Cob: Plaster finish question

Sun Aug 24 16:06:59 CDT 2003

        I have some beautiful red clay which I would like to add to a very 
white lime plaster for finishing my cob wall. I went down to Home Despot to see 
what they had in the way of white sand that I could use to make the very white 
plaster. They have something called "Caribbean play sand." It is white and 
very fine in texture. I took a pinch from a broken open bag and added a little 
of it to vinegar and it fizzes like crazy. This means that it is either coral 
reef or sea shells which have been ground up. 
       At the price drywall joint compound would be cheaper, and you get a 
free bucket with every purchase, and it might be more environmentally friendly 
too.
       My question is: Has anyone ever used corral or ground up sea shells 
with lime to make a finish plaster? How does it work? I would rather use a white 
silicon sand, and there are a couple other places near Washington that have 
yet to try. 
       Another alternative is to use any sand and then apply a pure lime 
white wash, but I remember white washes of my youth that came off on your hands 
and clothing every time you touche them, and I don't want that either. 
       Can anyone tell me what works the best on cob?
Ed
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<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT  SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">        I have some beautiful red clay which I would like to add to a very white lime plaster for finishing my cob wall. I went down to Home Despot to see what they had in the way of white sand that I could use to make the very white plaster. They have something called "Caribbean play sand." It is white and very fine in texture. I took a pinch from a broken open bag and added a little of it to vinegar and it fizzes like crazy. This means that it is either coral reef or sea shells which have been ground up. <BR>
       At the price drywall joint compound would be cheaper, and you get a free bucket with every purchase, and it might be more environmentally friendly too.<BR>
       My question is: Has anyone ever used corral or ground up sea shells with lime to make a finish plaster? How does it work? I would rather use a white silicon sand, and there are a couple other places near Washington that have yet to try. <BR>
       Another alternative is to use any sand and then apply a pure lime white wash, but I remember white washes of my youth that came off on your hands and clothing every time you touche them, and I don't want that either. <BR>
       Can anyone tell me what works the best on cob?<BR>
Ed</FONT></HTML>

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