Clay plastering course

The Eco Home Centre is running a one day clay plastering course in Cardiff. The course has been written by Clayworks (who are the industry leaders in clay use in the UK) - Adam Weisman and Katy Bryce from Clay Works have written a couple of books on the topic and they have supplied us with the wherewithall for the course.

Ideally we are aiming at either professional plasterers or people with some experience in quality DIY. The course will take place in an actual building site, so it is not just practicing on boards, but actually in someone's home and so the emphasis is on quality. This can only be a good thing!

Cost will be around £100 for the day. This will include a lunch.

There are a large number of advantages of using clay and lime plasters over the conventional gypsum and this is an opportunity to educate yourselves or your plasterers into using a much more sustainable product. The finish is also exquisite.

The content of the course is:

1. Introduction to clay plasters

The benefits of using clay plasters - health benefits for people, planet and buildings.

2. Where/where not to use clay plasters

Internal/external usage
Bathrooms
Kitchens

3. Pigmenting clay plasters

Use natural earth pigments
Saturation point
Blending different colours together
Dry mixing vs. wet mixing

4. Mixing clay plasters

Adding casein

How to deal with leftovers

5. Wall preparation prior to application

Which wall substrates are suitable for clay plasters
Suction balance
Mechanical key
Using primers
Using lime and clay as base coats
How to prepare the penultimate coat to achieve a good top-coat finish
Preparation for plasterboard

6. Practical application of the plaster

3-step process
Thickness of application (1-3mm)
Coverage rates (6-7 sq m per 25kg bucket)

7. Finishing effects (functionality and aesthetic preference)

Plastic polishing - closed grain polished effect (more durable)
Sponge finish - open grained effect (easier on undulating walls)

8. Suitable protective and decorative finishes

Protective finish - translucent wall glaze
Suitable paints and washes

9. Care of clay plaster walls

How to mend knocks and chips

10. Discussion on tools

What you need - essential kit
Specialist trowels

11. Problem-solving

For more info please contact Peter at the Eco Home Centre on 02920373094 or training@rounded-developments.org.uk