This article walks through how to apply Earthaus Sand Finish, from substrate preparation through mixing and both coats. It is a summary of the official Earthaus Sand Finish Application Guide, adapted for clarity and ease of reference. To view the full document, see the Earthaus Sand Finish Application Guide (PDF).
What Is Sand Finish?
Earthaus Sand Finish is an interior lime plaster with a coarse, matte, granular texture.
This finish is unsealed and not suitable for shower or wet areas.
Intended for architectural texture with a natural, raw look.
Materials Summary
Total system thickness: 1/16"
Two 1/32" coats of Sand Plaster (credit card thickness)
Mineral Pigment: One Pigment Pack per bag of Sand Plaster
No sealer is used — the finish remains matte and breathable
Primer: Required (with Earthaus Primer Grit additive)
Properties
Made with US-quarried lime, pumice, mineral pigments, and a plant-based binder
100% natural, zero VOC, no chemical additives
Absorbs CO₂ and re-carbonates into limestone
Mold and mildew resistant
Breathable and highly workable
Where Sand Finish Can Be Used
Suitable For:
Interior dry walls
Accent or feature walls
Decorative matte plaster finish
Not Suitable For:
Showers or any wet-area applications (not sealed)
Exterior application
Substrate Preparation
Approved Substrates:
Level-4 finished drywall
Previously painted drywall (must be clean and dry)
Sample boards: sheetrock, MDF, tile backer board, ceramic bisque tiles
Lime plaster basecoats
Not Approved:
Plywood and particleboard (risk of tannin discoloration)
Primer Instructions:
Use a zero-to-low VOC primer.
Add 1 cup of Earthaus Primer Grit per gallon.
Mix with drill + paddle for 30 seconds.
Apply 1 even coat with roller or brush.
Allow to dry fully before plastering.
Application Sequence
Substrate preparation (primer with grit)
Sand Plaster Base Coat (1/32")
Sand Plaster Finish Coat (1/32")
Mixing Instructions — Sand Plaster
Add 2 gallons of water to a 5-gal bucket.
Add full Pigment Pack to water; mix vigorously with high-RPM drill.
Strain pigmented water through 5-gallon mesh strainer.
Add powdered plaster in thirds, mixing thoroughly between each.
Final mix: 3 minutes minimum, high RPM.
Adjust water slightly if needed — aim for thick milkshake consistency.
Coat Details
Base Coat:
Apply evenly at 1/32".
When ~60% dry, smooth with clean trowel to eliminate ridges.
Let dry fully before finish coat.
Color lightens significantly when dry.
Finish Coat:
Apply a "tight coat" slightly thicker than the largest aggregate grains.
When firm but still damp, apply a second tight coat ("double back").
For textured effects, use tools to imprint patterns while wet.
For smoother finish, burnish lightly when semi-dry.
Color will lighten after drying.
Tips & Common Issues
Avoid high spots: Uneven base coats can telegraph into finish coat.
Do not overapply: Thick coats increase cracking risk.
Burnishing caution: Excessive pressure can bruise or darken surface.
Ambient conditions: Dry time and finish result depend on temperature and humidity.
Storage & Disposal
Storage: Mixed Sand Plaster: 14 days covered at room temperature; Dry Sand Plaster: up to 1 year in low humidity; remix thoroughly before reuse.
Disposal: Allow excess plaster to dry in container, then discard in trash.
Tools List
Category | Tools Needed |
Substrate Prep | Drill, small mixing paddle, roller or brush |
Mixing | 1200 RPM drill, egg-beater paddle, mesh strainer |
Application | Hawk, trowel, scraping knife |
Project Consultation
Earthaus offers technical consultation with experts for project-specific questions.
© 2025 Earthaus Plaster LLC.
Still Have Questions?
Email [email protected] or text 1-800-917-2414.