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American Clay Earth Plaster's Revolutionary "Dos Manos" Method w/ New Formula Eliminat
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Added: 11/02/2005
Type: Summary
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American Clay Earth Plaster's Revolutionary "Dos Manos" Method w/ New Formula Eliminates Primer Ste
American Clay Earth Plaster, the natural finish for interior walls and ceilings, has built upon their Original Earth Plaster application method for clay to create a completely new system, dubbed Dos Manos. In this method, the primer stage is eliminated and the resulting finish is even more durable than the original that has become so popular over the past three years. Launched mid-October, Dos Manos receives its public debut Nov.8-11th at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, Booth 1122, in Atlanta, GA. The new Dos Manos application method has a version for confident do-it-yourselfers; however, the Dos Manos Professional System is geared toward professional plasterers and builders, as the preparation takes training and hardens faster than the traditional system.
Until now, the Original Earth Plaster system from American Clay has been to apply one coat of primer, one thin coat of the company’s Loma plaster, and then another coat of their Loma or Porcelina formulation. Now, the initial step to Dos Manos – which eliminates the primer stage and much valuable labor time – entails combining the primer and first Loma coat by adding one gallon of sanded primer plus approximately 2-2.5 gallons of water, mixing to pudding-light consistency and applying as one would the first coat of Loma. One step eliminated.
The DIYers and untrained in this new system – just like professionals - may use this portion of the new method. After all, everyone appreciates saving time and labor! At this point, the second coat can be applied in the traditional method of a natural plaster.
Professionals, however, trained in the Dos Manos Professional System could instead proceed by adding American Clay’s new Pro Formula to either the basic Loma or Porcelina to create a harder final finish on the second coat. Training is required to understand the proper proportions, mixing and application because (a) the right amount of water is critical to a final solid surface, and (b) unlike the Original method, once the second coat dries, it is more difficult to repair and rework. The end result is harder – even though there is no gypsum nor cement in the mix – and using the Porcelina produces an even more traditional Venetian Plaster finish.
Croft Elsaesser, American Clay Founder and CEO, says, “If there was any hesitation by major homebuilders and commercial builders in using clay plaster before, due to increased labor or its softer, more breathable nature, this should eliminate those doubts.” Additional pluses in comparison to other plaster wall materials include: still no VOCs; the plaster meets the tough California Proposition 95 requirements for no carcinogens; and no color blotchiness.
American Clay in October also just completed their first “Train the Trainer” certification program at their headquarters, drawing 38 participants across 15 states. They will be holding the next such session in February 2006, which is already partially booked with overflow applicants from October. |
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