Explore the Art and Science of Natural Plasters and Paints. This hands-on experience will focus learning how natural finishes protect, strengthen, and enhance earthen structures.

Learn to create eco-friendly, non-synthetic plasters and paints using natural materials such as lime, clay, sand, and plant-based additives.

What will we do?

• Learn how to mix and apply lime plasters, lime-based paints, and clay-based paints to earthen and conventional structures

• Understand material ratios and how to adjust recipes for different conditions

• Create natural pigments and coloured finishes from simple ingredients

• Techniques for sealing and waterproofing, including polished lime-plasters for wet areas

• Plaster an outdoor rocket stove

• Methods for preparing surfaces and applying base and finish coats

• Colour our world naturally

  
  
  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

What are Natural Plasters and Paints?

Natural plasters and paints are finishes made from earth-based and non-toxic materials such as clay, lime, sand, and natural pigments. Unlike synthetic coatings, they are breathable, allowing moisture to move through surfaces, which helps regulate humidity and prevent mold.

Used for both protection and aesthetics, natural plasters and paints create durable, healthy finishes that enhance indoor air quality while connecting buildings more closely to the natural environment.

Who This Is For:

This workshop is open to anyone interested in working more closely with natural materials, including:

• Builders and designers

• Homesteaders and farmers

• Artists and makers

• Anyone curious about sustainable, non-toxic finishes for both natural and conventional buildings

  
  

Course Details

Where

Durga's Den is a ecological farm and guesthouse located in St. Ann, Jamaica (about 20 minutes from Ocho Rios). The site practices and demonstrates permaculture techniques and natural building. Accommodation is available on-site. See details below for accommodation options.

When

April 4th- 5th 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Cost

$15,000 JMD / $95 USD

How to Join:

Register and make your payment. Payment is needed to secure your spot. We have two payment options:

• Pay in full 

• Pay in 2 installments: 50% deposit + 50% balance by the start of the course

How to Pay:

• Pay online using your card (all major debit and credit cards accepted)

• Pay via bank transfer (both Jamaican and international).

• Pay in cash. Make a deposit at our bank or contact us to arrange payment.

*If paying via bank transfer or cash deposit, our payments page has our banking information and more details, once you register. We'll hold your spot for 2 days to allow your transfer to reach us. After that, we may release your spot if we haven't received it .

Topics

Lime and Clay-Based Paints

• Explore natural paint making

• Create lime based paints and clay based paints for earthen walls and conventional concrete surfaces

• Explore mix ratios, material preparation and the use of clay as a natural pigment

• Practical application techniques

• Colour, Creativity and Connection to materials

Lime Plastering and Polishing Techniques

• Making of Lime Plaster

• Application of lime plaster to a sink and rocket stove

• Learn how to create smooth, durable finishes and transform surfaces into water-resistant (hydrophobic) forms.

• Explore techniques suitable for both covered and exposed environments

  
  

. FAQs and Details