Spraying Clay Slip

We used a plaster gun to spray the slip on. The actual making of the slip took much longer than the applying.

Here's the process:

the clay mix was screened on 1/2 inch wire mesh over one trash can

hydrated until entirely covered & stirred with a hoe

the mix settled out for a few days till the water on top ran clear

the water was then scooped off leaving just a little for the clay slurry and felt like the consistency of heavy cream

this was then poured in 1 gallon batches over a window screen secured with a bungee cord over another trash can

The Results

One trash can of finely screened slip covered about 240 square feet.

Applying the Slip

It took two people to use the plaster gun since the batch sits on top of the gun in a large funnel which is difficult to balance while trying not to drench the wall.

It took a half hour to apply and the slip dried in 24 hours

Our Slip Soloist painted flour paste glue onto the straw bale brace boards prior to spraying the slip. Wood needs this adhesion coat of flour paste and sand for the first coat of plaster to bind to. More like binding to like.

So on to the first plaster batch known as the "Discovery Coat"