How to Make Earthen (or Clay) Plaster
(Earthen plaster can be called clay plaster, because it's the clay that is the binding agent in the mix).
Earthen plaster is not simply a matter of getting your boots on and stomping about in a trough of clay. If you want it to look half way decent, it's a finely-honed skill. It took me just six weeks to get the structure of my earthbag house up in Turkey, but nearly two years on and off to perfect the plaster. But heck, who cares? Earthen plaster is the most satisfying, beautiful, tactile, cosy and inexpensive material I've ever used. If it's made correctly it's incredibly tough too. Cob, and wattle and daub homes that are hundreds of years old are still standing in the UK. I doubt Portland cement houses will ever be able to boast the same durability.
So how to make it?
Earthen plaster is not simply a matter of getting your boots on and stomping about in a trough of clay. If you want it to look half way decent, it's a finely-honed skill. It took me just six weeks to get the structure of my earthbag house up in Turkey, but nearly two years on and off to perfect the plaster. But heck, who cares? Earthen plaster is the most satisfying, beautiful, tactile, cosy and inexpensive material I've ever used. If it's made correctly it's incredibly tough too. Cob, and wattle and daub homes that are hundreds of years old are still standing in the UK. I doubt Portland cement houses will ever be able to boast the same durability.
So how to make it?
My latest mud creation: It's a skill that takes practice and know-how.
How to make earthen plaster?
You want a recipe don't you? You're going to be disappointed. I used to have a recipe on this page, but I’ve removed it because I genuinely think it’s misleading and a total waste of time to follow someone else’s recipe. I’ve made earth plaster in seven different countries, and numerous regional locations and climates. Every time the mixture is different. Sometimes I've added extra ingredients, other times not. So get ready to experiment because your climate, your soil, and the surface you're plastering are all going to determine the quantities of each ingredient that you need.
You want a recipe don't you? You're going to be disappointed. I used to have a recipe on this page, but I’ve removed it because I genuinely think it’s misleading and a total waste of time to follow someone else’s recipe. I’ve made earth plaster in seven different countries, and numerous regional locations and climates. Every time the mixture is different. Sometimes I've added extra ingredients, other times not. So get ready to experiment because your climate, your soil, and the surface you're plastering are all going to determine the quantities of each ingredient that you need.
Want to Learn How to Make Earthen Plaster?
My FREE Introduction to Earthen Plasters
If you'd like to have a go at making earthen plasters, do sign up for my introductory email course on the matter. It's not something you can adequately just write an quick article about.
If you'd like to have a go at making earthen plasters, do sign up for my introductory email course on the matter. It's not something you can adequately just write an quick article about.
Percolated
When you get it right, earthen plaster is incredibly rewarding. You can make sculptures, beautiful arches over your windows, shelving, wattle and daub structures, cob ovens, mosaics, and more. It gives your house a wonderful warm feel, without the horrible damp coldness of concrete.
Serious About Clay Plasters?
Plaster is an art and a science. If you are serious about clay plasters, and want to learn the whole story from base coats to finishing plasters and paints, and from sponging techniques to burnishing and japanese trowels you might want to consider investing in my Online Perfect Earth Plaster Course,
"I'm so glad I invested in this course! It's really the best of both worlds: extremely detailed hands-on guidance to see and feel how the materials behave, and better information than in most books because it's grounded in real experience (Atulya helped bust a few myths which I think will save me money in the long run!) I look forward to consulting these videos again and again in my earth building journey." Rebecca, clay plasterer in Australia.
