clay plaster melbourne

What Are the Benefits of Clay Plaster?

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    While clay plasters are currently enjoying a renaissance in interior design, they have been used for more than 9,000 years to build homes.

    As a result, clay plasters are often associated with nontraditional construction methods or highly specialised restoration work on historic buildings. Due to a variety of characteristics, the material is far more useful in current construction than was first thought.

    Recent years have seen a huge uptick in interest in using this material for plastering walls because to its distinctive finish and eco-friendly qualities, which make it both more environmentally friendly and healthier to use in the house.

    Buildings of many architectural styles and eras have used clay plaster as a decorative coating.

    There are various positive effects on your family's health and well-being due to its all-natural composition, which sets it apart from regular gypsum plaster.

    Clay plasters are now accessible in a wide variety of colours and finishes, and can be applied to a wide selection of wall and ceiling substrates.

    Even more so, the sound reflection of plasters derived from clay is much lower.

    There are issues with sound reverberation in open floor plans, which may appear trivial in a small apartment.

    These problems are the most typical complaints about recently inhabited structures, and they arise because the behaviour of sound within a building is rarely considered during design and construction.

    However, using clay boards and plasters to dampen echoes is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent noise from reverberating inside a building.

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    Advantages of Clay Plaster

    Clay plaster, made by mixing clay and sand, is an appealing, eco-friendly alternative to conventional plaster and paint.

    It's all natural, safe, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. As opposed to traditional paint, it does not include volatile organic compounds in it (harmful chemicals released during and after application).

    Natural, non-fading, and non-toxic pigments are used to colour clay plaster, as opposed to the harsh chemicals used to tint most paintings.

    In addition to its acoustic and moisture-control benefits, clay plaster can also help keep mould at bay. It features an anti-static quality that helps keep it clean and is simple to repair if it breaks.

    Unlike traditional clay plaster, most modern plasters include energy-intensive acrylic or resins.

    Instead, clay is a cheap and abundant natural resource that may be used to make plaster.

    In terms of age, simplicity, and practicality, clay soil is hard to beat. In addition to being widely available across a large portion of the planet, clay is also highly sought after as a building material thanks to its many desirable characteristics.

    Bricks, adobes, cob, and natural plaster are just few of the many construction materials that may be made from clay.

    We'll look at some of the ways in which these and other aquatic organisms are unlike any others.

    Within the context of this brief introduction to clay soil, we will highlight some of the unique water-loving traits and other positive qualities of clay when used as a natural building material, most notably as a plaster finish.

    What follows is a list of benefits you may expect to get from using clay plaster in your forthcoming repair project.

    Beautiful

    It's a beautiful substance that may be found in many different forms.

    You may now create a unique look for your interior dcor. You can make reliefs in whatever design you like, imitate marble and concrete, or mix colours to generate interesting geometric patterns.

    Flexibility in Layout

    Because there is no chemical reaction that takes place when clay "sets," its sculptural textures and forms are preserved.

    It may also imitate the look of numerous trendy interior wall treatments, such as concrete, without posing any risk to the building's occupants or the surrounding environment.

    Maintains Optimal Conditions for Comfortable Temperature and Relative Humidity

    Surfaces made of clay are great at maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round.

    As an added bonus, their porous nature makes them excellent moisture traps and vents.

    In doing so, you'll be able to cut down on the amount of moisture and mould. It is especially useful in places like bathrooms and kitchens, which produce a lot of steam from the use of water.

    However, you shouldn't put them anywhere near water, such on the backsplash or the wall next to the tub or shower.

    The majority of the negative health effects, they went on to suggest, can be prevented by maintaining a relative humidity within the home between 40 and 60 percent.

    For this reason, clay plasters can safely absorb and store moisture vapour inside their molecular structure during times of high relative humidity, and then release it back into the atmosphere during times of low relative humidity.

    A Breath of Fresh Air

    Indoor humidity, fungi, and human health have all been linked with increasing amounts of evidence. relevance of dry environments in reducing the risk of immune system-related disorders like asthma.

