Essential Natural Plasters

Create Beautiful, Durable Finishes with Natural Plasters That Last for Generations

Part of the Sustainable Building Essentials Series, Essential Natural Plasters is the definitive hands-on guide to working with clay, lime, and gypsum plasters for healthy, high-performance interior and exterior finishes. Learn how to create breathable, low-impact surfaces that regulate moisture naturally and deliver timeless beauty.

What You'll Learn

Healthy, High-Performance Finishes: Use breathable plaster systems that manage moisture, improve indoor air quality, and contribute to long-lasting buildings.
Materials and Recipes That Work: Source site soils, sands, fibers, and binders, and learn proven recipes for clay, lime, gypsum, and specialty plasters.
Interior and Exterior Applications: Apply plasters in dry and wet environments, including durable exterior finishes and specialty plasters such as tadelakt for bathrooms.
Substrate Preparation Made Clear: Prepare surfaces ranging from straw bale and cob to lath and drywall for reliable adhesion and durability.
Step-by-Step Techniques: Learn how to set up a safe, efficient worksite and master mixing, testing, tinting, repairing, and applying plasters with confidence.
Expert Recipes and Real-World Insight: Access coveted plaster formulas and techniques from leading practitioners across North America and Europe.


Richly illustrated and deeply researched, this guide functions as both a practical how-to manual and a trusted reference for ongoing projects. It is ideal for owner-builders, natural builders, designers, and professionals seeking beautiful, durable, and low-impact finishes.

Written by Michael Henry and Tina Therrien, respected practitioners with decades of hands-on experience, Essential Natural Plasters distills hard-won knowledge, experimentation, and best practices into a clear, accessible resource.

Explore the full Sustainable Building Essentials Series for highly illustrated, step-by-step guidance on natural materials, resilient construction methods, and high-performance building systems.