Instructions for Repair of American Clay Earth Plaster:
To repair American Clay Earth Plaster first decide how deep the damaged are is. If the damage is only to the top (finish) coat, and the surface has not been treated or sealed, then the are may not need more than to mist the area with water and sponge or trowel the area to remove the scratch. If the damage is through both layers of plaster, step by step instructions follow for raw (unsealed), and sealed or treated walls.
NOTE: Be sure to check that the area needing to be patched has no damage to the primed surface, cleaning the damaged area, and re-priming is always a good idea if you are unsure.
For areas that have not been sealed:
Dampen the area around the damage with a damp tile sponge or a spray bottle followed by a damp sponge. Work the area around the damage with the sponge until the material is “opened”, or slightly rough. Take some of the left over product from the application and mix it to the consistency of Play Dough. Press in the material into the damaged area leaving it “proud” or slightly higher than the finished wall. Be sure to isolate the damaged area (do not try to “feather” the patch into existing finished wall) being sure to keep the patch to the area of damage. LET THIS DRY COMPLETELY!
After the area is dry, knock down the area that you left proud so that it is now slightly lower than the finished wall (you do this to control the thickness of the finish patch, as thickness will affect color and finish), with a trowel or small (2”) putty knife, or sand paper. Roughen up the area around the patch with water and a sponge as mentioned above, apply a second coat of material to the patch (keeping it isolated to the damaged area). Let this completely dry. Mist the damaged area with water and a sponge, blending the edges into the finished wall. Let this dry completely. Then wet the area again matching the texture of the finished wall.
For areas that have been sealed or treated:
Repair walls as above with the following differences.
1. Sand the area around the patch as the first step-feathering the edges about a quarter of an inch to one inch in all directions, and sanding through (or breaking down with water) the sealer 2-4” around the patch. This gives you some raw material to work with as you blend the seam.
2. When you are finished with the patch, and the texture is matched to the finished wall, spray on more sealer in a four foot by four foot area around the patch, troweling in any excess sealer or drips that may have formed.
NOTE: We recommend that you dilute the sealer with 50%-75% water and add subsequent coats to achieve seal. |
