Paints for clay surfaces

 

Colours for Clay Plaster Substrates

Clay plaster surfaces have specific physical properties: they are highly vapour-permeable, moisture-regulating and strongly absorbent. To preserve these qualities, only paints should be used that do not seal the surface and fully support the natural behaviour of clay.

In principle, all paints from our range are suitable for use on clay plaster substrates, provided the surface is dry, sound and properly prepared.
However, the paints listed below are particularly well suited, as their composition and breathability perfectly complement clay plaster.

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What to consider when painting clay plaster

Suitable paints should:

✔️ be highly vapour-permeable and breathable
✔️ dry with low internal tension
✔️ avoid forming film-like barrier layers
✔️ be based on mineral or natural binders

Conventional dense emulsion paints are generally not recommended, as they may impair the moisture-regulating properties of clay.

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Especially recommended paints for clay substrates

Little Greene Limewash

Little Greene Limewash is a pure lime paint, ideal for mineral and vapour-open substrates such as clay plaster.

Properties:

• extremely vapour-permeable

• moisture-regulating

• mineral and low-tension

• natural, matte and lively appearance

Application notes:

• substrate must be fully dry, clean and stable

• lightly dampen very absorbent surfaces if necessary

• apply several thin coats

👉https://www.meinewand.com/en/little-greene-distemper

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Little Greene Distemper

Little Greene Distemper is a traditional casein-based natural paint, very well suited for vapour-open substrates.

Properties:

• highly breathable

• natural, ultra-matte finish

• low tension

• ideal for ecological and historic interiors

Application notes:

• for interior use only

• not scrub-resistant

• not suitable for wet areas

👉 https://www.meinewand.com/en/little-greene-distemper

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Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper

Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper is a classic natural casein paint, frequently used on clay and lime plasters.

Properties:

• very high vapour permeability

• breathable and low-tension

• deep matte, natural surface

• suitable for heritage and conservation projects

Application notes:

• interior use only

• not abrasion-resistant

• we recommend a test area prior to full application

👉 https://www.meinewand.com/en/farrow-ball-casein-distemper

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Important application tips

🔹 clay plaster must be fully cured and dry
🔹 uneven absorption may cause clouding
🔹 test areas are strongly recommended
🔹 apply paints thinly and evenly
🔹 avoid sealing primers and dense coatings

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Summary

Paint	Suitable for clay	Special features
Little Greene Limewash	✔️	Mineral, extremely breathable
Little Greene Distemper	✔️	Natural casein paint
Farrow & Ball Casein Distemper	✔️	Highly vapour-permeable
Dense emulsion paints	❌	Sealing