Why choose plaster?
Beauty, pure and simple
The most compelling reason to use artisan plasters is their incomparable beautify, with tones and textures that make you want to touch them. And some do it without harmful chemicals.
How pure?
The clay plaster we use is made from 3 ingredients: Clay + Sand + Mineral Pigment
One of the lime plasters we use is made from 4 ingredients = Lime + Pumice + Cellulose Glue + Mineral Pigment
What does the term “artisan plaster” mean?
Artisan plaster is like craft beer. The craft beer movement uses more traditional brewing methods, emphasizing quality over quantity. Small, independently owned breweries know the traditions and compete based on unique flavors made with high-quality ingredients.
We mix our plasters in custom batches for each project. We know what's in our plasters and why it's there. We know our craft and customize the installation process to deliver the desired results.
In a time when the term “plaster” has become almost meaningless because of products that claim to be plaster but are more similar to synthetic paint, all of the terms lose meaning. What is Venetian plaster today? What is Marmorino or Tadelakt? They are ancient techniques based on knowledge of the craft and the materials. Synthetic products have their uses, but we feel it’s important to be able to distinguish and choose wisely.
We are proud to offer a range of unique, high-quality, bespoke finishes installed by artisans who know the traditions and techniques. It’s not the most inexpensive option. It’s not the fastest option. It’s the artisan option.
If beauty isn’t enough, there are also health and environmental benefits
Moderates Humidity
Between showering, cooking, and breathing, a family of four can produce 2 gallons of moisture a day, and that water needs to go somewhere! Clay and lime plasters are vapor-permeable, meaning they will not trap moisture. Clay plaster has the ability to store excess moisture and release it back out when the indoor air has dried out, creating a more comfortable environment.
Inhibits Mold Growth
When moisture penetrates conventional wall systems and hits an impermeable layer like latex paint, it has no way to escape, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Porous plasters release water vapor, preventing condensation and protecting materials within the wall from mold and mildew.
Non-toxic Alternative to Paint and Cement Stucco
Most of our modern-day wall coverings contain VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). VOC’s are harmful chemicals, such as methylene chloride, benzene, and formaldehyde. These chemicals will continue to off-gas into our homes for years after they’ve been installed, with consequences for our respiratory health. Artisan plasters do not contain VOC’s.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
In addition to chemical off-gassing and mold, dust is another contributor to poor indoor air quality. Clay plaster repels, rather than attracts, dust and allergens, making it ‘self-cleaning’ and an excellent option for people with asthma. Plus, clay emits negative ions, which improve mood and help counteract the harmful effects of electronic and plastic pollution.
Low Embodied-Energy
Conventional construction is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The hyper-processing of building materials such as cement and paint means that these materials already have high embodied energy (the energy used to create, transport, and package a material) before they reach your front door. Artisan plasters require less processing and are gentler on the planet.