Moroccan Clay Plaster FAQs answer common questions about application methods, priming, sealing, coverage, durability, eco-friendliness, and how Moroccan Clay compares to lime and Roman clay plasters.
Yes, beginners and DIYers can apply Moroccan Clay plaster, as its fine clay based formulation makes it smooth, forgiving, and easy to work with. It spreads effortlessly and naturally creates color depth and movement. However, achieving a fully uniform finish may take practice, so testing on a sample board is recommended before starting.
Moroccan Clay is a natural clay-based plaster, while Roman Clay is gypsum-based. Clay-based plasters are more durable, more opaque, and offer fuller coverage, typically requiring only two coats, whereas gypsum plasters often need additional layers. Moroccan Clay also delivers about 20% more coverage, making it more budget-friendly. Both finishes are DIY-friendly and easy to apply.
Moroccan Clay plaster is available in Meoded’s curated collection of 88 colors. It can also be custom color matched to nearly any shade, providing excellent flexibility for designers and homeowners. This allows you to achieve the precise color and look you want for any interior space.
Moroccan Clay is designed for interior use only. Its natural clay composition provides rich depth, movement, and breathability, but it is not formulated to withstand outdoor weather conditions. For exterior projects, a more durable lime-based plaster is recommended to ensure long-term performance and reliable weather resistance.
Moroccan Clay is best applied over smooth interior surfaces, with Level 5 drywall preferred for the most seamless results. Surface texture or imperfections can make application more challenging and may require extra coats to achieve a smooth refined finish. Always use Meoded Quartz Primer for adhesion, along with any substrate-specific primer needed beforehand.
Yes, priming is essential before applying Moroccan Clay. New drywall should be primed with a PVA primer, while previously painted surfaces with sheen require light sanding followed by a multipurpose primer. After the substrate-specific primer is applied, apply a coat of Meoded’s Quartz Primer. Flat painted surfaces typically need only the Quartz Primer before application.
Moroccan Clay is available in quarts, gallons, and 4-gallon buckets to suit projects of any size. A quart covers approximately 30–35 sq ft for a two-coat application, a gallon covers 120–140 sq ft, and a 4-gallon bucket covers roughly 480–560 sq ft for its full 2 coat system.
Moroccan Clay is applied with a stainless steel, rounded-edge trowel in a two-coat application. For light colors, using a Meoded Whiteout Trowel helps prevent carbon marks. It cannot be rolled on, as plaster is much thicker than paint and requires trowel application to achieve the proper texture and finish.
Moroccan Clay is typically applied in two coats. Its natural clay formulation provides high opacity and excellent coverage, allowing for a smooth, seamless finish in just two layers. While two coats are sufficient for most interiors, a third coat can be added if the surface wasn’t originally smooth or if wanting extra dimension and depth within the finish.
The visual movement in Moroccan Clay can vary between colors. Lighter tones often highlight texture and depth more subtly, while deeper or more saturated hues create richer, more pronounced movement. All colors, however, maintain the plaster’s natural depth and layered finish.
Sealing Moroccan Clay is optional but can help protect the surface and make maintenance easier. A sealer can enhance washability, reduce dusting, and simplify cleaning. For most interior applications, the plaster performs beautifully unsealed, preserving its natural breathability while high traffic areas can benefit from topcoats like Stain Shield, PlasterGuard sealer, or Hydrowax.
Moroccan Clay is far more DIY-friendly, spreading smoothly to create a consistent matte to low-sheen finish. Lime plasters, however, require greater skill and technique. They offer higher durability and a much wider range of finishes from glossy, matte, sandstone, or textured; making them ideal for experienced applicators and specialized designs.
Yes. Moroccan Clay plaster is a mineral-based finish made from natural clay, with zero VOCs. It’s breathable, non-toxic, and low-energy to produce, making it an eco-friendly alternative to acrylic coatings and a healthier choice for interior spaces.
Moroccan Clay plaster is not waterproof, but it is naturally breathable and mildly water-resistant once dry. It can handle light moisture or occasional splashes, but it shouldn’t be used in showers or constantly wet areas. For added protection in kitchens, bathrooms, or high-touch zones, a sealer or topcoat is recommended.
Moroccan Clay plaster is durable for everyday interior use, especially on standard wall surfaces. While not as durable as lime plasters, it holds up well to normal wear and minor contact. For high-traffic areas or homes with kids or pets, adding a protective sealer can improve scuff resistance and make the surface easier to maintain.
Moroccan Clay plaster is low-maintenance. For routine care, dust the walls gently or wipe with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasive pads, or excessive moisture, as the finish is not waterproof. If sealed, it becomes more stain-resistant and easier to clean, but still benefits from gentle, non-abrasive maintenance.
Moroccan Clay plaster is applied in thin, layered coats, typically about 1/32″ per coat, resulting in roughly 1/16″ total thickness after two coats. This thin application helps achieve its smooth, seamless look without adding significant buildup to the wall surface.
Moroccan Clay usually dries in 3–4 hours per coat, but it’s recommended to allow at least 8 hours of dry time before applying the next layer. After the final coat is completed, the finish should cure for a full 24 hours before any sealer is applied to ensure proper bonding and long-term performance.
Moroccan Clay plaster should not crack because its natural clay formulation hardens gradually and remains more flexible unlike cement-based plasters. Cracking can occur only when surfaces are improperly prepared, movement in the substrate, or coats are applied too thick. With proper priming, thin even coats, and correct dry times, Moroccan Clay delivers a smooth, durable, crack-free finish.
Yes, Moroccan Clay plaster can be repaired if damaged. Minor scuffs, scratches, or small dents can be spot-patched using the same material and blended seamlessly into the existing finish. If a patch doesn’t blend perfectly or if the damage is large, applying a thin additional coat over the entire surface will restore a seamless, elegant look.
Yes, you can apply clay plaster over drywall. New drywall should first receive a coat of PVA primer followed by a coat of Quartz Primer for proper adhesion. Once primed, Moroccan Clay can be applied in thin, even coats, creating a smooth, durable, natural finish that bonds well to drywall.
Clay plaster is used to create natural, breathable interior wall finishes with a soft, earthy aesthetic. It regulates humidity, improves indoor air quality, and provides a warm, handcrafted look. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, feature walls, and wellness spaces, clay plaster adds texture, depth, and a sustainable, eco-friendly finish to interior surfaces.
These Moroccan Clay Plaster FAQs are designed to help homeowners, designers, and contractors understand preparation, layering, sealing options, and long-term performance before choosing a clay plaster finish.