deep dive

What is American Clay?

In an era where modern construction materials and minimalist designs have taken the forefront of interior design, there’s a captivating trend that echoes ancient techniques while offering a unique, organic aesthetic. American Clay Plaster finishes, a fusion of age-old craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities, have been making their mark in the world of interior design. These finishes don’t just enhance the visual appeal of a space; they also offer a range of practical benefits that make them a sought after choice for eco-conscious homeowners and designers alike.

Exploring American Clay

Clay plaster finishes have a rich history that date back to ancient civilizations. For centuries, people around the world have been using natural plasters to coat their walls, not just for their aesthetic qualities, but also for their insulation properties, breathability, and natural cooling effects. This historical foundation forms the basis for American clay plaster finishes, which draw inspiration from traditional techniques and adapt them to modern design demands.

Composition and Sourcing: American Clay Plaster is composed of reclaimed marble sand, multiple clays, and mineral pigments. It is a natural and abundant material that is sourced in the Southwest, reducing the environmental impact associated with transportation. Clay plaster is known for its versatility and ease of application. The plaster is available in a range of colors and finishes, allowing for a variety of design options.

Application and Workability: Clay plaster is relatively easy to work with, making it an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts. It has excellent adhesion properties, and can be applied to drywall texture and previously painted surfaces with the use of a recommended primer and American Clay Primer Sand additive. Clay plaster dries relatively quickly and can be finished with various techniques to achieve the desired texture.

Moisture Regulation and Breathability: Clay plaster has excellent moisture regulation properties, absorbing excess humidity from the air and releasing it when the environment becomes drier. This ability helps to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor climate by preventing the growth of mold and mildew.

Durability and Maintenance: When properly applied and finished, American Clay Plaster creates a durable surface that can withstand normal wear and tear. It can be cleaned with mild soapy water and requires minimal maintenance over time. One of the most unique things about a clay finish is that it is completely repairable at any point in the future. This is not possible with any other type of plaster, cement, lime or gypsum. If you keep extra plaster for repairs as you keep paint for touch ups, it is possible to fix any issues that may arise in the future.

Finishing Options

American Clay Plaster offers a variety of finishes in 224 different colors, that cater to different design styles and preferences. Each finish has its own unique texture, color variations, and aesthetic qualities, allowing homeowners and designers to choose the perfect look for their space.

Loma is their original plaster with a suede like finish and is also used as the base coat for Porcelina, Lomalina, and Marittimo. Loma’s coarseness can be compared to about 60 grit sandpaper. It provides a semi-smooth surface with gentle variations, creating a sense of depth while maintaining a clean and modern appearance. A bag of  Loma covers 180 square feet .

Porcelina is the perfect finish if you’re looking for a more classic and traditional feel such as Venetian plaster. It is the smoothest of the finishes at about 220 grit, it emulates the appearance of polished limestone or porcelain. A bag of Porcelina covers 250 square feet

Lomalina is a combination of Porcelina and Loma. It creates a subtle texture that is the perfect in-between of the two, mostly smooth but with a slight texture similar to 150 grit sandpaper. A bag of Lomalina covers 200 square feet.

Marittimo is inspired by coastal landscapes and uses recycled, crushed shells from the U.S. Gulf Coast. It’s characterized by gentle waves and movement, evoking a tranquil and beachy vibe. The plaster itself is going to be similar to Lomalina, but with a mid level grit from the added beauty of the sea, giving you a truly unique wall finish. A bag of  Marittimo covers 160 square feet.

Enjarre is a more pronounced and artisanal finish (the most coarse, about 60 grit) that showcases the natural beauty of clay in its raw form. It features subtle irregularities and variations in texture, giving walls a handcrafted and tactile quality. This finish is well-suited for spaces where a more organic and hand-touched appearance is desired. A bag of Enjarre covers 160 square feet. 

Forté represents American Clay’s line of earthen plaster that has been reinforced to enhance its durability. Forté comes premixed with an innovative breathable binder and is accessible in two textures. It stands out for being both zero-VOC and resilient, making it an excellent choice for everyday living with the added capability to withstand use in commercial settings that demand a tougher, reinforced surface.

Forté Base serves as a foundational coat, with a mid-level grit like Loma, that can be applied over appropriately prepared surfaces, and is applied as the base coat for Forté Finish and Forté White plasters. Their Forté Base can also function as a finishing coat, particularly for those aiming to achieve a velvety suede-like texture. One bag covers 150 square feet.

Forté Finish stands as the sturdiest option within the American Clay plaster range, allowing you to attain a wall finish that’s both robust and visually captivating. This plaster imparts a soft, silky-smooth texture, with a finer 150 grit, similar to Lomalina. It is exclusively used as the second finish coat over the Forté Base plaster. One bag covers 180 square feet.

Both Forté Base and Forté Finish can be seamlessly integrated with any of American Clay’s 224 colors.

Forté White is a pre-mixed plaster formulation intentionally crafted to achieve the utmost brightness and whiteness that is attainable using natural materials. This plaster can be applied to yield a suede-like texture or a smoother, glossy appearance, depending on the chosen application technique and personal preference. This will be similar to Lomalina in texture with about 150 grit. One bag will cover 180 square feet.

Whether you’re looking to infuse your space with natural beauty, create a healthier living environment, or simply explore an alternative to conventional finishes, American clay plaster offers a truly compelling option. By embracing the artistry of the past, we can create spaces that resonate with both history and innovation, reminding us of the enduring charm of craftsmanship that stands the test of time.