Not just a pretty face

There are additional benefits to natural plaster beyond beauty. Natural plasters contribute to better indoor air quality. They do not contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and will not off-gas when applied, so you are not building toxins into your home. Clay plaster has the miraculous ability to safely store extra humidity and then release it when the air is drier. This not only makes you feel more comfortable, but helps to stop condensation that leads to mold growth. Clay plaster is softer than painted drywall, causing sound to bounce and echo less. Lime plaster has a very high pH, making it naturally antiseptic and antifungal. Both plasters have thermal mass which helps you hold on to your heat in the winter or cool in the summer.

Natural plasters are also better for the planet. Clay plasters require very little processing and have incredibly low embodied carbon. Lime plasters have lower embodied carbon than cement-based stuccos. Both types create less pollution than their synthetic counterparts.

No, natural plaster will not stop a global pandemic, fix racial inequality, or restore the economy. But it is very beautiful, it is good for your health, it is not bad for the planet, and it may help you find some precious sanctuary in these difficult times.