All photos link to larger images.

We decided to apply the clay directly to the inside of the panelized roof. First, drywall tape was put over the seams, then the OSB was primed with a special glue-type primer. The ceilings are done first. As it turns out, cracks have formed where the panels join so we now recommend applying drywall with seams running the opposite direction before applying clay to panels.

The master bedroom ceiling is a rich peach color, called Sanibel Sunset by the Clayote folks. It was mixed with white to lighten it for the ceiling. Taped areas dried more slowly than the rest. The beam was covered for protection, although the clay washes right off. Our plasterers decided that 2 thin coats of clay worked best for both the ceilings and the walls. The first is the base coat, then after it dried, they applied the final coat in order to get a smooth finish.

Filiberto, from Joe Saenz Stucco, is a master plasterer, accustomed to traditional gypsum plaster. This is his first experience with natural clay and he can tell that it's different. He says it's a little heavier than gypsum, therefore a bit more work to apply, but not by much. He used the same techniques he knows for gypsum plaster on the clay. The nice thing about clay is that it's more forgiving than gypsum plaster. You can rewet and rework it time and again, until you seal it. We are going to leave it unsealed so that we can repair it easier. The plaster is much darker and more vivid when it is wet, then dries to a much lighter color. The color on the right isn't accurate; the wall below is the same color once dried.

This is a view of our west bedroom wall. You can see the rose wall and the peach ceiling. Outside the door is the golden hall. The clay comes in more subtle colors too. We're using a basic tan in the office and a beige in the great room (with straw bits in the clay). We decided to get a little more bold in our bedroom. I think we succeeded.

Here is our golden hallway, although this photo doesn't do the color justice.You can see the mottled effect of the finish coat of clay plaster. Being surrounded by the rich colors of the clay and the soft texture gives the home a warm, cozy feeling.