Roman clay

The organic appeal of roman clay.

If limewash is like suede, then roman clay is like leather. It is smooth and soft to the touch with a stone-like appearance. Its texture feels subtle and organic, unlike the shiny, marble-like surface of venetian plaster.

Roman caly

Image from Portola Paints.

Roman clay

The organic appeal of roman clay.

If limewash is like suede, then roman clay is like leather. It is smooth and soft to the touch with a stone-like appearance. Its texture feels subtle and organic, unlike the shiny, marble-like surface of venetian plaster.

Roman caly

Image from Portola Paints.

Roman clay

The organic appeal of roman clay.

If limewash is like suede, then roman clay is like leather. It is smooth and soft to the touch with a stone-like appearance. Its texture feels subtle and organic, unlike the shiny, marble-like surface of venetian plaster.

Roman caly

Image from Portola Paints.

Application

Application

Roman clay is a paint and plaster hybrid intended to be used only on smooth interior walls, ceilings, or even furniture. Any texture or imperfections on the surface can cause difficulties during application.

Roman clay is a paint and plaster hybrid intended to be used only on smooth interior walls, ceilings, or even furniture. Any texture or imperfections on the surface can cause difficulties during application.

It is applied by hand in thin, overlapping layers with a trowel or putty knife, making it a much slower application than limewash.

It is applied by hand in thin, overlapping layers with a trowel or putty knife, making it a much slower application than limewash.

In high-traffic areas, we recommend adding a sealant topcoat for added durability.

In high-traffic areas, we recommend adding a sealant topcoat for added durability.

Image from Jenna Peffley.

Image from Jenna Peffley.

Appearance

Appearance

Similar to limewash, whites and lighter colors will typically have a more subtle movement quality once applied. More pigmented colors tend to show more movement and variation.

Similar to limewash, whites and lighter colors will typically have a more subtle movement quality once applied. More pigmented colors tend to show more movement and variation.

You can achieve a natural, ultra-low sheen finish by leaving the final coat unsanded or add a protective seal and slight sheen with a topcoat.

You can achieve a natural, ultra-low sheen finish by leaving the final coat unsanded or add a protective seal and slight sheen with a topcoat.

Benefits

Benefits

Roman clay is breathable, allowing moisture to pass through the walls and helping regulate indoor humidity levels. This can contribute to a healthier indoor environment and prevent issues such as mold and mildew.

Roman clay is breathable, allowing moisture to pass through the walls and helping regulate indoor humidity levels. This can contribute to a healthier indoor environment and prevent issues such as mold and mildew.

Unlike synthetic building materials that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), roman clay is made from natural ingredients such as lime and marble dust. As a result, it tends to have minimal off-gassing and contributes to better indoor air quality.

Unlike synthetic building materials that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), roman clay is made from natural ingredients such as lime and marble dust. As a result, it tends to have minimal off-gassing and contributes to better indoor air quality.

Dark green roman clay in bathroom

Image from Domino

Dark green roman clay in bathroom

Image from Domino

Durability

Durability

Roman clay is known for its durability, offering a robust surface that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Once properly applied and cured, Roman clay forms a hard, resilient layer on walls that is resistant to scratches, dents, and other minor damage. It can last for many years without needing frequent repairs or maintenance.

Roman clay is known for its durability, offering a robust surface that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Once properly applied and cured, Roman clay forms a hard, resilient layer on walls that is resistant to scratches, dents, and other minor damage. It can last for many years without needing frequent repairs or maintenance.

In terms of cleaning, its smooth surface makes roman clay less prone to collecting dust and dirt. For stains, we recommend a wet sponge and mild soap to keep walls looking their best. Harsh abrasives or chemicals should be avoided to prevent scratching or dulling the finish.

In terms of cleaning, its smooth surface makes roman clay less prone to collecting dust and dirt. For stains, we recommend a wet sponge and mild soap to keep walls looking their best. Harsh abrasives or chemicals should be avoided to prevent scratching or dulling the finish.

For all our projects, we’ll provide you with a guide on how best to care for your walls so that you know what to expect.

For all our projects, we’ll provide you with a guide on how best to care for your walls so that you know what to expect.

Pros

• Durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.

• Matte finish creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Environmentally friendly material, naturally mold and mildew resistant.

Cons

• Trowel application is more labor intensive and costly than limewash.

• Cleaning should be done with care, avoiding harsh chemicals.

• Flat surface is required, indoors-only.

Pros

• Durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.

• Matte finish creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Environmentally friendly material, naturally mold and mildew resistant.

Cons

• Trowel application is more labor intensive and costly than limewash.

• Cleaning should be done with care, avoiding harsh chemicals.

• Flat surface is required, indoors-only.

© 2024 Southern Trowel. All rights reserved.

© 2024 Southern Trowel. All rights reserved.

© 2024 Southern Trowel. All rights reserved.