Knowing that most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoor and that because of the large surface area they cover, wall finishes can have a significant impact on our health; therefore careful selection of wall treatment materials makes a lot of sense. Plaster generally provides a healthy choice for interiors. The labor involved in its application makes it a more expensive option but because of its durability and its natural beauty, plaster is often preferred over paint. It has the ability to block VOC’s present in gypsum lath or paint, when applied over existing walls. While genuine natural plasters like eco stucco™ are toxin-free, some plasters like those based on acrylic contain toxic additives that are subject to health risks. It is best to verify the presence of these additives since VOC concentrations can register ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Comparing labels and obtaining the manufacturer's safety data sheet is a good starting point. If not provided at the point of purchase, call the manufacturer or visit their website to obtain a copy. Some plasters may claim a low VOC content before color is added. Always prefer natural mineral pigments to preserve the integrity of the finished product.
Lime Wash
One of the oldest types of paint, lime wash is regaining interest for its distinctive look and long proven benefits. Walls and façades protected with lime wash or lime paint have an old world look that can be identified with subtle variations in colors and natural mottling effects. Lime is non-toxic. It is environmentally safe. It is vapor permeable so it allows walls to breathe. A natural bactericide, it wards off insects and mold. Mineral, lime is extremely durable. It does not peel, crack, or blister. It repels water, stands up to temperature variations and weathers well both indoors and outdoors. Lime wash is applied in several coats to achieve any kind of density. Lime paint, on the other hand, is thicker and less translucent. It spreads more evenly and requires only one or two coats. A true lime wash or lime paint comes pre-mixed and only requires the addition of water on the job site. For instance both application techniques can be achieved with MURALIME, based on various water ratios. Both work best on porous substrates. Unless applied on stone, brick, or other absorbent supports, the initial application of a key coat like UNILIME will facilitate and optimize the mechanical adherence of the finish – typical over a primed gypsum lath.
LEED-H
Once again eco stucco™ is proud to be involved with one of Mc Donald Development current LEED projects. The Tiburon Bay House, located in the San Francisco Bay Area is conceived as a contemporary, innovative approach to sustainable living and designed by the renowned San Francisco firm of Butler Armsden Architects. It is slated to be one of the first LEED-H Platinum certified custom homes in Northern California, far surpassing the number of points required to reach Platinum Level. The eco stucco™ brown coat – pure natural hydraulic lime, Portland cement free - is reaching its final 10-day curing cycle and is ready for the finish coat. The smooth finish will be achieved with TRADILIME – a proprietary lime binder designed to mix with local sand and therefore qualifying for “materials and resources” LEED points.
Mc Donald Development current LEED projects. The Tiburon Bay House, located in the San Francisco Bay Area is conceived as a contemporary, innovative approach to sustainable living and designed by the renowned San Francisco firm of Butler Armsden Architects. It is slated to be one of the first LEED-H Platinum certified custom homes in Northern California, far surpassing the number of points required to reach Platinum Level. The eco stucco™ brown coat – pure natural hydraulic lime, Portland cement free - is reaching its final 10-day curing cycle and is ready for the finish coat. The smooth finish will be achieved with TRADILIME – a proprietary lime binder designed to mix with local sand and therefore qualifying for “materials and resources” LEED points. 
and that because of the large surface area they cover, wall finishes can have a significant impact on our health; therefore careful selection of wall treatment materials makes a lot of sense. Plaster generally provides a healthy choice for interiors. The labor involved in its application makes it a more expensive option but because of its durability and its natural beauty, plaster is often preferred over paint. It has the ability to block VOC’s present in gypsum lath or paint, when applied over existing walls. While genuine natural plasters like eco stucco™ are toxin-free, some plasters like those based on acrylic contain toxic additives that are subject to health risks. It is best to verify the presence of these additives since VOC concentrations can register ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Comparing labels and obtaining the manufacturer's safety data sheet is a good starting point. If not provided at the point of purchase, call the manufacturer or visit their website to obtain a copy. Some plasters may claim a low VOC content before color is added. Always prefer 
interest for its distinctive look and long proven benefits. Walls and façades protected with lime wash or lime paint have an old world look that can be identified with subtle variations in colors and natural mottling effects. 
