What Are The Benefits Of Using Clay Plaster?

Clay plaster is a versatile and long-lasting material that has grown in popularity in interior design and construction due to its many advantages. This eco-friendly material has many positive applications in construction, including enhanced air quality, thermal insulation, and aesthetic appeal.

Using sustainable materials is essential when designing a comfortable and kind home for the planet. For example, the use of clay plaster, also called clay finish or earthen plaster, as an interior wall finish has recently gained popularity. Because of its special qualities, it can be used as an interesting substitute for regular plaster.

Let's learn more about clay plaster and see why it's quickly becoming the material of choice for environmentally-conscious builders.

What Exactly Is Clay?

Internal walls can be finished with clay or earth plaster, a mixture of unfired clays and fine sand. They have been in use for millennia and can be seen in many examples of traditional vernacular architecture around the world. Since clay is less expensive than lime, it was often used as a base coat in old buildings before a layer of lime was applied on top.

If you want to create a cosy, eco-friendly home, sustainable building materials are necessary. Recently, there has been a rise in the popularity of using clay plaster, also known as clay finish or earthen plaster, on interior walls. As a result of its unique properties, it makes for an intriguing alternative to traditional plaster.

When combined with coarse sand and a binder like a hemp or straw, clay plaster makes a great base coat, and when combined with finer sands, it makes a great finish coat. Plasters can be made from a wide variety of clays.

Different types of clay have different hygroscopic properties, which means that some clays are hard but don't absorb much water. Plasters that are hard and hygroscopic can be made by combining different types of clay.

During the 20th century, clay plasters fell out of favour as synthetic, non-breathable building materials took their place. However, with the growing interest in natural homes for environmental and health reasons, this trend is beginning to reverse. Internally, clay plasters are the only option, but they can be used externally as a base coat for a lime finish.

Where In The Home Should You Use Clay Plaster?

Clay plasters should only be used indoors, but they are versatile enough to be applied to the walls and ceilings of almost any room. Showers, wet rooms, exteriors, and spaces behind sinks are all examples of places where clay plasters shouldn't be used because of running or standing water.

When using clay plaster, it's important to consider the surface you're applying it to, as it is only sometimes applicable. While gypsum board and similar materials are suitable for clay plasters, wood and metal should be avoided.

Types Of Clay Plaster

Different varieties of clay plaster can be used to achieve various looks and functionalities. First, let's take a look at some typical varieties, such as:

1. Raw Clay Plaster

When it comes to clay plaster, the purest option is raw clay plaster. You only need to combine clay, sand, and water to create it. The clay's colour and texture are preserved in the plaster, giving the walls an authentic, rustic look.

2. Stabilised Clay Plaster

Clay and other binders, like lime or casein, create a stabilised clay plaster. The plaster's strength, longevity, and moisture resistance are all improved thanks to these additives. Stabilised clay plaster is often used in humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens.

3. Fibre Reinforced Clay Plaster

Plaster made with fibre reinforcement uses clay and natural fibres like hemp or straw. These fibres increase the tensile strength and flexibility of the plaster, making it more cracking-resistant. Walls that experience movement or settling would benefit greatly from being coated in fibre-reinforced clay plaster.

4. Clay Paint

Clay paint is a clay plaster with a higher water content, making it thinner in consistency. Like regular paint, it can be spread with a brush or roller. When adding colour or a decorative finish to walls made of clay plaster, clay paint is a great option.

5. Finishing Clay Plaster

The finishing variety of clay plaster is more refined and smooth than regular clay plaster. It's typically applied as a final coat for that final touch of class. If you start with a layer of clay plaster, you can finish it with another layer to make a smooth, uniform surface.

Natural Clay Plaster's Beauty And Benefits

For thousands of years, buildings of all shapes and sizes have been adorned with a clay plaster finish. In contrast to traditional gypsum plaster, this product is made entirely from all-natural ingredients and offers numerous advantages for your family's health and well-being. Clay plasters can be easily applied to many wall and ceiling surfaces and come in various colours and textures.

