Clayworks (naturally coloured clay plasters)

Clayworks is a company founded by a married couple who are experts in building cob homes and natural plasters. These clay plasters are naturally coloured, so you can paint and plaster cob or straw bale homes, at the same time!

The site has full information on how to use, and where to find decorators who are trained in using these plasters.

Clay plasters are not suitable for wet rooms (like bathrooms) or sustained exposure to water, but are great for indoor walls and ceilings.

Natural plasters are not just for ‘green building’ but can be used for most walls, and also for outbuildings. Made mostly from lime and clay, they let walls breathe, and once painted, form a breathable seal that is less likely to off-gas toxic chemicals.

Both behave differently from standard cement plasters, which on solid walls without cavities, can trap damp, salt and condensation, leading to peeling paint, brown plaster and a cold stale feel indoors.

Lime and clay also repair well, and look lovely too!

Clay plaster (for bedrooms & living rooms)

Clay plaster has a warm matte look and earthy finish, and does not cure like lime, but dries and hardens as moisture leaves the wall, so it’s easier to rework and patch later on. Best for interior walls like bedrooms and sitting rooms, it’s also more affordable than lime plaster (which is best for bathrooms and utility rooms).

Drying times can stretch in England’s cool damp weather, so know that they will take longer to dry in winter, poorly-heated houses or north-facing rooms. Clay will dry quicker than lime.

Lime plaster (for bathrooms & utility rooms)

Lime plaster is made from lime, sand and water, and can cope well with movement in older walls. It’s particularly good for English period homes like brick, stone and historic masonry, as it lets moisture vapour pass through, to let walls dry naturally.