Plastering straw bale window and door wells can be difficult, but the end result is beautiful. Learn some important tips on how to do it in this article.
Archive | Plastering
Step By Step Guide To Creating Niches
One of the most artistic expressions of a straw bale wall are the niches that are carved into it. I have laid out a step-by-step process for the most common niche I see in straw bale homes: the arch top.
Delicious, Aged Lime Putty Still Available
Watch a video on slaking quick lime to make lime putty. You can also contact Curtis in Kansas through this blog entry and buy high quality lime putty that has already been slaked for 4-5 years.
Properly Wet Your Plaster on a Straw Bale Wall
There is far more water used in the preparation and curing process than in the mix itself. If you have a limited water supply, be sure to account for this extra water requirement. Follow these steps to make sure you have the best plaster job available. Be sure to protect your walls from wind, rain, and direct sun by hanging tarps.
Too Many Plaster Failures
Over the years I have spoken many times about the importance of a quality plastering job. That importance has not waned, and I am unfortunately hearing more and more stories about failed plaster jobs around the world. A large percentage of the consulting work I do is helping clients deal with these plastering issues. There are two common themes, or dare I say causes for the failures. If you avoid these two approaches to plastering your home, your plaster should provide you with a very long life.
Three Year Old Slaked Lime Putty For Sale
I recently received an email from a gentleman in Kansas who has literally 10,000 gallons of lime putty he is looking to sell. They are currently selling the putty at $2 per gallon which is a very good price for such yummy lime putty.
Plaster Tips For Making Your Plaster Beautiful and Durable
Plastering a straw bale house is a skill that marries both art and construction techniques. There are so many details to keep track of when plastering your strawbale home and this article will give you one more piece of the puzzle. The focus is on the application direction of lime plaster, or any plaster for that matter. Mistakes here can cause plaster failure so it’s worth getting the process right. Furthermore, the plaster is what people see when they first view your straw bale house, so making it look good really matters.
Announcing a Natural Hydraulic Lime Plaster Workshop
TransMineral USA is hosting a plastering workshop this fall, October 11 and 12, 2012. This is a great opportunity to learn the material from some of the best. Keep in mind that TransMineral USA is the sole US importer of Natural Hydraulic Lime, so they know their stuff.
Failures of Lime Plaster Over a Clay Base
Using a lime finish coat over a base of clay plaster is a recipe for disaster. I have heard of far too many failures when using this technique. Please read on and do not try this technique on your project.
Spray or Hand Plaster Application: Which is Better?
There are so many details to a quality plaster job and so many places to make mistakes. The real question may not be whether to spray or to apply by hand, but rather, what steps need to be taken, no matter which application method is chosen, such that the plaster job will be successful.