NATURAL RENEDERING: CLAY PLASTER
A great introduction to the use of clay for plastering on different substrates. No previous experience is required but it is also a good introduction for professional plasterers wanting to learn about clay plaster.
It will cover where to find your clay for free, basic soil analysis, the identification of clay, an understanding of its properties, where to source it, how to make the optimum mix and how to use and apply it. Learning will mostly be through practical work and discussion together with some theory sessions. Participants will mix and use their own plasters on to a variety of backgrounds.
The properties of clay plaster have long been recognised throughout Europe. Clay provides the healthiest indoor quality air space, is a natural humidity regulator and introduces effective thermal mass into a design. It is also beautiful, with very low embodied energy, and is generally accessible and affordable.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course will include some theory sessions covering the following subjects:
· Familiarisation with the material - milled clay, fresh dug clayey soil, Claytec;
· Terminology - clay, soil, subsoil, topsoil, dirt, earth, plaster, render, mortar, stucco, lehm;
· Constituents of clay and soil;
· Fundamental properties - texture, plasticity, cohesion, compressibility, colour;
· Uses of clay - wattle and daub, rammed earth, light straw-clay, adobe, plaster, mortar.
Practical sessions will cover:
· Identification tests and properties, shrinkage, cracking, crumbling. Plastering small samples using different mixes of clay;
· Purpose and function of constituents - use of straw / fibre, sand, water, clay;
· Backing materials - fibreboard, plasterboard, reed mat, concrete block, clay block, heraklith;
· Application of different types of clay to backing materials;
· Absorption of water, surface texture, adhesion;
· Use of tools, float, wooden and metal trowel, hawk, wet brush, sprayer, sponge.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
The course fee covers full board accommodation at CAT, tuition and course materials. All food is vegetarian, and we are happy to cater for special diets - please let us know your requirements when booking.
