

Priming
Prime the entire surface with an approved paint primer mixed with American Clay Primer Sand additive. After mixing American Clay Primer Sand into an approved multipurpose, transitional or stain-blocking paint primer, this "sanded primer" is rolled onto your wall. This step helps create tooth that aids American Clay plasters in properly adhering to the surface.
Priming may be required for application, depending on your substrate. All painted surfaces, new drywall, gypsum plasters, cement finishes, and other sealed surfaces require priming. Please see Preparation section for more information.
Other surfaces may or may not require priming. Please check the American Clay Substrate Preparation document for in-depth information on properly preparing your particular substrate (Download Substrate Preparation Document Now!). You may also call 1-866-404-1634 (toll-free technical support line) for further information.
Approved Primers
The following is a list of primers that have been approved in our test applications. You must use a primer from the list below. (Download Approved Primers List Now!)
Zero-VOC Primers:
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American Pride or Mythic® Multipurpose Primer
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Benjamin Moore® Natura® Interior Waterborne Paint (513) Eggshell Finish
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Kilz® Clean Start™
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Life Paint Company ENVIRO-LIFE® 100% Acrylic Stain Blocking Primer (EL-75)
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Mythic® PRIME Interior/Exterior All-Purpose Primer (MP730)
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Mythic® PRIME Interior/Exterior Premium Hide and Multi-Purpose Primer (MP720)
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Mythic® Tintable Accent Primer
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ROMA BioGrip Medium
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Diluted per manufacturers recommendations to a paint-like consistency
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American Clay Primer Sand additive not required
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Safecoat® Transitional Primer
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Sherwin-Williams® Harmony® Wall Primer
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Sherwin-Williams® ProMar® 200 Interior Latex Primer
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YOLO® Base Primer
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YOLO Colorhouse® Multi-Purpose Interior Primer
Low-VOC Primers:
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Benjamin Moore® Fresh Start® Multi-Purpose Interior/Exterior Latex Primer
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BioShield® Healthy Living Paints
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Bondz® Maximum Adhesion Primer
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Sherwin-Williams® Multi-Purpose Water-Based Acrylic-Alkyd Primer
Conventional Primers:
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Dunn Edwards® Ultra Grip™ Premium
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Kilz® 2
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Hamilton Coatings® Prep-Tex
Problem Area or Unknown Substrate Primers:
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ZINSSER® Gardz® Problem Surface Sealer
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Roman PRO-999 Rx-35® Sealer
Mixing and Applying Sanded Primer
1. Stir your selected primer completely prior to mixing using a stir stick found at your local paint supplier. You may also use a small power drill with mixing attachment.
2. Add one package (1 lb.) of American Clay Primer Sand additive per gallon of primer.
3. If the container of primer is too full to add the complete package of sand, remove a small portion of primer initially and set aside for later use.
4. As you are mixing, scrape the bottom of the container so that all sand is integrated into the primer. The sand is critical, it enables the plaster to bond to the wall. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour the sanded primer into a paint tray.
6. Using a paint roller (with a very short nap or smooth foam cover) move the roller slowly into the sanded primer, then roll it back and forth until it is evenly coated. Roll onto the trays ridges to remove excess.
7. Working in about a two to four square foot section, roll the primer on the surface utilizing a "W" pattern. Begin by rolling upward to minimize drips. If drips occur, simply roll over them before they dry. Use a paint roller extension for hard to reach areas.
8. Every so often, remix the sanded primer to ensure the sand remains integrated, not allowing it to sink to the bottom of the container.
9. Continue until the entire surface is evenly coated.
10. Prime all outside corners, protruding areas and other vulnerable surfaces with two coats of sanded primer.
11. When using a paint brush, try to avoid using too much pressure when priming. This helps to keep the sand evenly coated on the wall.
12. Let primer dry completely prior to moving on to plaster application.
Please continue with the guided Online Workshop steps below:
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Please note: The guidelines outlined in these instructions are provided as a source for general application procedures. We are not responsible for the results of your project. The only way to ensure a proper application is with due diligence on your part. If you have questions or are unsure of anything, please call 1-866-404-1634 (toll-free technical support line) for further information.