Here are some of the benefits of using clay plaster in your next home improvement project:

Natural

Plaster made from natural clays, sands, and fibres is called "natural clay plaster," it is exactly what it sounds like. It's coloured only with mineral pigments and oxides and has no artificial dyes.

Non-toxic

Your family can breathe easy knowing no harmful chemicals are lurking in this product. These are finished materials that don't off-gas harmful chemicals like VOCs, as regular plaster walls do, and they don't require paint either.

Flexible

Due to the high fibre content of natural clay plasters, they are very flexible and can withstand structural movement and expansion that occurs regularly without cracking.

Easy to keep up and fix for a long time

It has a natural resistance to dust, so it will endure a long time with minimal care. However, the same plaster can be used to repair chips and cracks in the wall and to even out the surface.

Low Embodied Carbon And Energy

Plaster made from natural clay utilises the plentiful natural resource of unfired clay. It doesn't contain any energy-intensive chemical components like resins, like some other plaster types. Therefore, transportation emissions can be reduced if it is sourced locally.

Beautiful

This lovely material is found in various colours, textures, and finishes. Because of this, you'll have a lot of leeway in decorating your home. For example, colours can be combined to make geometric patterns, and you can make marble, concrete effects, and individualised reliefs.

Temperature And Humidity Are Regulated.

Surfaces made of clay are excellent heat regulators, keeping their cool in the summer and their warmth in the winter. In addition, they allow air to circulate and remove excess moisture from the home. This will help lessen the prevalence of mildew and dampness.

Because of the high humidity in these rooms, they are especially useful in the kitchen and bathroom. However, it would be best if you didn't put them anywhere near water, like on a splashback or the wall in your bathroom's bathtub or shower.

Toxins and Odours Are Absorbed

Clay is an excellent toxin and odour absorber and does not release any toxins. However, odours from the bathroom and kitchen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from composite wood and cleaning products will be absorbed.

Anti-static

Plasters made from clay are anti-static and can shield the home from electromagnetic radiation produced by electronics. It generates negative ions, which counteract static electricity's ability to cling dust to surfaces.

Compostable And Recyclable

If you renovate your home and remove the natural clay plaster, you can reuse or recycle it. Simply disassemble it and fill it with water to use it again. If you don't plan on reusing it, you can put it in a compost pile or scatter it on the ground without worrying about it causing any harm.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

Clay plaster is a sustainable option for interior wall finishes and has many advantages but it is vulnerable to water damage.

Unlike cement or gypsum plaster, clay plaster can easily become damaged by even a small amount of moisture. Cracking, crumbling, or mould growth may result from overexposure to water or high humidity levels.

Safeguards taken during setup and regular upkeep can reduce this likelihood. Water infiltration can be reduced with the help of proper surface preparation, such as the application of moisture barriers or primers. Protecting clay plaster requires good ventilation and regulation of the building's relative humidity.

Although clay plaster is more easily damaged by water, it does have some inherent ability to regulate moisture levels. It has the ability to absorb humidity from the air and then expel it when conditions become dry. However, further efforts may be required to protect the clay plaster surface in places prone to frequent and excessive wetness, such as bathrooms and kitchens, by using appropriate sealants or adding specialised moisture-resistant finishes.

Clay Plaster Considerations And Limitations

A few things to consider before switching to clay plaster, even though it is a beautiful and functional option for interior wall finishes.

Installation Challenges

Clay plaster can be more difficult to install than other types of plaster. Applying clay plaster correctly calls for specialised skills and knowledge. Adequate surface preparation, such as using suitable primers and substrates, is essential for promoting adhesion and durability. More time may be needed to finish the installation if multiple coats need to be applied and allowed to dry.

In addition, temperature and humidity changes during the drying process can have a greater impact on clay plaster. Therefore, installation must be closely monitored and adjusted to prevent cracking and uneven drying caused by rapid drying or exposure to excessive moisture.