    Long-Lasting and Simple to Fix or Replace

    It is a long-lasting substance that requires little upkeep because it does not attract dust.

    In the event that the wall is chipped or otherwise damaged, you can repair the damage by filling the holes with more of the same plaster.

    Negligible Incorporeal Energy Expenditure and Carbon Footprint

    Naturally occuring non-fired clay is utilised in the production of natural clay plaster. In contrast to some other types of plaster, this one doesn't require as much energy to produce because it doesn't include resins or other chemical ingredients.

    However, obtaining it close to where it will be used is essential if we are to reduce emissions caused by transportation.

    Anti-static

    Clay plasters are anti-static and can shield your home from electromagnetic radiation from gadgets like computers, TVs, and more. To reduce dust's static electricity-induced adhesion to surfaces, it creates negative ions.

    Holds in odours and toxins

    As an added bonus, clay does not give off any poisons, and it is also a great odour and toxin absorber. It can neutralise the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from composite wood, cleaning products, and musty odours in the kitchen and bathroom.

    Sustainable options that can be recycled or decomposed

    If you decide to give your home a complete makeover and remove the natural clay plaster, it can be reused for another project. For reuse, it must be deconstructed and rehydrated.

    If you don't want to use it again, you may simply compost it or sprinkle it on the ground without worrying about harming the environment.

    Non-toxic

    Because it is constructed of all-natural ingredients with no chemical additives, it poses no threat to your family's respiratory system or other organs.

    Further, unlike traditional plaster walls, which also require paint, these materials are finished and do not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other contaminants.

    Connections Between Clay and Hydration

    Plasters made from clay require frequent rewetting. Its most desirable quality is its capacity to rapidly absorb moisture from the air and store it within its porous structure.

    This means that hygroscopic and hydrophilic properties are inherent to clay plasters.

    After absorbing water, clay's molecules enlarge and close off its pores, preventing any more water from seeping in.

    As a result, a watertight barrier is created. By closing itself, this feature lets moisture out but keeps it from getting inside the wall.

    Overall, clay is a hygroscopic, hydrophilic, and vapor-permeable substance.

    Water molecules can easily move as a vapour through a building whose façade is coated with clay plaster.

    To give two examples, straw bale and light clay straw construction are two types of natural or biodegradable wall systems in which this is essential.

    Natural wall systems prosper when moisture is not confined within the wall, where it can accelerate deterioration. For this reason, clay is the best material for making porous plaster.

    Environmental Benefits of Clay Plaster

    The graphic to the right illustrates the carbon footprint decrease achieved by using clay plasters as opposed to the more usual wall and finish build up.

    Making clay plasters requires little in the way of resources (simply mixing) and waste (nothing to throw away) during the manufacturing process.

    Since clay plasters don't contain any synthetic chemicals, they produce fewer carbon emissions during extraction, production, and construction than other building materials.

    Plasters made of clay are like miracle materials; they can fix almost anything. They are the intersection of health, aesthetics, and science. They can now potentially revolutionise the industry of indoor wall coverings.

    • If you're looking to cut down on transportation costs and carbon footprint, making your own plaster of paris is a great option.
    • Energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced compared to when gypsum is burned (and lime, but lime re-absorbs CO2 when it sets).
    • Unlike gypsum, biodegradable clay does not chemically set as it dries, so if it dries before the base coat is applied, you can just wet it and knock it back up again, reducing waste.
    • There are no toxic substances

    Healthy Building Benefits of Clay Plaster

    The ability of clay to rapidly absorb moisture from the air and store it within its porous structure is its most distinctive characteristic.

    Therefore, earth plasters are hydrophilic (they like water) and hygroscopic (can safely hold onto this moisture).

    Moreover, the clay molecules swell as they take in water, which further blocks out moisture.

    With this, you may make a barrier that is impermeable to water.

