Back HomePart 4: Natural Finishes — Plasters and Flooring

About the package

Master the Art of Natural Finishes: Create Beautiful, Breathable, and Chemical-Free Interiors & Exteriors

The final finish of a home defines its character and its health. Modern paints and plasters can seal our homes with toxic chemicals, but traditional methods offer a breathable, beautiful, and non-toxic alternative. This course package is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of natural finishes, from durable earthen plasters to vibrant clay paints.

Learn from a team with 15 years of mastery in zero-cement construction and wrap your home in the beauty of nature.

What You Will Master in This Package

• Create and apply over 10 different types of traditional, cement-free plasters.
• Formulate and use natural, non-toxic paints and lime washes.
• Understand the principles of creating durable, healthy floors.
• Gain the confidence to create stunning Mural Art using natural pigments.
• Learn to identify, prepare, and apply finishes for a healthy, breathable home.

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Course Curriculum

Part A: Your Complete Guide to Natural Finishes

This is the core of your learning journey. You will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in every aspect of natural plasters and finishes.

• 4.1 Introduction to Natural Finishes: (Prologue, History of Plasters, Health Concerns with Modern Materials, Journey of Thannal, Tools, Wall Preparation, Curing, Troubleshooting, and much more).
• 4.2 Thannal's Natural Plasters and Layers - All Thannal plasters with mixes and techniques and many more.
• 4.2 A. Bharatiya Cowdung Earthen Plaster – A time-tested plaster using cow dung for strength and earthy finish.
• 4.2 B. Ayurvedic Charcoal-Turmeric Cowdung Plaster – Combines medicinal turmeric and charcoal with cow dung for antimicrobial properties.
• 4.2 C. Egg-Enriched Beige Mud & Lime Plaster – Uses egg white for enhanced binding and smoother finish.
• 4.2 D. Orange Hue & Husk-Infused Lime Mud Plaster – Natural husk adds texture and the hue brings warmth to interiors.
• 4.2 E. Lime Blended Ash & Natural Mud Plaster – Ash acts as a pozzolanic additive and gives black colour for water resistance and durability.
• 4.2 F. Pozzolanic Lime Fusion & Mud Hue Plaster – A balanced blend for strength and breathability with a rich earthen tone.
• 4.2 G. Traditional Pozzolanic Lime Heritage Plaster – A historic blend of lime and surkhi, known for its longevity and refined finish in heritage buildings.
• 4.3 Lime washes and Clay paints/plasters
• BONUS CONTENT: Mural Art using Natural colours with Artist Ari Glass
• 4.8: Natural Flooring - Learn natural flooring from the ground up, with base layers, limecrete, DPC and natural tile, stone, earthen and cowdung finishes for durable, breathable floors.

Part B: BONUS - Includes Foundational Materials Knowledge

To ensure your success, this Finishes Package also includes the complete Part 1: Essential Materials course as a free bonus. This foundational wisdom is crucial for any natural builder.

• 1.1 Introduction to Natural Building: (Evolution of Shelters, Ancient Textbooks, The "Jagrat" Concept)
• 1.2 Mud: (Soil Components, Mud Tests: Cigar Test, Ball Drop Test, Mud Bottle Test)
• 1.3 Bamboo: (Types of Bamboo, Harvesting, Traditional Treatment Methods)
• 1.4 Lime: (The Lime Cycle, Slaking of Lime, Field Tests for Quality)
• 1.5 Surkhi: (What is Pozzolanic material?, How to Make Surkhi, Benefits & Uses)
• 1.6 Admixtures Part-1: (Kadukkai - Jaggery Mix, Neem, Cow Dung, Natural Fibers)

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Who Should Enroll in This Course?

• Homeowners & Families seeking to create a non-toxic, chemical-free, and healthy living environment.
• Architects, Engineers & Designers who want to offer clients authentic, sustainable, and beautiful interior and exterior finishes.
• Builders & Craftspeople looking to expand their skills into the growing field of natural plasters.
• Artists & Creatives inspired to work with natural pigments and create art that is part of the building itself.
• Anyone who loves and cares for the earth and wishes to build in harmony with it.

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Hear From Our Learners

Google review excerpt · Thannal’s 10-day hands-on workshop

“We were taught many many sampling techniques… We were also allowed to try our own ratio of mixing in Plastering…”
— KRISH RAM

Read this review on Google Maps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use these natural finishes on my existing modern (cement or painted) walls?
Yes, it is often possible, but wall preparation is key. Modern surfaces are typically non-absorbent and need a proper base coat or "scratch coat" to ensure the natural plaster bonds correctly. The course covers wall preparation techniques to help you adapt these finishes to different types of existing structures.

Do I need any prior building or plastering experience to take this course?
No prior experience is necessary. This course is designed to guide you step-by-step, from understanding the materials to the final application. It is ideal for a wide range of learners, including complete beginners, professionals, and homeschooling students looking to learn a new hands-on craft. The course is especially suited for homeowners—whether you plan to do the work yourself or wish to gain the expertise to confidently hire and guide a local mason through these traditional techniques.

Are the materials for these finishes difficult or expensive to find?
Most of the primary materials, like mud, lime, and sand, are widely available and often very affordable. The course guides you on how to identify and source suitable local materials. Some specific admixtures might require more searching, but we provide guidance and recipes based on traditional knowledge.

How durable are natural plasters compared to cement or acrylic paints?
When made and applied correctly, traditional lime and mud plasters are incredibly durable and have been proven to last for centuries in historical buildings across India. They are "breathable," which helps manage moisture and prevents the kind of peeling and bubbling seen with modern sealed paints. The course teaches you the proper techniques to ensure longevity.

What kind of support can I expect during the course?
This is a self-paced online course allowing you to learn on your own schedule with lifetime access to the materials. For more direct support, Thannal also offers a separate Guidance Program which you can learn about on our website.

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Course Details

• Total Duration: Approximately 12 Hours 5 Minutes (6 hours 30 minutes on Finishes + 5 hours 35 minutes on Materials)
• Language: English
• Pace: Self-Paced, learn on your own schedule.
• Access: Lifetime Validity.

The displayed price is inclusive of GST (18%), Payment Gateway Charges (2-3%), Platform Charges (10%), Affiliate Charges (20%).

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Complete this course with the knowledge and skills to approach any building project with an expert understanding of natural plasters. Start your journey towards becoming a plastering expert today and contribute to sustainable building practices with traditional wisdom and modern insights.