What are natural plasters?
Natural plasters are a more sustainable, more attractive and healthier alternative to cement, gypsum, and paint products. There are two main types of natural plasters. Clay plaster is made from clay, sand, and mineral pigment. Lime plaster is made from marble dust, water, and non-hydraulic hydrated lime. Clay and lime plaster each have their own character and benefits.
For better or worse, the average person spends most of their time indoors. This means we are living in a man made environment and are also exposed to the chemicals we use in making these environments. Natural plasters take the form of clay plaster or lime plaster and act as substitutes for cement, gypsum, and paint products – creating a more sustainable, more attractive, and healthier environment in which to interact.
Benefits of clay & lime plasters:
- NON-TOXIC: Most paints and other wall finishes contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are harmful chemicals such as methylene chloride, benzene, and formaldehyde. These chemicals continue to “off-gas” for years after we install them in our homes and have short- and long-term effects on our health. Natural plasters do not contain VOC’s meaning they are non-toxic and safe for our health.
- LOW POLLUTION & LOW EMBODIED ENERGY: Embodied energy is all the energy that is used to produce, manufacture and transport a material. Conventional construction materials like concrete and paint are very processed and therefore, have a high-embodied energy. Even traditional cement based stucco involves the releasing of carbon dioxide during slaking that accounts for 4% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions. Because clay is a natural material and can be found locally, it is much more gentle to our planet. Clay plaster has not proven to involve any carbon dioxide emissions. Lime plaster, another common type of plaster that we work with, is able to naturally sequester back about 80% of the carbon dioxide that it emits during slaking.
- FIRE RESISTANT: Plaster is a highly fire-resistant building material. None of the ingredients are flammable or combustible and it is applied in layers providing extra thickness and protection from fire. Plaster generally has a fire rating of 1 hour. This means that if the wall was to be exposed to flames, it would take 1 hour for the fire to breach the wall and damage the rest of your home. This is useful in rural and suburban areas as wild-fires are becoming more prevalent in some areas.
- CREATES A HEALTHIER SPACE: Plaster moderates humidity and prevents mold and mildew growth because it is does not trap moisture. When moisture is created during cooking or showering, the plaster will absorb the moisture. As the air in the room dries out, the plaster will release the moisture back into the air. This makes the space more comfortable and healthier. Plaster also creates a healthier space because it repels dust rather than attracting it. This makes it an excellent option for people with asthma and allergies. In addition, clay emits negative ions. Negative ions are known to improve mood, release stress, and boost energy.
- BEAUTIFUL & CUSTOMIZABLE: Walls finished with clay or lime plaster have a natural feel that cannot be achieved with other plasters. Lime walls specifically have a depth of colors in them that other plasters do not. Natural plasters can be custom crafted to create one-of-a-kind finishes that match your personality and style. There are a range of finish options from a rustic texture to a polished finish, from a crisp white to a cheery yellow. Some finishes even involve stencils, imprints, fluted texture, or ombre effects. With endless options, your project is guaranteed to be unique and beautiful.
Check out our projects that feature natural plaster:
Crestridge Kiosk
Deer Park Monastery
Dunham-Kidwell Residence
Elfin Forest Residence
Spanish Hacienda
Farrar Green Home
Caretaker’s Cottage ADU
Anders Residence
Crestridge Kiosk & Field Station
Elfin Forest Interpretive Center
Clark Residence
Solana Beach Straw Bale Home
Natural plaster resources:
Simple Construct: Natural Plasters Portfolio
American Clay
LimeStrong
