Using Natural Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide [Paperback]

Adam Weismann (Author), Katy Bryce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2008

With the increasing awareness of eco-building techniques alongside the desire to make our homes healthier, the historical benefits of using natural renders and paints are being rediscovered. Using Natural Finishes is an in-depth guide to the selection, mixing and application of lime and clay based plasters, renders, paints and washes. Providing step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations to show the practical elements of working with lime and clay-based finishes, the authors demonstrate how these natural breathable plasters and paints can be used on a wide variety of wall surfaces, including traditional and eco-build materials like cob, strawbale and stone, as well as modern plasterboard and concrete surfaces, with stunning results. Easy to follow DIY projects guide the reader through all aspects of using these natural finishes, with beautiful photographs of techniques and examples from the UK and abroad. Key words: cob, eco-building, natural building, strawbale, earthen plasters, earth plasters, clay plasters, natural paints, sustainable building, lime plasters, lime paints, lime wash, alis, casein, clay paints, eco paints, green paints.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An inspiring vision and practical guide to one of the oldest and most versatile building materials David Pearson, author of The New Natural House Book Felllow architects frequently tell me they don't like "hairy buildings", and so they consign natural building to some fringe activity carried out by a few self-build enthusiastic amateurs. Adam and Katy's book will hopefully lay this nonsense to rest, once and for all. With the level of technical detail and the beautiful photographs it is plain for all to see that buildings, using natural materials, can demonstrate a high degree of excellence in finish as well as providing answers to crucial issues such as indoor air quality and environmental impact. They demonstrate a level of professionalism and aesthetic sensibility that is a very valuable contribution to knowledge in the field Tom Woolley, Architect and professor at the Graduation School of the Environment, Centre for Alterna This highly informative and sumptuous book shows how the threat of climate change is also an opportunity to make buildings more beautiful Sunand Prasad, President, The Royal Institute of British Architects

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Green Books (July 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900322161
• ISBN-13: 978-1900322164
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Masonry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, August 9, 2008

By 

Timothy M. Rieth (Honolulu) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Using Natural Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide (Paperback)

Buy this book, and use it to the point where the pages are smudged with clay, pigment, and lime. Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce are at the forefront of a new generation of builders that are continuing and perpetuating vernacular practices and crafts, while innovating by bringing together natural methods, materials, and techniques from a range of traditions. Using Natural Finishes, Lime- & Earth-based Plasters, Renders & Paints: A Step by Step Guide follows on their earlier book, Building with Cob: A Step by Step Guide. These books are unique in that they capture and convey both the art and the science of natural plasters and wall construction in such a way that the novice and the professional will find inspiration and technical advice. Using Natural Plasters will find its way onto the bookshelves of owner-builders, architectural historians/restoration specialists, and professional contractors. It begins with a basic discussion of wall substrates and the dynamics one needs to be aware of when planning to apply a plaster on these surfaces. A general discussion of tools, preparation, and application techniques is followed by detailed chapters outlining how lime- and earth-based plasters, renders, and paints work, how to prepare them, and how they should be applied. The final chapter highlights traditional finishes and practitioners from regions around the globe. In addition to all of the well-written text are several hundred gorgeous photographs. I recommend this book to all of my students and colleagues. Buy this book!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, July 2, 2008

By 

Lauren Allsopp (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Using Natural Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide (Paperback)

This book is a must for everyone's library! Not only does it apply to vernacular architecture such as adobe and reed mat, but modern architecture such as concrete and brick as well. While the focus of the book is finishes, it begins with information on wall systems and preparation and ends with samples of international finishes. The chapters on plasters, renders and paints are packed with recipes for making your own finishes, sidebars containing interviews with hands-on professionals, even laboratory and on-site test data--everything to make your project rewarding and enjoyable. "Using Natural Finishes" truly is step by step, using both illustrations and clear, well written text to enable the reader to discover the wonder of natural ingredients. You definitely cannot go wrong with this purchase!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous product built on a sustainable premise, July 17, 2008

By 

Mary (Des Moines, IA, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Using Natural Finishes: A Step-by-Step Guide (Paperback)

This beautiful, practical book, filled with inspiring pictures and helpful instructions, encourages all of us to reclaim building practices that have been sustainable across many cultures for millennia. In first "Building with Cob" and now this book--both tributes to those who have gone before them perfecting natural building and finishing--Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce draw ancient wisdom into the 21st century, making it accessible for us all.