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Actual product color may vary from the images shown Digital swatches and images are a rough estimation of color and may vary based on digital display capabilities. To see colors accurately, we recommend testing in-person with a sample jar or sample chip.
Portola Paints

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$28

An earthy grey similar to Brava but a shade darker.

Photo 1 by @jessicabrydsonphotography for @eyeforpretty

Photo 2 by @bretwills, Design by @e.l.spin
Project: Chastellux Carriage House, Tuxedo Park NY

Photo 3 by @thewoodenpalate

Standard Finish:
Our paints and pigments consist of natural ingredients - there can be slight variation between batches

FAQ

Product Information

Data Sheets available upon request via email

Portola’s Roman Clay is an eco-friendly plaster-like finish ideal for smooth interior walls. Applied using a putty knife or trowel, Roman Clay provides a versatile finish able to achieve a wide range of stone, stucco and marble-like effects, making it a perfect fit in both traditional and contemporary settings.

This decorative, clay-based coating is made from natural ingredients, contains *no VOC’s, and lends a rustic originality to interior surfaces. Roman Clay is smooth to the touch with a mottled marble-like effect, comparable to Venetian plasters but with a more subtle, organic appeal.

Achieve a natural, ultra low sheen finish by leaving the final coat unsanded or add a protective coating and slight sheen with Portola’s Roman Clay Topcoat. 

Roman Clay is available in 75+ standard colors designed to showcase color palletes that are found in the beauty of nature.

**You may also want to consider our Portola Paints Lime Wash for a more subtle brush applied application if our Roman Clay is not suitable for your project.**

Roman Clay was designed for smooth interior drywall, preferably level 5 for the best results.

Roman Clay is not suitable for wet areas, like inside showers, or for exterior use. It was not designed for millwork like trim, doors, or cabinetry. We recommend our acrylic / enamel series for these specific applications.

Our Roman Clay is sold by weight not volume.

These square footage estimates are based on the average to include both a base coat and final coat. 

  • 1 kilo (Approx. 20 - 25 sq ft)
  • 5 kilo (Approx. 100 - 125 sq ft)
  • 10 kilo  (Approx. 200 - 250 sq ft)
  • 20 kilo  (Approx. 400 - 500 sq ft)

Need assistance calculating your square footage? Click here

Substrate Preparation

  • Roman Clay should be applied to smooth interior drywall, preferably level 5. Any texture, such as orange peel or knock-down is going to cause difficulties in application.
  • Roman Clay needs to be applied in thin, tight, overlapping coats and is not intended to fill any imperfections, holes, or gaps.

Primer

  • For new drywall surfaces - Applying a water-based, stain-blocking drywall primer with a ⅜ to ½ nap roller for the best application.
  • You may also lightly sand the primer to remove some of the texture left from the roller.
  • We recommend you always wear the proper face masks when sanding.

  • For previously painted walls - In most cases, if the surface has been previously painted with an ultra flat paint in white or a similar color to your Roman Clay, is in good condition and free of staining or patching, it is typically fine to begin your Roman Clay application.
  • However, the best practice is to prime the surface with a stain blocking primer to prevent any of the existing history of your walls from showing through. Oils and existing stains can show through if not properly prepped.
  • Sanding the primer to get rid of nap roller texture can help with application.

  • Pro Tip - You may want to use our Ultra Flat Acrylic Paint in the same color as a base coat after you prime the surface for a much smoother and quicker application. This is helpful when applying dark colors. Tinting your primer for lighter shades is also an option.

Base Coat (Roman Clay)

  • Use 8-10 inch metal or plastic knives for larger surfaces. 6 inch metal or plastic knives may be used for smaller surfaces.
  • Pull knife with material 3 to 4 ft strokes.
  • The thinner the material is pulled the faster it will dry, and the more quickly it can be recoated.
  • Make sure it’s covered approximately 60-70% opaque
  • Let dry for 2-4 hours
  • Trust the process! The first coat is intended to be a good base for the wall. You will start to see more of the movement with the final coat.

  • Pro Tip - You can use a small blade to carve clean edges while the Roman Clay is drying but still moldable. You can also use fingers to dab material into tight corners.

Sanding

  • Lightly sand high or rough spots 320-400 grit sandpaper.
  • Wipe off excess residue with a clean, dry or barely damp painter’s rag.
  • Dark colors can look chalky after sanding, so wiping with a barely damp rag can revive the color.
  • Detail corners and edges.

