Gary & Community:
good morning! I am new to this site, as of 2 minutes ago. I am in southern Arizona, U.S.A.

I am interested if in the book on California lime plaster history if there is any information about sealing the plaster.

I have finished the first coat of lime plaster in a shower stall that is constructed of 2x6 wood frame with straw-earth in-fill between the studs. Definitely learning about its requirements as I go.

ONe of my teachers (Bill Steen) gave me the instructions for this process, though, he didn't give me the sealing technique, told me to wait until I was done with the final coat and finished painting and then he'd pass on his technique. Unfortunately, he's now off teaching in rural Mexico I believe, and not reachable.

I want to begin the second coat tomorrow morning, and I'm desperately searching for information about a safe and sound sealer. I realize I may be doing some repair work down the road, with all the splashing of water on the surfaces. I accept that. The shower stall I used up at my teacher's place a few months back, is beautifully frescoed, with minor softening in certain areas (the soap holder that is sculpted from the wall) that collect more water.

Do you have any recommendation(s) of what I should use to make the surface more repellent to water?

(Will have information to contribute to this forum on what I will and what I won't do on the next bathroom project down the road a few months...another earthen-straw project.)

thank you & community for any advice,
Margo