The clay slip acts as
an adhesive to the straw bale wall and the plaster. In order for it to
the clay slip to function as it is meant to, a few things need to take
place. First, the bales need to be sprayed down with water until the wall
looks as though it is "sweating". Its best to apply the slip
by working it into the wall. By this I mean, the clay slip needs to be
neaded into the wall, similar to a cat neading a blanket. The straw bale
wall is not smooth, the clay slip equally should not look smooth, rather
it should look bumpy. Next, the clay slip needs too dry, for at least three
days to a week. Remember to water the wall again in order to ensure that
the clay does not dry to quickly. After the clay slip is applied and allowed
to dry, plaster can be mixed and applied to the wall.