    Despite allowing moisture to escape, its self-sealing feature can prevent moisture from seeping into the wall substrate. However, its function will be nullified if a constant stream of liquid water impacts the surface.

    • Clay plasters provide a moisture barrier without compromising the building's breathability. In high humidity, clays absorb water and store it without being damaged; in low humidity, they release the water back into the air. They keep the humidity level consistent to prevent condensation-related dampness and mould growth.
    • However, gypsum is not permeable because it does not allow moisture to leave once it has absorbed it. Because of this, it sustains harm like mould growth and the possibility of the plaster flaking off.
    • Even when used on top of another fabric, the breathability of clays is maintained.
    • Clay's malleability makes it able to flex like lime without breaking, making it a good choice for older homes that may experience slight shifts in the ground.
    • By contrast, gypsum is inflexible and can crack with the slightest of motions.
    • Clay protects wood by attracting moisture chemically, while lime absorbs it by capillary action. Clay's superior moisture absorption properties mean it may be used to dry out a building's timbers fast, warding off problems like rot, mould, and insect infestation.
    • Because of its ability to absorb water, clay also acts as a waterproofing material for buildings. Moisture is retained and then expelled as the air around it dries. Clay can be used to line ponds because it absorbs water and then keeps it in.
    • Clay plasters have an attractive appearance because of their textured surface and the way they reflect light.

    Health Benefits From Using Clay Plaster

    • For people with asthma or other breathing difficulties, the constant relative humidity of 50 to 60 percent provided by clay plasters is beneficial, whereas for those with dust mite allergies, it is detrimental since it discourages the growth of dust mites.
    • They assist improve indoor air quality without the use of harmful chemicals, and they can absorb pollutants. You'll make an attempt to steer clear of hazardous cleaners and damaging household things, but in today's market, it might be difficult to do. Clay plasters can help.
    • One must be in the presence of clay plaster to really appreciate its beauty, sensuality, organicity, and earthiness. They have a wonderful effect on your mood.

    It's simple to shape and repair clay

    Processing clay for drying is automatic, unlike lime plaster, which just releases water to the atmosphere.

    That's right; no chemical remedy will work. Ultimately, clay has the potential to be mended, repurposed, and reused.

    A small quantity of rain and some touching up might be enough to fix the plaster.

    Multiple wettings of the same material are possible without sacrificing quality or requiring excessive effort.

    In Japan, it is common practise to repurpose portion of the original construction site's soil when constructing new structures.

    Unlike the hard texture and fragility of cement, clay plaster is both easy to work with and produces a lovely finish. The soft, supple surfaces like straw bale work wonderfully here.

    It can also follow the wall's every curve without breaking because it can bend (under control!) without cracking.

    More About Clay:

    Construction with clay dates back to the earliest days of human settlement.

    It's a cheap and straightforward raw material that doesn't harm the ecosystem.

    There is enough clay to cover the surface of the planet with a mile-thick layer, according to some calculations.

    Because of its inherent "stickiness," clay doesn't require any additional binding agents. When clay is wet, it expands and forms a tight seal that prevents the passage of liquid water.

    Clay can be stained using pigments to create practically endless colour possibilities beyond its already wide range.

    Clay also has a high capacity for absorbing and storing water, making it useful for managing humidity levels in buildings.

    As an added bonus, clay plasters are easy to work with and may be repainted or patched in minutes.

    Because of its high vapour permeability, clay plaster is especially well-suited for straw bale walls, however it can be used on any wall in a new or existing home. The enemy of a bale is moisture, so plasters that let water vapour to escape are essential.

    As a finishing material for walls, clay plaster has a low environmental impact and is therefore preferable. Since unfired clay is often found in close proximity to its users, it requires less energy to transport than more distant materials.

    The beautiful red plaster you see here was made from clay-rich earth hauled from the construction site. Simple tweaks allowed for a high-quality internal plaster finish to be created.

    Do Any Negatives Exist?

