American Clay Natural Wall Covering

Natural Wall Covering

For years I have spent time looking at Natural Home magazine at the ads for American Clay. Over the years my colour choices have changed but I’ve always known that I have wanted to use this natural wall covering in my eventual home. I love the plaster look of American Clay. I came across this article while poking around about how using American Clay products is a good way to get back to green design practices of the past.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY: Naturally-occurring clay and lime plasters have always been used to create beautiful and long lasting interior and exterior finishes, and American Clay Earth Plasters can help achieve an “old world” look or more contemporary style with

NO off-gassing (no VOCs) and no inherent waste on-site.

The plaster is non-flammable, gives additional masonry mass in rooms, resists mold growth (tested and proven), absorbs sound, and repairs/cleans easily. For new construction or remodel–contemporary to historic (ideal for restoration!)–the clay is extremely versatile, providing textures not possible with paint–textures are only limited by one’s imagination. Over 40 standard, plus unlimited custom, colors are available. Please visit the very thorough and fun website (including beautiful photos): www.americanclay.com.

People often choose it for its beauty first, and then like that it’s green. Their plasters can also contribute up to 8 LEED points.

My Thoughts:

There are 3 different finishes available in 43 standard colours. American Clay can also colour-match! I got to try out the 3 finishes in different colours. They came in little reusable cotton bags. I like that there wasn’t a lot of wastage in terms of packaging. The kit also came with instructions, a little container for water, bags for mixing clay, a little book with samples of the 3 finishes and a spreader.

I was provided these 3 practice boards and a sample board. I combined one of the bags (the Tucson Gold) with a bit of water in a zippered bag. I then cut one corner of the bag and spread the goo on a board –

After a few hours (depending on your city’s climate), the boards dried. I really like the colour of the finished product. It was super-easy and fun to apply the product to the tiles. I know with a larger surface (like a wall) a bigger mixing container would need to be used.

I have always wanted to check out American Clay products, so I’m glad to have gotten the chance to. Now, more than ever  I look forward to applying it to the walls in my future home. I really love the texture of the product and enjoy the warming quality that it would bring to a room/home. One thing I worry about with changing the look of a room with paint is the off-gasing. I know that this isn’t an issue with American Clay. What did it smell like when I was having fun playing with this product? It reminded me of making pottery because it just smelt like clay!

To all my readers who are thinking of changing the wall colour in their children’s homes – I would definitely recommend this product. It is VOC-free, mold-resistant, and 100% natural!

Connect with American Clay here. Find out more information about the wide range of looks you can achieve with American Clay here. Have some questions about application, tools needed or others? Their FAQ should help you get your answers!

I was given the chance to test out the American Clay products using their try-it kit. The opinions expressed are my honest ones. American Clay will also provide a try-it kit during Blogmania for my Home Green Home prize pack.