Question 1

I don't understand how after the compression stage there won’t be wall dust. How about sealing it, will it change the color of my walls? What is your take on sealers?

Accepted Answer

American Clay almost always recommends against sealing the wall. This impacts the repairability factor as well as the breathability of the surface. If applied properly, and compression is done, your walls will not be chalky, dusty, or sandy at all -- you are 100% right. If you do seal the surface, the color will change (usually a bit darker in shade) so please test prior to using on the entire surface in case you don't like the shift in color. Keep in mind: once the surface is sealed and a repair needs to be done, the sealer must be broken down and removed first. See plastering over a sealed wall.

Question 2

If my American Clay walls are sealed, is it still possible to apply clay, or, is painting my only option?

Accepted Answer

If the clay walls are sealed, you have a few options: 1. Remove the sealer using a vinegar and water solution (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water) and apply one layer of new plaster. You will need to vigorously scrub with a sponge using the solution. 2. Prime over the sealed surface and apply 2 new layers of plaster or 1 layer if using Enjarre™. Think a brand new application and follow our information for applying plaster over a painted wall/new drywall. 3. Paint over the sealed surface. The texture will remain, but you will be able to use the paint and color of your choosing.

Question 3

I have a black soap finished American Clay wall. Can I just prime over the walls and have a clean slate to work with?

Accepted Answer

To use our plaster over the top of a black soaped American Clay wall: first, use a fairly damp sponge to remove most of the black soap. Go over the top of the wall and roughen up the surface while removing the soap that has penetrated. This may require multiple passes - be sure to let the plaster dry completely between each pass. This allows our plaster to be applied directly over the top of the surface once dried. If you were painting: you would still need to seal the surface using a water based acrylic masonry sealer over the wall prior to painting.

"How will my walls not be sandy or dusty when they're finished?"

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