Final Coat (Roman Clay)

  • This is where you will start to see more highlights and movement.
  • Should take about half the time of the base coat.
  • Thin coats show more movement.
  • Use shorter strokes.
  • Pressure can affect the highlights/variation

Roman Clay Topcoat (optional)

  • Allow Roman Clay to fully dry, at least 4-6 hours (preferably overnight), prior to application of the Roman Clay Topcoat.
  • Roman Clay Topcoat should be applied just like the Roman Clay finish, using a putty knife/trowel, applying the material in a thin/tight coat.
  • Prior to application of the Roman Clay Topcoat, sanding is a necessity if there are high points.
  • Not sanding before sealing the finish may result in excess material being applied, leading to milky or discolored areas, and yellowing over time.
  • Sand any high spots down with the same 400 grit sandpaper.
  • Roman Clay Topcoat does not waterproof or stain proof the finish.

  • Pro Tip - If the finish is applied in a high moisture area, multiple thin coats of the sealer may be applied for added protection. Note that each layer of topcoat will add more sheen.

Roman Clay should be stored in a cool area out of direct sunlight. 

For the best storage we recommend using a spatula to clean the sides and lid of the bucket to prevent material from drying up and falling into the material at the bottom.

Roman Clay is a decorative wall finish which can be more delicate than a regular paint in certain applications. Can act similar to a matte or ultra flat paint. A barely damp rag should be used to wipe down the sealed or unsealed finish to try to minimize potential permanent water marks from penetrating the finish. As long as the sealer (Roman Clay Topcoat) has been applied on top of the Roman Clay it is washable with light cleaning detergents. It is recommended to use a little mild dish soap without dyes or perfumes in warm water with the soft side of a sponge to clean scuffs.

If sealed, we would recommend re-applying the sealer every few years or so just to add an extra layer of protection if the Roman Clay is in high traffic areas.

Touch Ups

A touch up with Roman Clay can be attempted but it will be a little tricky to make it “seamless.” 

Unsealed Roman Clay

  • For small scuffs that won’t come out with soap and water you can use a very fine grit (400-600) sandpaper on the area to remove it.
  • Wipe the lightly sanded areas with a barely damp rag to bring back some of the color and depth. 
  • If that is not sufficient to get rid of the mark, you can consider doing a light coat with Roman Clay and try to feather it out to make it blend in as best as possible. 

Roman Clay with Topcoat

  • If you use very fine grit sandpaper on a small scuff to remove it you will want to apply a thin layer of the protective sealer on to the sanded area.
  • You can consider buffing in the sealer with an old t-shirt or a painter’s rag.
  • Be mindful to not overlap the sealer with existing sealer to minimize overlapping lines and added sheen.

Important health & safety cautions: Inhalation of mist, dust or similar particulate matter resulting from spraying or sanding can be harmful. Use or apply only with sufficient ventilation. Wear NIOSH-approved N95 particulate filter mask when spraying or sanding.  Do not ingest! If inadvertently swallowed, immediately drink 1 or 2 glasses of water and contact a physician. Dial 911 emergency services in the event of severe adverse reaction. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. In the event of eye contact,  immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. In the event of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Check to ensure that container is completely sealed after each use. Keep away from children.

Applicable to California residents: 

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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Roman Clay - key features

Roman Clay

Roman Clay is a paint/plaster hybrid material intended to be used on smooth interior walls. Roman Clay is applied in thin overlapping layers with a trowel or putty knife.

Applied with a putty knife or trowel, Roman Clay is a bit more time consuming to apply compared to traditional interior paints, but is very user friendly and very easily controlled. All the movement and dimension that you see in a finished product is visable during application.

Overlapping layers applied with a putty knife will create variation in color. Light colors will show less movement. Also, to avoid gray burnish marks you may want to use plastic putty knives.

Overlapping layers applied with a putty knife will create variation in color. Dark colors will show more movement. We recommend using flexible stainless steel knives for medium to dark colors.

Roman Clay Topcoat is a water based sealer that can be applied over any Roman Clay color to create a subtle sheen and a wipable surface. The Topcoat will darken the colors 10-20% depending on the shade. It is recommended for use in high traffic areas.

Learn about the differences between Lime Wash & Roman Clay! This informative video will help you choose the perfect finish for your space.

Which one will you choose?