Clay plaster

Having been used for thousands of years, clay plaster is one of the most natural and ancient building materials. Even with the availability of contemporary substitutes, clay plaster is still a preferred option for people looking to give their walls an attractive, breathable, and environmentally friendly finish. Because of its special qualities, it transcends materiality and becomes a declaration of sustainable living.

Clay plaster is unique in that it can be used almost anywhere. It adds a rustic charm to both modern and classic interiors, and it can be applied to a range of surfaces, from traditional mud walls to contemporary drywall. Furthermore, clay plaster has a reputation for controlling interior humidity, which promotes a healthier living space.

There are countless options available with clay plaster for people who value organic hues and textures. Natural pigments can be used to tint it with ease, allowing homeowners to create distinctive finishes that express their individual styles. A classic solution that combines style and functionality, clay plaster can be used to update an outdated area or give a new one personality.

Advantages and disadvantages of clay compositions

In addition to providing your home with a polished appearance, clay plaster will insulate it, highlight its individuality, and infuse it with a distinctive design aesthetic.

You can make a decorative coating by using clay.

The comfort, environmental friendliness, and microclimate health of homes furnished with living natural materials are hallmarks of these properties.

Because of its high vapor permeability, clay can absorb moisture at high humidity levels and release it when it gets hot. Consequently, there is always ideal humidity and natural moisture exchange in rooms that have been finished with clay.

Additional benefits of clay plaster:

• affordable cost;
• easy to prepare and apply;
• waste-free, reusable;
• high elasticity of the mixture;
• suitable for indoor and outdoor work;
• not afraid of moisture;
• residues of the mixture are stored indefinitely.

If there is any damage to the clay-plastered coating, it is easily fixable.

Among clay plaster’s drawbacks are:

• increased shrinkage of the plaster when drying, leading to the formation of cracks;
• lack of craftsmen working with clay;
• lack of exact recipes for preparing the solution.

Types of clay-based plasters

There are three primary categories for clay plaster, based on the additives used:

1. Sand;
2. Mixture with sawdust;
3. Combined composition.

For finishing interior wooden walls where extra thermal insulation is not needed, sand mortar works well.

Both interior and external walls can be finished by plastering them with a mixture of sawdust and clay. Sawdust, pine needles, straw, felt, or wool fiber fillers serve as reinforcing components and improve the walls’ ability to insulate against heat.

For finishing facades, combined composition with the addition of sand and fibrous fillers is a great choice. distinguished by great strength and resistance to cracking when exposed to moisture and UV light.

Cement or putty can be added to the solution to increase its strength and viscosity.

An all-natural, environmentally responsible wall finishing option that blends style and functionality is clay plaster. It produces a cosy, permeable surface that improves indoor humidity control and adds comfort to your house. Clay plaster is simple to work with and adaptable; it can be applied in a variety of colors and textures to give any area a distinctive, earthy look. Clay plaster is a stylish and eco-friendly way to achieve a modern, minimalist look or a rustic, farmhouse feel.

Instructions for applying clay plaster

The following technologies are used in the application of clay plaster:

• preparing the base for plastering;
• making a solution of the required consistency;
• applying the solution to the wall, observing technological breaks.

Preparing the base

We remove old plaster and finishing from the walls all the way down to the base before beginning any work.

A grinding machine is used to remove cement plaster residue from brick walls. The spaces between the bricks are cleaned to a minimum of 10 millimeters.

We eliminate any fasteners or reinforcing components that protrude.

Using dowels, we fasten the reinforcing mesh to the brick walls.

The best method for plastering wooden walls is to use shingles.

It is constructed from 15-20 mm wide, 5–6 mm thick slats.

At a 45-degree angle, the slats are nailed to the wall. With a slope pointing in the opposite direction, the second layer of slats is nailed on top. Prefabricated grilles can be used as shields.

Preparation of the solution

For plastering walls, a 1:2 to 1:5 ratio of sand and clay is used to make clay mortar.

The mixture is supplemented with sawdust and fiber fillers to enhance the plaster’s qualities.

Follow these steps to prepare the solution:

1. Soak the clay for 24 hours in clean water.
2. Drain off excess water, mix the soaked clay with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. We sift clean river sand and pour it into the clay solution, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add the necessary fillers and water to the mixture.
5. Mix the solution thoroughly with a mixer with a nozzle until it reaches a paste-like plastic consistency.

To ensure the plaster mixture is ready, we roll a small ball and press it down to a thickness of one centimeter. The ball’s edges shouldn’t break if the solution is properly prepared.

A surplus of sand is indicated by the presence of cracks.

When pressed, if the ball spreads, there is a lot of water in the mixture.

The solution’s shortcomings can be readily fixed by including the missing elements.

Application of clay plaster

Plastering is done in the order listed below:

1. Apply the solution with a spatula, carefully pressing it between the mesh or lath, or throwing it forcefully onto the surface to be plastered. The thickness of the rough layer should not exceed three to five centimeters.
2. Slightly level the plaster with a wooden float or a wide spatula and leave it to dry for at least four weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. A long drying time is necessary to avoid cracks.
3. After the rough layer has completely dried, prepare a more liquid plastic solution. To do this, soak the clay in a container with water, add sand and cement in a ratio of 1:3:1, and mix thoroughly with a mixer.
4. Apply the creamy mixture to the wall with a spatula, carefully level and rub.
5. Leave the plastered surface to dry for three to four weeks.

An age-old, all-natural building material with a special blend of beauty, sustainability, and adaptability is clay plaster. It’s an option that improves a space’s visual appeal while also fostering a healthier interior atmosphere. This kind of plaster permits air to pass through the walls, controlling humidity and fostering a cozy living environment.

Because clay plaster is made from plentiful natural resources and doesn’t require as much energy-intensive processing as other plasters, using it can also be a more environmentally friendly choice. It’s a sensible option for people trying to design sustainable living spaces because it’s non-toxic and simple to repair or remodel.

Even though applying clay plaster correctly does take some skill and experience, the finished product is frequently well worth the effort. It is a preferred choice for people looking for both functionality and style in their home projects because of its earthy texture and natural tones, which can add warmth and character to any space.

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