Recipes & Tutorials
Plaster Recipes

Plaster Recipes

Basic Plaster

Composition:

  • 1 part clay (rich soil)
  • 2.5 parts sand
  • 3 parts fresh cow dung

Attention: Depending on the amount of clay in your soil, you need to adapt the recipe. This recipe assumes a clay amount of 30-40%. You can test the amount by using the ribbon technique.

Process:

  1. Dissolve the clay in water over night
  2. Sieve the sand at 20/30 m
  3. Remove silt from sand
  4. Mix all ingredients well until no more lumps

Testing

For the best results, mix smaller amounts in different ratios and keep track of the compositions. Apply on a surface (eg. clay wall, plaster boeard, wood) and wait until dry. Spray water on all samples to see which one withstands best.

Local Shit Website Local Shit Website

Application: Apply as finish coat for water resistance and binding.

Free download of detailed recipe & tutorial: Waterproof Plaster Basic Recipe

Extended Plaster Recipe

Composition:

  • 3 (5 gallon) buckets of 1/16 inch sifted sand
  • 1 bucket of screened clay
  • 1 bucket fresh screened cow manure (not dried)
  • 8 cups wheat waste
  • Fluff of 3-4 cattails

Process:

  1. Screen all materials to remove debris
  2. Mix dry ingredients first
  3. Add cow manure gradually
  4. Add water slowly while mixing
  5. Apply in thin, even coats

Source: Liloia, Z. 2024

Finishes

Dung Slurry:

Application: A water-resistant shell can be made by creating a slurry. Cowdung is mixed with water to form a paste and then applied on top of plasters and floors.

Warning: If applied carelessly, it can result in mechanical weathering and decay of the crust.

Source: Gur-Arieh et al, 2018

Double boiled linseed oil:

Take a brush or spray bottle and slowly apply the oil. The material will absorb it quite fast. You will need to apply multiple layers to avoid stains. Appearance: Very dark compared to other finishing methods. Waterproof Ability: High - recommended for areas that are exposed to a lot of water Price: €€

Local Shit Website Above: Compact cow manure plaster finished with double boiled linseed oil

Linseed oil bee wax Apply with brush or sponge. You might need to repeat multiple times to avoid stains. Appearance: Slightly darker, waxy finish Waterproof Ability: High - recommended for areas that are exposed to a lot of water like show- ers Price: €€€

Wheat paste Recipe: 1 part flour, 2 parts cold water mixed, then added to 3 parts boiling water, cooked until thickened. Apply with brush. Appearance: Light, matt Waterproof Ability: Low - medium Price: €

Local Shit Website Above: Slurry cow manure top waxed bottom wheat paste finish

Tips

  • Local clay can be easily found at construction / escavation sites
  • Color of the clay will influence the color of the plaster
  • Use fresh cowdung for best water resistance
  • Apply in multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat
  • Allow proper drying time between coats
  • Consider local climate conditions during application