Little Tree Bali - Green Building Centre

Apply waterproofing first

Preparation and mixing of Tanah Taro 

Ensure you do not make more quantity of tanah taro than you can apply as the mixture will dry out if not used quickly and then it can no longer be used.

Application of Tanah Taro

The  application  of  the  Tanah  Taro  is  difficult  as  the  surface  is textured and will dry to show the strokes used to plaster it on.  Thus it is very important to follow the method discussed below to ensure a presentable surface finish.

1. Clay wall should not be applied if the environment is dusty as the dust may change the color of the clay.
2. Use a mortar board to apply the Tanah Taro
3. Ensure the waterproofing is damp to touch
4. The Tanah Taro should be applied in sweeping strokes with no hesitation
5. The method is to start in a corner and work from the top to the bottom of the wall, while working your way to the other corner. Do not do the bottom and then do the top as it will create a seam line in the middle.
6. Only one coat is necessary
7. The taro plaster should be applied to be 5‐10 mm thick. Too thin or thick will encourage cracking.
8. When the surface is dry but the Clay still wet underneath the wall should be brushed down with water to smooth out the surface. Repeat this process two to three times. This process creates the textured effect.
9. The Clay Wall will be dry in 2‐3 days.  

Maintenance

1. If  there  is  small  cracking  it  can  be  repaired  with  water and brushing generally three times.
2. Larger cracks may require the entire wall to be refinished, as application of new clay will result in a seam line.
3. If the wall shows cracking then the entire wall needs to be covered with Tanah Taro, as it is not like paint and will show up the repair line.
4. Your wall can be given added protection with the addition of SC Protect seal, which prevents water from being absorbed by the clay. This aids cleaning, in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms etc.