message and we’ll arrange samples, the data sheet and delivery to your site, in Mexico or abroad.
Rodrigo López Alam — Sales and export+52 999 369 9488Save contact