Japanese Plasters

Japanese Plasters

Following the spread of Buddhism, lime plaster was first introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century.  The original purpose was to provide a canvas for religious paintings.  When lime plaster was first introduced to Japan, paper fibers were mostly likely used in place of hemp.




Traditionally, the manufacturing of lime was energy intensive and lime was a valuable commodity in pre-industrial Japan.  Therefore, it was used very sparingly.  Japanese lime finishes are usually applied a few millimeter thick over an earthen plaster, and in some cases, over a sand-lime plaster.  Their primary function is to protect earthen plastered walls from rain erosion.  Depending on exposure, the lifespan of exterior Japanese lime plaster over earth is about 20 years. In this sense, it is a kind of sacrificial layer protecting a bamboo lattice and earthen plastered wall that will last over one-hundred years.

Japanese lime plaster was developed to allow large, uninterrupted earthen walls to be finished without joints. That is, by improving work-ability and moisture retention, Japanese lime plaster allows for the walls of castles and earthen store houses to be finished without interruption, so there are no joints in the finish plaster.

Since Japanese lime plaster is often applied very thinly over a very large area, it must maintain its work-ability and delay hardening until the entire wall can be finished. In order to increase moisture retention and delay set-up, seaweed glues were added to hydrated lime.  The seaweed glue retains moisture and delays hardening, which improves work-ability.

Traditional Japanese lime plasters consist of hydrated lime, seaweed glue, and plant fibers. Kiwado Plasters are produced from natural ingredients under strict ecological standards.Kiwado Plasters use these natural ingredients, creating a healthy living environment while being light on the earth.

(1) Building upon 400 years of tradition, Kiwado NAGOMI is a time honored Japanese lime plaster consisting of hydrated lime, plant fibers and seaweed glue.
(2) Kiwado HIKARI is Kiwado's finest lime plaster and polishes easily.
(3) Kiwado OTSU is a classic earth-lime finish traditionally used in entrance ways and anywhere a more durable, yet unimposing finish is desired.
(4) Consisting of 50% diatomaceous earth, Kiwado IBUKI provides the highest indoor air quality and is recommended for critical areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms. Due to special geological processes, the pores of Japanese diatomite are uncharacteristically small, creating an incredible ability to moderate humidity and absorb VOCs.


 The name Kiwado (木和土) consists of three Chinese characters. Ki (木) means “tree”, representing the living world. Wa (和) means “harmony”, the most fundamental principle of Japanese architecture and landscapes. And Do (土) means “earth”, the foundation of our work. Taken together, Kiwado strives for the harmony of all life on Earth.

  Our work is embodied in the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and ecological living. Kiwado Plasters are at the interface of traditional Japanese plastering and a modern ecological lifestyle. They can be incorporated into almost any building, from traditional earthen walls to modern construction.

  
Of course, all Kiwado Plasters are Zero VOC and compatible with standard alkiline and UV resistant pigments. Kiwado also offers interior and exterior base coats, sealers and top coats to ensure durability and compatibility with sub-surfaces, etc.



Thank you for reading!


Courtesy - http://www.japaneseplastering.com.