Natural Plaster Books

The Natural Plaster Book: Earth, Lime, and Gypsum Plasters for Natural Homes by Cedar Rose Guelberth and Daniel D. Chiras, 2002. For builders of natural homes (straw bale, cob, adobe, rammed earth, and other natural materials), this unique step-by-step guide takes the confusion out of choosing, mixing, and applying natural plasters. From principles to practicalities, and with every stage of the process illustrated, The Natural Plaster Book details the entire process of plastering with earth, lime, and gypsum for a long-lasting and durable finish. Cedar Rose Guelberth has studied architecture, design and construction for 30 years. A nationally recognized green and natural building educator and consultant, her business Building for Health Materials Center provides one-stop shopping for 7,000 products nation-wide, including a complete line of natural plaster products. Dan Chiras has several years experience of natural building and is the author of over 17 books including The Natural House (Chelsea Green, 2000). Dan is also the panelist at GreenHomeBuilding.com for the topics of solar heating and natural building.

The next choice as reference would be the Steen’s original The Straw Bale House, published back in 1994. It has a 25 page chapter devoted to plaster that includes stucco, lime, earth, and gypsum, with lots of recipes and suggested techniques. The Steen’s also co-authored an entire issue on lime plaster in The Last Straw Journal about ten years ago. Back issues are available. The Steen’s run the preeminent training center Canelo Project, in Arizona.