    One potential drawback to utilising clay plaster is that it is a specialised substance and may require the expertise of someone familiar with its use.

    Finding a plasterer who specialises in or has experience with clay plaster finishes is difficult at the moment, so you may have to wait a while and pay a little more than you had planned.

    Professional plasterers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts are utilising our products to produce stunning works of art in every corner of the globe.

    However, there are nuances to the application method that must be taken into account, including specified time constraints and other details. In order to get the best results, we suggest hiring one of the many clay plasterers operating in Australia.

    The binding capabilities of clay soil and its favourable moisture connection are, in conclusion, highly helpful.

    However, there is a limit to how many times it can be used before it stops working.

    For example, exterior clay finishes need extra protection against rain erosion because clay doesn't like the damp. Drying shrinkage is another potential issue, although this can be avoided with meticulous planning.

    More information has to be presented than what has been presented so far in the introduction. With any luck, you now have a better understanding of clay and its many uses in organic building and decorating.

    Conclusion

    The use of clay plasters in construction dates back more than 9,000 years, but they are currently experiencing a revival in interior design. Compared to traditional plaster and paint, clay plaster is much more eco-friendly.

    It's eco-friendly, secure, durable, and aesthetically beautiful. As a construction material, clay has long been in great demand and is now readily available.

    Because "setting" clay does not involve a chemical reaction, the sculptural qualities of the material are maintained.

    It can provide the impression of many in-vogue interior wall treatments, like concrete, without actually being either.

    Because of their anti-static properties, clay plasters can protect a home from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronics such as computers, televisions, and more.

    In addition, these materials are finished and don't give off any VOCs or other contaminants, unlike ordinary plaster walls, which also need to be painted.

    Clay is a hygroscopic, hydrophilic, and vapour-permeable material that absorbs and releases moisture and humidity. If a structure's outside is finished with clay plaster, water molecules can easily flow as a vapour through the building.

    Clay plasters are easy to make (must be mixed) and produce minimal waste.

    Due to the roughness of the surface and the way it reflects light, clay plasters can be quite aesthetically pleasing. In addition, clay's high moisture absorption rate makes it useful for rapidly drying out timbers, which helps prevent decay, mould, and insect infestation.

    Clay is a great option if you're looking for a raw material that won't hurt the environment and doesn't cost a fortune. Clay plaster, in contrast to the brittleness and hardness of cement, is a joy to work with and yields a beautiful result.

    Since clay can soak in and hold a lot of moisture, it can control a room's dampness.

    Clay soil's binding abilities and its favourable moisture connection are, in conclusion, very beneficial. However, there is a maximum number of times it can be used before it breaks.

    Another potential problem is drying shrinkage, which can be prevented with careful preparation.