It is recommended to hire professionals with clay plaster experience or to do extensive research and training before attempting a do-it-yourself installation.

Cost Considerations

The price of clay plaster can be a deciding factor in its use. Clay plaster might be more expensive to purchase than other plaster types. Clay, natural fibres, and extra binders can all add up to a more expensive end product than their synthetic counterparts.

There may also be an increase in labour costs due to the fact that proper installation calls for specialised knowledge and skills. Using clay plaster as a wall treatment requires careful consideration of the project's total budget.

While clay plaster may be more expensive up front, its low environmental impact and long service life can pay for itself in the long run through fewer repairs and greater efficiency.

Some Regions Have Limited Availability

Clay plaster may or may not be readily available, depending on location. Clay plaster can be difficult to find in some areas, both in terms of local suppliers and skilled professionals. In addition to limiting accessibility, sourcing materials from far away can drive up transportation costs.

To ensure it's feasible and affordable, you should look into where you can buy clay plaster or talk to experts and suppliers in your area.

Despite these factors and limitations, clay plaster is still a viable and sustainable option for indoor wall finishes. Clay plaster has many advantages, but its installation can present some difficulties, which can be mitigated with the right knowledge and preparation.

Clay Is Flexible And Repairable

Clay plaster has distinct advantages over other types of plaster regarding its adaptability and repairability.

Flexibility

The inherent flexibility of clay plaster is one of its most notable advantages. Clay plaster has some give to it, making it more flexible than materials like cement or gypsum. Because of its adaptability, it can accommodate the natural settling and shifting of buildings over time.

Clay plaster is flexible to move with a building in seismically active areas or respond to natural shifts in the structure. Its flexibility keeps the plaster surface intact and minimises the need for maintenance.

In addition, clay plaster's adaptability makes it useful for covering various substrates. Finally, it's adaptable for brand-new construction and remodels thanks to its ability to stick to various surfaces (including masonry, drywall, and painted walls).

Repairability

Clay plaster's repairability is a major plus compared to other wall coverings. Clay plaster is easily repaired in the event of localised damage or surface imperfections without extensive or expensive interventions.

Clay plaster is easily repaired by moistening the damaged area and applying a new layer of clay plaster. Thanks to clay's malleability, the new layer can easily conform to the shape of the existing plaster, creating a uniform and smooth finish.

In addition, unlike other materials, clay plaster allows for localised repairs; this means that only the affected area needs to be fixed rather than the entire wall. This precise maintenance method causes less environmental damage than conventional methods.

Clay plaster is durable and can be easily repaired. If cared for properly, clay plaster can last for decades, and any damage from normal use can be fixed quickly and cheaply.

Conclusion

In recent years, clay plaster—also called clay finish or earthy plaster—has risen in favour in the interior design and construction industries due to its durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness. In addition to improving air quality, thermal insulation, and kerb appeal, it has several practical uses in building construction.

Old structures typically have a clay plaster interior coat as a foundation for the lime finish. various varieties of clay used to make them have various hygroscopic characteristics.

Only use clay plasters indoors, and feel free to slap some on the walls or ceiling of whatever space you like. Only apply them indoors and on the walls and ceilings of any area in your house because of how adaptable they are.

Adding colour or decorative finishes to walls built of clay plaster is easy with clay paint, which is simply clay plaster with a higher water content, resulting in a thinner consistency.

The health and wellness benefits of using natural clay plaster are numerous. It has a minimal carbon and energy footprint and is easy to maintain and repair without sacrificing its aesthetic value. It comes in a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, giving you plenty of room to play around with your interior design.

In addition to allowing air to flow and removing excess moisture from the home, clay plasters serve as heat regulators, keeping surfaces cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

To sum up, clay plaster is an excellent choice for interior design and construction because of its durability and adaptability. It's a cool alternative to traditional plaster that doesn't harm the environment.

