Using Clay Plaster For A Wall Treatment
When you are considering how to get a new look for your walls, paint is the most often used choice. As they say, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way. And, there are many different ways of applying paint so that you can create texture or patterns with various techniques. However, the problem with many of the paints that you find in the large home improvement warehouses have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in them. Not only have these been implicated in detrimental health effects, but they also just plain stink. Think back to the last time you painted a room. How long did it take until you could go in your house before that smell went away? Well, you can blame that on all of those VOCs.
This is a Venetian plaster example.
Now, to be fair, these larger stores have added much in the way of low to no VOC paints. The color palette is just as extensive as the standard paints and the way that it is applied and looks is just the same. It doesn’t require any additional products or special tools to apply. In fact, clean up may even be easier seeing how they are not toxic. A similar issue took place with lead paint some years ago.
In the United States and many other developed countries, lead-based paints are now not even legal. Homes that contain lead paint or are even suspected of containing it carry strict regulations as to how it must be removed or treated prior to remodeling. This is often the case more with professionals getting involved. Certainly the homeowner can scrape or sand away anything they wish, though this is not safe and should definitely be done with caution. This risk is even more of a hazard if children are in the home. Lead is a nasty agent that affects development of brain and other organ tissues.
So, what kinds of wall treatments are available? If you don’t want to opt for a no VOC paint, you can opt for a different look with a wall plaster style. This type of application is most known for being done in a way called Venetian plaster. This approach yields a few smooth and lustrous finish reminiscent of an old world villa. This technique does take some practice and skilled tradesman train for years to get just the right touch. This type of wall plastering technique is similar to an even more ‘green friendly’ use of a clay plaster.
Why Is Clay Plaster A Green Product?
Well, it is all in the materials. Clay is an all natural ingredient that is dyed while wet to achieve a more blended mix. The dyes can be made with non-toxic agents and even naturally-derived and grown products. When the dye is added while the mix is being prepared, there is no need to paint afterward. This can dramatically decrease your work time. Also, because of the nature of the material, small dings and cuts will not show as the color is mixed throughout the product. The clay plaster is applied to the walls with a trowel and the unique hand-applied approach yields a very natural and organic looking finish.
Among clay’s many green attributes are its natural mold and dust resistance. Also, because it is actually applied to the walls, it does provide an additional layer of sound deadening. It can help your room feel more comfortable and warm. Not only does it afford you these benefits, but because of its properties, it also looks beautiful as the light in the room changes. You may find that the color gains a different layer of depth and hue in different lights of the day. For a green wall covering choice, you will be very pleased with clay plaster.