This article shows you how to use Yosima clay plaster to create surfaces with different looks and textures.
There are two common techniques to apply Yosima clay plaster:
1st Variant: Felting the Surface.
This application technique results in a slightly sandy surface. In this case, YOSIMA clay plaster is applied with a stainless steel smoother to a thickness of approx. 2 mm. After a short drying period, the clay plaster is rubbed off with a smoothing trowel. After further drying, the felting is repeated with the smoothing trowel. You can repeat this process as often as you like. The more often you felt the clay plaster, the more even the surface will be. It is also possible to make the clay plaster processable again after the surface has become dry by using more water during felting.
If you have added aggregates to the clay plaster, it is recommended that you allow the clay plaster to dry and then wash the aggregates free using the smoothing trowel and a little water.
With the Herbst and Country aggregates, yellowish discoloration may occur in white clay plasters. These must be washed clean with the smoothing trowel after drying.
2nd Variant: Smoothing the Surface
This variant results in a smooth, velvety surface. In this variant, YOSIMA clay plaster is also first applied with a stainless steel smoother to a thickness of approx. 2 mm. Here, too, the clay plaster is rubbed off with a smoothing trowel after drying for a short time. After further drying, the clay plaster is then smoothed with a Venetian trowel. Here, the trowel is held as flat as possible and is pulled "archaically" over the clay plaster with gentle pressure. Archaic means that the processing is done in a criss-cross manner so that no uniform application direction can be seen. This process is repeated, using increased pressure while smoothing, once or twice after further drying cycles.