Cleanup
Compared to paint and other plaster products, cleanup of an American Clay project is simple. For areas in which plaster has dropped on the floor or other surfaces, clean up can be completed with warm water.
When working with darker colors, especially reds, allow the plaster to dry first, then rub or scrape off as much plaster as possible. This will remove most of the pigment from the area. Then finish cleanup with a damp sponge.
If pigment stains any surface clean up can be achieved with white vinegar.
Cleaning Your Plaster Hawk, Trowels, and Other Tools
All cleanup can be achieved with warm water for plaster that is dry or wet. Carefully clean your trowels with a brush. Trowels can have edges as sharp as knives and can cause injury. If using a sponge to clean your tools, do so gently. Sanded primer on surfaces and tools must be cleaned when still wet.
Storage
We recommend you save the original plaster materials used in your project for future use. This ensures that the color and finish of your walls will not change if you need to repair the surface at a later date.
After a job is over, excess plaster should be dried out on a sheet of plastic. This material may be re-hydrated with water for touch-ups and repairs in the future.
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Original plasters may be kept wet as long as 30 days prior to use.
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Forté plasters should be mixed and applied within 3 days. For best results, do not keep wet longer than 3 days.
Leaving wet plaster in a bucket for more than 6 months may lead to mold growth. Plaster with straw or mica in it may mold within two days to a week, so use it or dry it out promptly. Some pigments may oxidize and change color if left in a bucket wet for more than ten days.
Storing Excess Plaster
Once your project is complete and / or you are ready to store remaining plaster, spread the plaster onto a sheet of plastic or cardboard. The thinner the plaster is, the faster it will dry out. Place the material into sunlight to expedite the process.
Once dry, break into small pieces and store in a plastic bag or container. Clearly label the space for which the plaster was used, the plaster type, color, and batch dates of the pigment(s) used. This information may come in handy if you need additional material in the future.
This concludes the Online Workshop. If you have further questions or need clarification on anything, please call 1-866-404-1634 (toll-free technical support line) for more information.
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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.