Breathable clay plasters
A range of fully breathable clay plasters is available for finish coat, undercoat and one-coat applications. No chemical reaction takes place when the clay is applied, as it hardens by drying and can be reworked by adding water. Straw and flax fibres are added to increase strength and prevent cracking.
Natural paint
Emulsion in a range of colours is the latest addition to NBT's natural paints, including four pre-mixed off-whites and 30 colour concentrates. Unlike most modern paints, the natural paints contain no persistent volatile organic compounds and are designed to have minimal environmental impact.
Alternative to gypsum
A clayboard is available for internal walls and ceilings as an alternative to gypsum plasterboard. The board can absorb moisture and odours and has good insulation properties. Picture hooks, wallpaper and paints can be fixed to the board once it has been coated.
Recycled insulation
Cellulose fibre is a natural insulation material made from recycled newsprint. It has low thermal conductivity, is non-toxic and non-irritant and can be handled without protective clothing. It can be sprayed or laid by hand and is said to be resistant to fire, fungus, dry rot and pests.
Tar paint
Black timber preservation paint has been introduced as a one-coat tar paint for exterior timber. It contains no VOCs because it is made from natural asphalt and linseed oil. It can be used on timber framing, sawn timber and cladding and as subsurface timber protection where wood is in direct contact with soil. It can also be used in place of creosote.
Earth plasters
Self-coloured, self-finish earth plasters are available for use on internal walls and ceilings. The plasters can be applied to masonry, plasterboard, clayboard or lime basecoat plaster. Breathable and non-toxic, they are made by blending graded clays, silt and fine aggregates.
Breathable silicate masonry paint
Silicate masonry paint is available for renovation work when lime paint is not suitable. It can be used on any mineral-based surface, such as stone, masonry, concrete and pebble dash, or for covering old silicate-based paint. Suitable for internal and external use, the paint is washable and weather-resistant.
Ecolor for greener floors
A new flooring system called Ecolor will be available in February. Ecolor is supplied as a powder and is mixed with water to create a self-levelling screed. Various finishes are available, including swirled, blended, streaked, marbled and plain.
Natural varnish
Ecotec is a flexible, water-resistant and weatherproof linseed oil-based varnish for use on surfaces such as windows and doors. It is available in pine, walnut, oak and ebony for internal and external applications, and in clear and white for internal use.
Protective paint for timber
Scandinavian red paint is a protective coating for exterior timber. Made from rainwater, linseed oil, breakfast rye and rust, the paint is water-resistant and weatherproof and is most suitable for barns, stables and fencing. It should not be used on planed joinery such as windows and doors.