Because of its ability to retain moisture, clay plaster is a durable and environmentally responsible choice for wet environments like the bathroom and kitchen.

Composite wood and cleaning products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are no match for this product's ability to absorb and neutralise such odours.

Clay plaster is anti-static and can protect a home from electronic radiation by grounding electrical devices. Being biodegradable and recyclable makes it suitable for post-remodelling usage and recycling.

However, prolonged contact with water or high humidity can wreak havoc on clay plaster and cause it to deteriorate. Proper surface preparation, ventilation, and humidity regulation are necessary to prevent cracking, crumbling, and mould growth.

We advise against attempting a DIY installation without first consulting professionals with clay plaster experience or conducting thorough research and training.

The higher price of clay plaster in comparison to other plaster kinds and the higher cost of labour are both factors to consider when calculating total project expenses. However, the money saved on maintenance and increased productivity more than makes up for the product's minimal environmental impact and long service life.

Due to its adaptability and repairability, clay plaster is a great choice for wall covering in both new and existing buildings, as well as for remodelling projects. In the event of localised damage or surface flaws, repairs can be made without lengthy or costly interventions, making it a preferable option to other wall coverings. This precise manner of upkeep is safer for the environment than the norm.

When it comes to interior wall finishes, clay plaster is a flexible and affordable option. Its installation difficulties, price, and regional availability are all factors to think about. Clay plaster can be a long-lasting and environmentally responsible alternative for interior walls if you consider these criteria and practise regular maintenance.

Content Summary

• Clay plaster is a versatile and long-lasting material.
• It has grown in popularity in interior design and construction.
• Clay plaster is eco-friendly.
• It enhances air quality.
• It provides thermal insulation.
• It has aesthetic appeal.
• Sustainable materials are essential for designing a comfortable home.
• Clay plaster is a substitute for regular plaster.
• Clay is a mixture of unfired clays and fine sand.
• Clay plaster was often used as a base coat in old buildings.
• Clay plaster can create a cosy, eco-friendly home.
• Gypsum board and similar materials are suitable for clay plaster.
• Wood and metal should be avoided for clay plaster.
• There are different types of clay plaster.
• Raw clay plaster is the purest option.
• Stabilised clay plaster has improved strength and moisture resistance.
• Fibre-reinforced clay plaster is more cracking-resistant.
• Clay paint is a thinner consistency and can be used for decorative finishes.
• Finishing clay plaster provides a smooth, uniform surface.
• Clay plaster is made from natural ingredients.
• It is non-toxic and does not off-gas harmful chemicals.
• Clay plaster is flexible and can withstand structural movement.
• It is easy to maintain and repair.
• Clay plaster has low embodied carbon and energy.
• It offers various colours, textures, and finishes.
• Clay plaster regulates temperature and humidity.
• It absorbs toxins and odours.
• Clay plaster is anti-static.
• It is compostable and recyclable.
• Clay plaster is vulnerable to water damage.
• Proper surface preparation can reduce water infiltration.
• Clay plaster has inherent moisture regulation properties.
• Clay plaster is not suitable for wet areas like showers.
• Installation of clay plaster requires specialised skills.
• Clay plaster may be more expensive than other types of plaster.
• The availability of clay plaster may be limited in certain regions.
• Clay plaster is flexible and can accommodate building movement.
• It adheres to various surfaces.
• Clay plaster is easily repairable in case of damage.
• Repairing clay plaster is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Clay plaster is durable and can last for decades.
• Localised repairs are possible with clay plaster.
• Clay plaster has adaptability for new construction and remodels.
• Moistening damaged areas and applying new layers can repair clay plaster.
• Clay plaster requires proper care and maintenance.
• Clay plaster is a viable and sustainable option for indoor wall finishes.
• Clay plaster can minimise the need for maintenance.
• Clay plaster's repairability reduces environmental damage.
• Clay plaster provides a uniform and smooth finish.
• Clay plaster is a long-lasting and cost-effective choice.