A World of Walls, Part III

American Clay offers a decade of natural plaster innovation

We can’t do a series on natural, non-paint wall coverings without a feature on American Clay, even though it doesn’t offer the quick solution for hiding drywall seam cracks the reader who started this series wants.

For more than a decade, American Clay and its “original earth plaster” made in New Mexico, has given us a natural alternative to commonly used polystyrene or acrylic plasters made from petrochemicals.

Not only does American Clay offer a number of styles, including Venetian plaster and a luminescent plaster that contains crushed sea shells, but it is free of chemicals that pollute indoor-air, and it goes a step beyond by ensuring comfort and energy savings.

“Because it regulates humidity, it can actually help to reduce your energy bills,” says Heather Curless, Our LEED AP and owner of Greener Stock in Cincinnati, OH.  “Our comfort level is dependent upon how dry or humid the space is that we are occupying.  It’s the same concept as the heat index.  High humidity makes temperatures feel warmer.  So in the warmer, humid summer months, a space with American Clay will absorb humidity from the space and make the space feel cooler.”

High-quality aesthetics — including walls that are reminiscent of a Tuscany farmhouse; are satin smooth and look like marble; or, have the textural surprise of crushed shells from the Gulf of Mexico — are the first thing that draws customers to American Clay, says  Croft Elsaesser, American Clay president and CEO .

“It only helps when the products produce no off-gassing on site, inhibit mold growth, and contain no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds,” says Elsaesser, who was concerned about toxic effects of old-world wall finishes and developed American Clay, getting his first patent in 2002.

Since then, American Clay has continued to expand its product offerings, all made with natural materials that pose no indoor-air quality threats once dry.

As with all plaster products, dust from mixing plaster always stands to be an irritant, so contractors are advised to wear respirator masks while mixing. American Clay Plaster has been tested and contains less than two percent crystalline silica – a natural colorant present in paint that can pose a hazard to human health if inhaled in dust form. There is no titanium dioxide, which poses the same hazard, in American Clay plaster, but it is present in the company’s Sugarloaf White color pack, in addition to virtually every paint and facial make-up on the market. Again, the only potential risk is believed to be from inhaling dust. So, women who use loose mineral powder make-up take note. And, plaster mixers, just wear your masks. 

“The primary historic concern about clay plaster is its lack of durability, especially for commercial or major-builder use,” Elsaesser says. “We’ve continued to counter that complaint through regular R&D, which has produced American Clay products that continue to meet the needs and requirements of production builders.”

Enjarre,™ the company’s  single coat color-integral architectural coating, is one of American Clay’s latest offerings designed specifically to provide an affordable option to builders in addition to homeowners by allowing them to finish a room with one coat, and upgrading later with a second coat of a premium plaster if they choose.

Homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing American Clay over mainstream options in Louisville, KY, according to the sales staff at Bluegrass Green Co.  What are the top reasons they cite?

“It’s a healthier option to latex paint; it improves indoor-air quality; it’s beautiful; it’s a way to cover uneven plaster walls without using and sanding drywall joint compound; it offers humidity and mold control; and, it offers an unusually unique decorative finish around fireplaces and wood stoves.” ©

Coming Monday: Kirei

– Nancy Kibbee is editor at www.naturalinteriors.com