Clay is a-okay!

Clay-based wall treatment blends texture and color

By CHANDRA ORR
Copley News Service

Forget wallpaper. The latest wall treatment is a unique clay product that’s all about adding texture with a touch of color. It’s American Clay Earth Plaster, a new finish that can easily mimic the rugged earthy feel of adobe or the smooth, porcelain finish of Venetian plaster.

American Clay takes the place of traditional plaster, but with the added benefit of being easier to install and repair. It is breathable, flexible, mold-resistant and dust-free -- and it can be used on walls or ceilings.

It’s also backed by an eco-friendly philosophy. “People are drawn to American Clay Earth Plaster because it is ‘green,’” said Carol Baumgartel, a former interior designer and current marketing director for American Clay Earth Plaster.

“It’s a formulation of natural clays and recycled aggregates that have been developed primarily to take the place of traditional plasters,” she said.

Not only is the clay environmentally friendly, it sets up a unique environment in the home.

“It invokes a calm, soothing environment,” Baumgartel said. “If the clay is left unsealed, you’re setting up a really different environment in the room.

“Most products in our homes produce positive ions, so there is constantly a charge in our environment,” she explained. “Clay produces negative ions.”

That balance actually aids in controlling the climate of a room. The clay naturally regulates arid and humid air by absorbing and releasing moisture as conditions change.

“There has been a huge response,” Baumgartel said. “It’s like homeowners were hungry for it. It’s like they were waiting for something that was easy to use that would give them the warmth and the quality of true plaster.”

American Clay is available in three finishes. The porcelina finish emulates Venetian plaster, with a supersmooth, polished appearance. The soft loma finish creates a matte look. The marittimo finish contains a seashell aggregate for a smooth yet faceted effect.

All three finishes can be texturized for added charm. “You can get a traditional Tuscan villa look that has more texture to it without having to go through layer after layer of lime. You can do multiple colors just like Venetian plaster. You can even get a slick diamond finish,” Baumgartel said.

Creating these lavish looks is quite simple.

“It’s very user-friendly,” she said. “It can be applied by novices as well as professional plasterers because it’s so much easier than traditional plaster.”

The plaster works in any room of the house. While it is not recommended for areas that come in direct contact with water, with the proper sealer it can be used in areas that receive minimal moisture. American Clay works well over existing plasters, drywall, brick and concrete -- and it covers a multitude of sins in older homes, Baumgartel said. Plywood is the only caveat.

“It can pretty much go over any surface as long as it’s primed properly,” she said.

Once the walls are treated with a sanded primer, do-it-yourselfers simply mix the powdered clay with water, add any desired tint and trowel it onto the walls and ceiling. Yes, it really is that easy -- and those who make a mistake can fix it, even days later.

“It’s very forgiving,” Baumgartel said. “You can rework it days after to get the finish you want. You can actually rewet it and rework it.”

Once homeowners are satisfied with the way it looks, the plaster can be sealed or left as is.

“Once you seal it, you can clean it with a damp sponge, but I like to keep it as natural as possible. I find that is really the essence of the product,” she said.

The entire process is rather quick. Homeowners can easily refinish a 10-by-12 room in a weekend.

Homeowners have been quick to put their personal stamp on the plaster by playing with color and adding additional texture.

“Some of the more creative homeowners have blended different colors together,” Baumgartel said. “Others have added extra aggregate to the plaster to build up more texture.

“Some people have actually dragged their hands through it so they can get finger textures.

“One couple had their grandkids put their hand prints in it, right on the wall.”

One clever craftsman even painted a mural with the various shades of the plaster, which comes in 32 shades -- the perfect palette for painting. During the mixing process, just add the desired tint made from natural oxides and pigments. Color can be soft and subdued or deep and vibrant.

“It’s such a user-friendly product. It makes people feel like they’re doing something that is a real plus aesthetically and environmentally for their home.”

For more information, visit www.americanclay.com or call (866) 404-1634.

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		Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005