    Content Summary

    • While clay plasters enjoyed a renaissance in interior design, they have been used for more than 9,000 years to build homes.
    • Recent years have seen a huge uptick in interest in using this material for plastering walls because of its distinctive finish and eco-friendly qualities, which make it both more environmentally friendly and healthier to use in the house.
    • Buildings of many architectural styles and eras have used clay plaster as a decorative coating.
    • However, using clay boards and plasters to dampen echoes is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent noise from reverberating inside a building.
    • Clay plaster, made by mixing clay and sand, is an appealing, eco-friendly alternative to conventional plaster and paint.
    • Unlike traditional clay plaster, most modern plasters include energy-intensive acrylic or resins.
    • In terms of age, simplicity, and practicality, clay soil is hard to beat.
    • In addition to being widely available across a large portion of the planet, clay is also highly sought after as a building material thanks to its many desirable characteristics.
    • Bricks, adobes, cob, and natural plaster are a few construction materials that may be made from clay.
    • Within this brief introduction to clay soil, we will highlight some of the unique water-loving traits and other positive qualities of clay when used as a natural building material, most notably as a plaster finish.
    • What follows is a list of benefits you may expect from using clay plaster in your forthcoming repair project.
    • You may now create a unique look for your interior decor.
    • Relevance of dry environments in reducing the risk of immune system-related disorders like asthma.
    • Clay plasters are anti-static and can shield your home from electromagnetic radiation from gadgets like computers, TVs, and more.
    • If you give your home a complete makeover and remove the natural clay plaster, it can be reused for another project.
    • Plasters made from clay require frequent rewetting.
    • Overall, clay is a hygroscopic, hydrophilic, and vapour-permeable substance.
    • For this reason, clay is the best material for making porous plaster.
    • Since clay plasters don't contain synthetic chemicals, they produce fewer carbon emissions during extraction, production, and construction than other building materials.
    • Plasters made of clay are like miracle materials; they can fix almost anything.
    • Therefore, earth plasters are hydrophilic (they like water) and hygroscopic (they can safely hold onto this moisture). Moreover, the clay molecules swell as they take in water, further blocking moisture.
    • Clay's superior moisture absorption properties mean it may dry out a building's timbers fast, warding off problems like rot, mould, and insect infestation.
    • Because of its ability to absorb water, clay also acts as a waterproofing material for buildings.
    • Clay plasters can help.
    • One must be in clay plaster's presence to appreciate its beauty, sensuality, organicity, and earthiness.
    • They have a wonderful effect on your mood.
    • Processing clay for drying is automatic, unlike lime plaster, which releases water into the atmosphere.
    • A small amount of rain and some touching up might fix the plaster.
    • Unlike cement's hard texture and fragility, clay plaster is easy to work with and produces a lovely finish.
    • The soft, supple surfaces like straw bales work wonderfully here.
    • Construction with clay dates back to the earliest days of human settlement.
    • As a bonus, clay plasters are easy to work with and may be repainted or patched in minutes.
    • Because of its high vapour permeability, clay plaster is especially well-suited for straw bale walls. However, it can be used on any wall in a new or existing home.
    • As a finishing material for walls, clay plaster has a low environmental impact and is therefore preferable.
    • Simple tweaks allowed for a high-quality internal plaster finish to be created.
    • One potential drawback to utilising clay plaster is that it is a specialised substance and may require the expertise of someone familiar with its use.
    • Finding a plasterer who specialises in or has experience with clay plaster finishes is difficult, so you may have to wait a while and pay a little more than you had planned.
    • Professional plasterers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts are utilising our products to produce stunning works of art in every corner of the globe.
    • We suggest hiring one of the many clay plasterers operating in Australia to get the best results.
    • The binding capabilities of clay soil and its favourable moisture connection are, in conclusion, highly helpful.
    • However, there is a limit to how often it can be used before it stops working.
    • More information has to be presented than what has been presented so far in the introduction.
    • With any luck, you now better understand clay and its many uses in organic building and decorating.

    FAQs About Clay Plaster

    Clay plasters will also cost more than traditional wall plasters, but you won't necessarily need to spend out on expensive paint finishes for a clay plaster wall, which may help balance the budget.

    Largely, homeowners choose to use clay plaster because of, not despite, its unique finish. The pigments used in the clay plaster mixture can be specified in a range of colours, meaning that painting a wall of clay plaster is a little counterintuitive. 

    However, if you want to paint clay plaster in the future while retaining its healthy home credentials, it can be painted using suitable clay or limewash paint. Try Earthborn Paints Clay paint for a solid paint finish. 

    Apply clay plaster finish directly once base coats have dried fully. Cement block, fired clay brick, smooth clay block, non-porous stone and similar substrates: Apply primer, then follow with a 6-15mm clay base coat to level the surface.

    Clean-Up: Water with a damp sponge or rag. Drying Time: Climate will affect product drying time. 2-4 hours per coat in dry climates and 6-10 hours per coat in humid climates.

    Clay (and lime) plasters help manage indoor humidity. The result is a more constant humidity level, regardless of temperature and environmental conditions. Also, all of the moisture absorbed by your plaster will not be condensing on another building material that could be subject to mould.

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