American Clay Earth Plaster

American Clay Earth Plaster is a practical, environmentally friendly alternative to cement, gypsum, acrylic, and lime plasters. It is compatible with the “breatheable” construction recommended for both historic and new buildings.

Our plasters have a far longer working time than other plasters—up to several days if you need it—so you can take your time and work with confidence that the surface won’t “set” before you’ve achieved just the finish you want. Besides, there’s no waste. You can reuse any excess plaster—even after you’ve mixed it and it’s dried. Just break it up and rehydrate it. Our plasters can be troweled on like traditional plasters, but you can also spray them on with a drywall hopper.

See product application for information about application techniques for all American Clay products.

Negative Ions

Many things in nature hold a negative charge, and humans living close to nature are accustomed to being surrounded by a negative charge in the air, or Negative Ions. Inside today's modern homes and offices there are computers, electrical appliances, electric cords, LEDs and synthetic plastic products (which includes most modern wall coverings like latex paint), all of which produce and maintain a positive charge in the air. Normal ion count in fresh country air is 2,000 to 4,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. At Yosemite Falls, you'll experience over 100,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter. On the other hand, the level is far below 600 per cubic centimeter in an average home, and in a windowless office with computers it can be zero.

Natural clay maintains an incredibly dense molecular structure and shape, giving it the capacity to produce a self-generated negative charge upon hydration. Even the simple evaporation of water from clay has the capacity to produce negatively charged particles in the air. This means that when your walls breathe, or hydrate slightly with changes in humidity and slowly dry out, your interior space is being steeped in negative ions.

Negative ions are proven to produce positive biochemical reactions in humans. A negative charge in a space acts on our capacity to absorb and utilize oxygen, causing us to have more energy and feel invigorated. Negative ions also have been proven to increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our feelings of well being.

Surrounding your interior environment with unsealed clay plasters, or clay paints, that produce Negative Ions will not only help neutralize the electromagnetic effect created by computers, appliances and synthetic plastics, but also will help eliminate static charge on walls. Your walls stay clean and will not attract dust! Also, by having clay plaster on a wall, you are helping to filter air of pollen and dander. The negative charge emitted by clay causes particulates in the air to clump together and literally fall to the floor where they can be vacuumed up.

The capacity of clay plaster to "breathe" and release negative ions is unique and not found in any other wall covering on the market today. Concrete, Gypsum, Marble, Lime, and decorative acrylic plasters do not release negative ions, breathe with changes in humidity, or resist dust. American Clay is unique in its ability to literally alter a space for the benefit of those inhabiting it!

A Note About Surfaces

American Clay Earth Plasters will cover most wall surfaces. However, we do not recommend application on oriented strand board (OSB), tongue and grooved paneling, and other materials prone to expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and moisture. Our plasters are also not recommended as a finish over ceramic tile.

Choosing An Artisan/Applicator

American Clay highly recommends that you use artisans/applicators who have documented experience applying our products. We suggest that you ask for references and a portfolio of projects for your inspection. We have found that individuals who have taken the time to attend American Clay trainings and who have installed several projects provide the best results to you—our customer. We also suggest that you require a sample of the finish and color from your applicator/artisan. By approving these samples you can assure their understanding of how you want your walls and ceilings to appear.American Clay warrants the quality of our products. We do not warranty the installation. Please call your dealer for a list of applicators, or see our growing list under Find An Applicator.

Why don’t we ship our plaster pre-mixed ready to use?

We try to minimize the effect of our products on the environment. Adding water in the factory makes our product heavier to ship. The heavier the shipment-- the more Fuel is used, --and the more Fuel used—the more Green House Gases are produced.