Plaster
Biotexture specializes in the application of a full spectrum of plaster finishes on the interior and exterior of all types of structures. All of our finishes are hypoallergenic, breathable, and contain no VOC's. We strive to reduce the environmental impact of our materials by sourcing them as close to the jobsite as possible. Our team of plaster experts has traveled extensively to study plaster from all over the world and can mix a wide array of interior and exterior finishes in any color and texture imaginable. We strive to accomplish a combination of practical and artistic solutions for our clients at a range of costs to accommodate everyone.
Interior Plasters
A main focus at Biotexture is to create healthy dwellings and breathable wall systems through the installation of non-toxic plasters. We offer a range of milled and manufactured plasters as well as custom blended earthen/clay plasters and veneers. If you're looking for a polished earthen finish plaster on a strawbale wall or a rock solid, buttery smooth diamond plaster on drywalled interior walls, we can create custom samples to meet any need or want. We can provide affordable alternatives to typical latex paint in conventional homes and not only improve the look and texture of walls, but create a more appealing, natural atmosphere with enhanced acoustical properties. Our gypsum, lime, and blended plasters are porous and able to allow walls to 'breathe' and let the gases and vapors within a room to dissipate through the wall. Clay and earthen plasters have similar properties and also have the ability to help regulate the temperature within a room by both absorbing and slowly releasing heat and moisture. These are characteristics that are unachievable with latex paints which not only literally seal a room in but are manufactured with toxic chemicals which continually release harmful gases into an airtight area. Whether you're searching for the mud hut look, have been in love with the polished Venetian plaster you saw in Italy, or searching for a healthier alternative finish, we are able to help you meet your needs.
Exterior Plasters
The decision of what type of finish to use on the exterior of a structure is an important one. The are many factors to consider such as: what will work best with the substrate, is there a better choice of finish to use for certain climates, is the design of the structure going to influence the type of finish to use, what type of maintenance is going to be required and how often?
With availability and embodied energy in mind we specialize in earthen and lime finishes. Cement is an important material that we utilize at times when its use is deemed appropriate to ensure a durable finish or detail. Often times the characteristics of a substrate will help determine which material choices will perform best. For instance, for an old deteriorating or damaged brick wall lime plaster is a perfect choice because of its ability to bond with clays in the brick and the chemical reaction with the lime in the bricks or mortar. Lime and cement blends can work well when a quicker chemical set is required or desired but some of the vapor permeability characteristics of lime are needed.
We also provide restoration and repair services for exterior plasters. When a decision needs to be made whether or not it is reasonable to try and repair and resuscitate a finish, apply a new coat, or it is necessary to remove the existing plaster and start fresh, we can lay out the realistic options and help you choose the right one.
Some of the plaster finishes we specialize in include;
- Clay/Earthen
- Gypsum
- Tadelakt
- Venetian
- Lime
- Traditional Stucco
Lime
Lime is a key component in many plasters and has a long history of proven durability. Lime is derived from limestone (calcium carbonate) which is heated and pulverized into a powder. After water is added to create quicklime, it is then dried, bagged, and sold as sold as different types of lime depending on the amount of impurities which will characterize it's intended use. For our purposes Type S lime is then mixed with water, referred to as slaking, for 2-4 weeks to hydrate the lime and set off the process of returning the lime powder to limestone.
Lime is mixed with a number of different materials such as gypsum, cement, and sand to create a render with certain desired properties. Fiberglass strands, powdered milk (casein), and different types of clay are other additions used to further enhance the characteristics of the mix. Lime plaster may be used for base coats and textured finishes on a building's exterior, or as a highly polished Venetian finish on the interior of a home.
Due to its high alkaline qualities, lime is naturally resistant to mold. In addition, the porosity of a finished lime plaster is such that water vapor may freely pass while liquid water molecules can not. These attributes make lime plaster an ideal component of a breathable strawbale wall system.
Gypsum
Gypsum is a mined mineral which is pulverized similar to lime but does not go through an extensive heating process and therefore can boast of a lower embodied-energy. It is used to produce sheet rock, chalk, and plaster of Paris. For our purposes gypsum is used as an interior plaster, most commonly mixed with silica or perlite. Gypsum plaster can be applied in very thick coats with little or no cracking and is great for leveling uneven walls or for applications where thick plaster is required. Gypsum plaster has limitations in that it is somewhat water soluble and therefore should not be used in exterior applications. However, gypsum is valued for its quick curing time, fire-proofing properties, and low cost and therefore is useful in many instances.
Clay / Earth
Being widely available and easy to produce and work with, clay and earth are without a doubt the oldest resources used to create dwellings. It should come as no surprise that many building sites in western states contain soil rich in clays that, when sifted and tested, can be used to make excellent earth plasters. This is an ancient art and it is a joy to keep this tradition alive when applying earth plasters on projects in the 21st century.
Earth plasters are environmentally friendly in that they are highly breathable, have a low-embodied energy, and are non-toxic. They are versatile as well, able to be applied as a thick base coat, a textured exterior finish, a polished interior surface, and can even be mixed to use in adobe floor applications.
Earth plaster products include specific ratios of multiple types of clay, aggregates, and natural fibers. One such product, American Clay, has won a variety of awards and is growing in popularity for use as a high-end interior finish. Biotexture is an experienced applicator of American Clay. Learn more about American Clay here or contact us for more information or to see samples of this specific product.
Finishes
We offer a number of various protective and aesthetic finishes. Wax, black soap, alis, limewash, and fresco (solid colors or artistic designs) are some of the finishes that are available depending on location (interior/exterior, bathroom/kitchen), plaster, and desired effect / function
Relishing the unique challenges and goals ensconced in every project we are fortunate to be affiliated with, we work with a wide assortment of plaster materials from on-site sifted earth mixes to imported natural hydraulic limes.
The utmost care and attention to detail is used before deciding which combination of materials is ideal in each and every application.
Our focus at Biotexture is to create healthy dwellings and breathable wall systems through the installation of non-toxic plasters. We take pride in offering our clients the services of experienced artisans, resulting in finished walls that have the look and feel of a Tuscan villa or Santa Fe adobe. Beauty, the often overlooked component of earth-conscious architecture, is our goal on every project.
Plaster is our art, and through its practice we create beautiful structures that nurture the soul.
