Natural Clay Plasters | Top Benefits and Uses
Have you ever considered giving your walls a makeover that is not only visually appealing but also eco-friendly?
If so, natural clay plasters are the perfect solution for you.
As more homeowners and designers seek health-conscious and environmentally friendly materials for building, clay plasters have emerged as a superior choice. These plasters not only provide a beautiful and natural finish but also offer numerous environmental and health benefits. At Planet Ark, since 1990, we specialise in offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional home improvement products. Our range includes everything from natural plant-based oils to eco-friendly paints, ensuring you can make your home both beautiful and healthy.
Now, in this article, we’ll explore what are natural clay plasters, exploring their top benefits, their uses, and how to install them.
Let’s get started.
What is Clay Plaster?
‘Clay plaster is a natural and eco-friendly building material made from a mixture of clay, sand, and other natural fibres.’
Unlike traditional plasters, which often contain synthetic chemicals and toxins, clay plaster is completely natural and non-toxic. It has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world, prized for its durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal. Clay plaster can be applied to walls and ceilings, providing a unique, rustic finish that enhances the natural beauty of any space.
Following are the key properties of clay plaster:
- Eco-friendly and Sustainable – Recyclable material with a small CO2 footprint.
- Natural and Non-Toxic – 100% natural, VOC-free, and safe for your health.
- DIY-Friendly – Easy to install, skin-friendly, and suitable for home projects.
- Aesthetic Versatility – Offers warm natural tones and can be tinted with various clay powders.
- Health and Safety Benefits – Antibacterial, fire-resistant, and prevents mould formation.
- Indoor Comfort – Optimizes room humidity, and keeps rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Allergy and Static Reduction – Allergy-free and antistatic properties.
- Environmentally Safe – Does not pollute the environment.
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Top Benefits of Clay Plasters | Eco-friendly Alternative to Paint
Using clay plaster in your home, office, or any other space offers a multitude of benefits. This material is naturally sustainable and sourced from abundant resources on Earth.
Let’s review the benefits of using natural clay plaster:
- Clay Posters Ensure Moisture Regulation
One of the greatest features of clay plaster is its ability to regulate humidity levels. It absorbs and releases moisture as needed to help maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor atmosphere. This natural regulation prevents mould growth and keeps humidity levels between 40-60%, which is ideal for human comfort.
- They Offer a Range of Natural Clay Tones
Clay plasters come in a variety of natural shades, which create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These earthy tones add a touch of nature to your home, making spaces feel cozy and relaxing. The breathable quality of clay plaster also improves indoor air quality by preventing moisture and toxin build-up.
- Natural Clay Plasters Improve Indoor Air Quality and Health
Clay plaster is a fantastic option for those with allergies or asthma. It’s completely non-toxic and doesn’t emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This means it improves air quality inside your home which helps decrease the risks of respiratory issues and creates a healthier environment.
- Clay Plasters Bring You the Benefit of Pure Materials
Made from elements found in the earth’s crust, clay plaster is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. It’s free from harmful chemicals, making it a safe and natural option for your walls.
- They Provide Year-Round Comfort with Temperature Regulation
Clay plaster has excellent thermal properties that help keep your room hot in the winter and cool in the summer. This natural temperature regulation reduces energy costs and enhances overall comfort. It’s especially effective around fireplaces or on sun-exposed walls, acting as a heat accumulator.
- They Appreciate the Unique Aesthetic Appeal
With its distinctive and natural appearance, clay plaster adds warmth and character to any room. Available in various shades and textures, it’s an adaptable material that complements any interior design, bringing a unique and personalized touch to your space.
- They are Easy to Repair
Clay plaster is durable and can last for decades with proper care. If it gets damaged, it’s easy to repair. This makes it a low-maintenance option that stands for long time, offering both beauty and practicality.
- They Ensure Safety with Fire Resistance
Naturally fire-resistant, clay plaster meets Class A1 fire safety standards according to [DIN 18947: 2013]. This inherent fire resistance provides an added layer of security for your home, ensuring peace of mind.
- Clay Posters Offer Lasting Colours with Non-Fading Pigments
The pigments used in clay plaster do not fade over time and are non-toxic. This means the beautiful, vibrant colours you choose will remain bright and safe, contributing to a healthy living environment for years to come.
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Uses of Clay Plaster | Non-Toxic Covering
- Interior Walls and Ceilings Clay plaster is perfect for interior walls and ceilings, offering a breathable finish that improves indoor air quality.
- Exterior Walls When used on exterior walls, clay plaster provides excellent durability and weather resistance. It can handle harsh weather conditions while giving your home a natural, rustic appearance.
- Bathrooms and Kitchens Thanks to its moisture-regulating properties, clay plaster is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens, where humidity levels can vary.
- Fireplaces and Stoves Due to its thermal properties, clay plaster is ideal for surrounding fireplaces and stoves, helping to distribute heat evenly throughout the space.
- Accent Walls One of the most trendy applications of clay plaster is creating accent walls. These walls stand out with unique textures and natural tones which adds warmth and character to any room.
- Decoration: Clay plaster is also great for decorative finishes. You can even model curved corners or add elements like candle holders, shelves, and ornaments to your walls.
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How to Install Clay Plaster | 3 DIY Easy Steps
First Prepare
- Clean the Surface: Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any loose material. If necessary, apply a base coat or primer to improve adhesion.
- Mix the Clay Plaster: Mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves combining the dry ingredients with water to form a smooth, workable paste.
Second Apply
- Base Coat: Apply a base coat of clay plaster using a trowel or plastering tool. This coat should be thin and even, providing a good foundation for subsequent layers.
- Second Coat: Second Coat: Apply another coat of clay plaster after the base coat gets dried. This coat can be textured or smoothed, depending on your desired finish.
- Final Coat: Apply a final coat for additional durability and aesthetic appeal. This coat can be polished or left with a natural, matte finish.
Third Finish
- Drying: Allow the plaster to dry completely. This can take several days, depending on the layer thickness and the humidity levels..
- Sealing: If desired, seal the plaster with a natural sealant to enhance its durability and water resistance.
Looking for natural and chemical-free products?
Find Eco-Friendly & VOC-free Products at Planet Ark
From natural ecological wood finish oils to laundry and dishwashing liquids, and hand and body soaps to stain removers, we offer a wide range of chemical-free and organic products suitable for every skin type.
Our VOC-free paints are completely odourless and 100% toxin-free, ensuring a safer environment for you and your family.
So, make the right choice for your home and the environment today.
FAQs
Q1: What is clay plaster made of?
Clay plaster is made from a mixture of clay, sand, and natural fibres. It is a completely natural and non-toxic alternative to traditional plasters and paints.
Q2: How durable is clay plaster?
Clay plaster is highly durable and can last for many years with minimal care. It is resistant to chipping and cracking which makes it a long-lasting solution for walls and ceilings.
Q3: Can clay plaster be used on exterior walls?
Yes, clay plaster can be used on exterior walls. It offers excellent weather resistance and durability, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Q4: What are the benefits of clay plaster?
Clay plaster offers numerous benefits, including being eco-friendly, non-toxic, breathable, and durable. It regulates humidity, provides thermal and sound insulation, and adds aesthetic appeal to any space.
Q5: Is clay plaster suitable for bathrooms?
Yes, clay plaster is suitable for bathrooms due to its moisture-regulating properties. It helps control humidity levels, preventing mould growth and creating a healthier environment.