Clay plaster – a natural and sustainable choice for a healthy home

Table of contents

Clay plaster is a traditional building material that has been used for centuries in various parts of the world. It is a natural, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to modern building materials such as cement and gypsum.

Selles artiklis uurime Saviukumaja savikrohvide eeliseid ja kasutusalasid ning seda, miks need sisekujunduses suurepäraseks valikuks kipuvad olema.

What is clay plaster?

Clay plaster Clay plaster is a natural and skin-friendly interior finishing material. Clay plaster is a mixture of clay and various sands, to which fiber additives such as straw, hemp, cattail or flax shives are often added. Clay is the binder with the lowest energy consumption, which binds the fillers into a dense mass when drying. The added fibers give the clay plaster a reinforcing effect, and when their proportion increases, also an insulating efficiency and an acoustic effect.

The main advantages of clay plaster

  • Warm natural tones
  • Tinted with various clay powders
  • Recyclable material
  • Skin-friendly during installation
  • Suitable for DIYers
  • Supports health
  • Fire resistant
  • 100% natural
  • Small CO2 footprint
  • Optimizes room humidity
  • VOC-free
  • Antistatic
  • Allergy free
  • Antibacterial
  • Prevents the formation of mold
  • Does not pollute the environment
  • Helps to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter

Advantages of clay plaster

There are many benefits to using clay plaster in your home, office or anywhere else. This is already shown by its sustainable nature, because clay plaster is made from natural materials that are abundant on Earth and are easily available.

  1. Pure material.

Clay plaster is a sustainable and environmentally friendly natural material that comes from the earth’s crust. Therefore, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material that is non-toxic and does not contain harmful chemicals.

  1. Moisture regulating.

Clay plaster has the ability to regulate the humidity level in a room by absorbing and releasing moisture as needed. It helps to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment by preventing the formation of mold. One of the best features of clay plaster is its ability to maintain a room’s humidity level between 40-60%. It suits the human body best.

  1. A rich range of clay tones.

There are many different shades of clay in the soils underneath. The natural tones of the clay create a cozy, warm and relaxing atmosphere in the room. People feel good in such spaces without even being able to say why. It is possible that this is due to the good properties of clay plaster. Being a “breathable” material that does not hinder diffusion and helping to improve indoor air quality, clay plaster also helps prevent the accumulation of moisture and toxins.

  1. Supports health.

Clay plaster is health-promoting and an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. It is a non-toxic material that does not release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air. This improves the air quality in your home and reduces the risk of respiratory problems.

  1. Temperature equalizer.

Clay plaster has the ability to regulate room temperature, helping to keep the room cool in summer and warm in winter, reducing energy costs and improving comfort. Clay plaster is ideal for covering fireplaces and even on walls exposed to the sun. Thus, it acts as a heat accumulator.

  1. Aesthetically pleasing.

Clay plaster has a unique and natural look that adds warmth and character to any room. UKU clay plaster is available in many different shades and textures, making it a versatile material that finds many uses and matches any interior design.

  1. Easy to repair.

If clay plaster gets damaged, it can be easily repaired. This makes it a low-maintenance material that can last for decades if properly cared for.

  1. Fire resistant.

Clay plaster is inherently fire resistant, classifying class A1 according to [DIN 18947: 2013] requirements, providing additional security for your home.

Uses and possibilities of clay plaster

Clay products are ideal for finishing dry indoor spaces and also for outdoor use, provided protection from rain, snow and hail is ensured. Clay plaster is mainly used in dry interiors, however, to create a natural and rustic finish. Clay plaster is used to create a modern interior in new homes, but also in the renovation of existing homes and even in old farmhouses.

One of the most popular uses of clay plaster lately is to create accent walls. For this purpose, modern Venetian-style plaster mixtures such as Grassello, Stucco and Marmorino are used, which add depth, pattern or stone-like smoothness and even gloss to the walls. The different textures and natural tones of clay plasters add warmth and character to any room.

Clay plaster can be used to create a decorative finish. It all depends on which plaster and which finishing agent to use. The clay potter’s selection includes more than 10 different clay mixtures, which can be used to create countless different textures and even model curved corners or protruding elements on the walls, such as candle holders, shelves, ornaments, etc.

Plastered surfaces can be finished with rubber, cork, wood or a sponge rub. Each rub gives a different structure and it is always possible to level the surface using a Venetian or Japanese trowel.

This wide range of options makes clay plaster a versatile material that can be adapted to suit your personal style.

Installation

To make clay plaster, it is only necessary to add water to the dry mixture of plaster, resulting in a liquid mixture that is ready for installation. The finished mixture should stand for at least 30 minutes. The mixture can also stand all night, because the clay becomes more plastic when it stands, and it is then more comfortable to install. The finished mixture is applied to the wall using a trowel, and when the plaster sets, it is floated for a uniform finish.

Clay-based finishing products can also remain standing for several days. You just have to make sure that a layer of water remains on top of the mixture so that the mixture does not dry out on top. Before installation, the water layer is poured off and the mixture is mixed again. Clay plasters, clay putties and clay paints are easy to install and because of their longer processing time, they are very suitable for the DIYer.

Clay plaster is easy to install. The surface of the wall must be clean, dry and free of dust, and it is also important to make sure that the wall is structurally sound and without cracks before applying clay plaster. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying the plaster to ensure a proper finish.

Clay plastered surfaces are always primed with cellulose primer. This wood-based primer binds the fine clay particles together better, and the finished surface will not remain dusty, but rather strong and durable.

Aftercare for clay plaster

Maintenance of clay plaster is minimal. To remove dust or debris, the surface can be cleaned with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. In certain circumstances, adhesive gum can also be used if the plaster surface is more structured.

If damage or cracks occur on the plaster surface, it can be easily repaired with a fresh layer of plaster. It is also possible to make spot repairs, and for this it is always advisable to keep the same batch of clay plaster, putty or paint in powder form, so that if necessary, you can mix a small amount in a cup and repair the defect with a fine brush.

If you plan to use clay plaster in your next project, we will be happy to advise you and help you choose the right product. Check out the products and color selection on our website or come to our representative office in Tallinn (Peetri tee 2) or Mooste (Mõisahoov tee 5) in Southern Estonia.