Using American Clay Add-Mix
Add-Mix is a soy based acrylic hardener for American Clay Loma or Porcelina
Earth Plaster. The hardener will make the product less prone to damage, but
it will make it more difficult to repair. Also, the addition of American Clay
Add-Mix reduces the amount of “work time” that you have to finish the
product in the desired texture. Add-Mix will also deepen the final color. Always prepare and test a wall sample with Add-Mix.
American Clay Add-Mix can be used in place of some or all of the water when
mixing American Clay Earth Plasters.
Using Add-Mix in place of 20 to 50% of the total water used as you mix the
plaster is the recommended ratio. This will limit the affect of the acrylic on the
color (though it will still be affected), Using this ratio of Add-Mix:Water allows
for some reworkability and repairability.
Although not recommended, Add-Mix can be added in place of 100% of
the water. Please note: Using this much hardener will effect the color of the
plaster, and may leave dark spots where concentrations of acrylic collect. It will
be less repairable.
The following is an example of how to mix a fifty percent concentration of
American Clay Earth Plaster with Add-Mix:
1. Pour in one gallon of water to a five gallon bucket.
2. Add another gallon of Add-Mix to the bucket and mix gently.
3. Empty about half a bag (or bucket) of American Clay Earth Plaster to the
bucket and mix all contents.
4. Add pigment to mixing bucket per general mixing instructions. (See Mixing the Plaster.)
5. Continue to alternate equal amounts of Add-Mix and water along with
the remainder of American Clay Earth Plaster until the entire bag has been
emptied into the mixing bucket.
6. Mix to a consistency of wet pudding.
American Clay Earth Plaster with Add-Mix needs to be finished as it dries— unlike American Clay plaster without Add-Mix. The material can be wetted
and re-worked, but care must be taken not to spray on so much water that
the plaster becomes saturated with water. Re-wetting too much will cause the
plaster to peel off of the wall as you finish it. |
