Clay and lime are two traditional plasters that can give your home a natural feel. Lime plasters can be used on the interior or exterior of your home. Clay is most often used on the interior of your home, while exterior use will require protection from rainwater and some maintenance.
Natural clay wall finish.
Benefits of Natural Plasters (Clay & Lime)
1. NON-TOXIC. Many wall finishes used in homes contain petroleum based ingredients. Only a few products can claim to be low-VOC and formaldehyde free. Clay and lime plasters can be made just from natural ingredients.
2. LOW POLLUTION. Making portland cement based stucco involves the releasing of carbon dioxide during slaking that accounts for 4% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Lime plaster on the other hand is able to naturally sequester back about 80% of the carbon dioxide emitted during slaking. Clay plaster does not necessarily involve any carbon dioxide emissions. In some locations clay plaster can even be made completely on-site with local soil.
3. NATURAL LOOK. Walls finished with clay plaster have a natural feel that cannot be achieved with other plasters. Lime walls similarly have a depth of colors in them that other plasters cannot achieve.