Clay Paint — Natural, Breathable Wall Finish
Clay paint is a natural, breathable interior wall finish with a beautifully matt, chalky look. It's low-VOC, absorbs and releases humidity, and gives walls a depth and softness that plastic-based emulsions simply can't match.
Where this works
- Bedrooms & living rooms
- Nurseries and children's rooms (very low VOC)
- Period and lime-plastered walls
- Barn conversions & timber-frame properties
- Retail, hospitality and studio interiors
How we install it
- 1Prime for the substrate
New plaster gets a mineral primer; previously painted walls get a bonding primer sized to the existing paint chemistry. This step is what separates a clay paint that lasts from one that flakes.
- 2Two brush + roller coats
Two coats, applied with a soft brush cutting in and a short-pile roller for the bulk. Direction matters — final coat is worked in one direction so raking light doesn't show laps.
- 3Sealing (optional)
For high-touch areas (hallways, kitchens) we can add a compatible natural sealer that raises the durability without losing the matt look.
Common pitfalls we prevent
Frequently asked
Is clay paint durable?+
In living rooms and bedrooms it lasts as long as good emulsion. In high-traffic hallways or kitchens we recommend the sealed grade or a limewash / mineral paint alternative.
Can I use it in a bathroom?+
Not in wet zones. Above splash lines and outside the shower area it's fine and helps regulate humidity.
Is it more expensive than emulsion?+
The paint itself is; the total room cost is often similar because it covers well and doesn't need multiple base coats over new plaster.
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