Earthen Plaster and Paint

About this Course

Overview:

Bringing over 25 years of experience, this course is taught by Scott Howard of Earthen Hand Natural Building & Design (EarthenHand.com).

Course fee includes all meals starting with lunch on day 1 and overnight accommodations in one of our glamping yurts or glamping platform tents (first come first serve).

Day 1: Foundations of Earthen Plasters
Morning Session: Begins at 9:00 am

• Introduction & Material Basics
• Welcome & Course Overview
◦ Introduction to earthen plasters and paints
◦ Benefits of natural finishes
• Understanding the materials and mixology
◦ Sourcing local materials
◦ Testing mixes

Midday Session:

• Mixing & applying scratch and brown coats
◦ Testing recipes for different plaster layers
• Preparation work
◦ Substrates: drywall, wood, straw bale, adobe, etc.
◦ Keying and bonding strategies
• Application practice and Trowel techniques

Afternoon Session:

• Sculptural & decorative techniques
• Plasters repairs
◦ Designing for durability / best practices

Day 2: Earthen Paints & Fine Finishes
Morning Session: Begins at 9:00 am

• Finish Plasters
• Burnishing techniques for a glossy or matte finish
• Sealing & protecting
• Natural sealants - soaps, oils, waxes / mineral, plant, animal additives

Midday Session:

• Making natural paints
• Introduction to Earthen Paints
• Discuss various types - clay, lime, casein
• Paint Recipes & Mixing
• Clay-based paints, mineral pigments, and binders
• Achieving vibrant colors with natural and non-toxic materials
• Application techniques - brushes, trowels, hands
• Layering and blending colors

Afternoon Session:

• Pigments - sourcing and applications
• Decorative techniques
• Hands-On practice
◦ Each participant applies an area with personalized design
• Final Q&A, Maintenance, & Next Steps
◦ Caring for earthen finishes
◦ Resources for further learning


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Comprehend material selection and preparation for earthen plasters and paints.

• Be able to mix and apply base, finish, and decorative plaster layers.

• Utilize multiple techniques for creating textures and sculptural effects.

• Gain hands-on experience making and applying natural paints.

• Develop the confidence to undertake your own earthen finish projects.

Who Should Attend?
• DIY enthusiasts, artists, natural builders, and designers
• Homeowners looking for sustainable wall finishes
• Contractors interested in eco-friendly plastering techniques

All materials and tools are provided. Please bring work gloves, N95 dust mask, and clothing that can get stained.

Join us for a creative, hands-on journey into the world of earthen finishes!