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Jess Tried Roman Clay “Paint” For The First Time And Here’s How It Went

Sorry, it’s been a minute since my last closet update. Surprise, surprise I’m running behind. If you’ve missed my plans to DIY the heck out of my walk-through hall closet (a closet that connects my hallway to my bathroom) then check out the intro and the first update. But if you know exactly what’s going on design-wise then I will tell you I have made my life much harder. “But Jess, how did you do that?” Well, I decided that I wanted the look and texture of roman clay. What is roman clay? It’s an eco-friendly plaster that you apply to smooth interior walls with a putty knife. That’s right, no brushes allowed! “Jess, have you ever applied roman clay to a wall before??” The answer to that is no…until this past weekend. But before we get into my “roman test run,” I wanted to remind y’all that I have decided to also create my own design of Morse Code to honor my late mother with her name and a sweet message she wrote me in a card years ago. I know it sounds weird and my very ugly drawing below doesn’t make it sound cool, but I promise if you keep reading I might be able to change your mind.

Right, roman clay. Last week, I went to Portola Paints & Glazes in Burbank to check out their options since they are known for their limewash paint and roman clay. I went in thinking I had a plan and then immediately realized I wasn’t even sure about the colors I wanted to sample. So with the help of an extremely kind and patient employee who listened to me talk nonsense about my “circle design” (thanks, Dustin!), I chose 10 color swatches to take home with me because I was kinda overwhelmed and sample pots are $10 each. See below.

Every color they have is beautiful but these were the ones I gravitated toward the most for this project. I brought them home and pretty immediately knew I want to go cool-toned. Wish I could have just made that decision on the first trip. SMH.

But actually, when I went back to get the samples, another wildly generous employee (I can’t remember his name!) showed me exactly how to stencil and create my pattern. He even let me film him demonstrating it! I was so grateful because, like I said, I’ve never worked with a product like this and was more or less winging it. Cool cool, Jess. FYI this post is in no way sponsored by Portola. I was just blown away by their customer service and think everyone should know:)

Above are the colors I chose to play with. Please don’t be bummed! I know that the color palettes from my last post were much more vibrant but working with more than two clay colors on this project is too much for my skill level and honestly, not what I want aesthetically. I promise to now bring some more color with the curtain:)

HOT TIP: They recommend using a metal putty knife. But if you are working with a super light roman clay color (like Piano Room which came highly recommended) then you are going to want to use a plastic putty knife. I guess with light colors the metal can leave dark marks.

first coat during the day

Naturally, I was nervous because if I “failed” my whole design plan would be out the door. Dramatic much? Well, I gave it a go anyway on two small pieces of drywall I bought at Home Depot. But first I carefully watch their YouTube tutorial as I continually glanced at my two empty canvases thinking that all those art classes as a youth had to pay off right now. I also decided that I would try the Presidente (on the left) and Mare Island (on the right) as my two base options. I really liked the light grey but didn’t feel it would make the statement I wanted.

Honestly, after my first coat, I wasn’t mad, slightly impressed even. I think trying to do it on the floor made the bottom halves a little trickier but ultimately I felt like I might not be a lost cause after all .

second coat during at night

Then after that first coat dried, I gave it a light sand with 320 sanding sheets, wiped it down with a rag, and went for the second coat. The process is a little laborious but too not terrible.

I then let them dry overnight and the next morning I was ready to try out the stencil method I was taught. Here’s how to do it…

1. Draw your shape directly only on the wall.
2. Cover it with preferably light-colored masking tape.
3. Draw your shape again on top of the tape (I don’t think this is necessary as long as you can see your original stencil FYI).
4. Use an Exacto knife to cut along your stencil line.
5. Remove excess tape.
6. Take a clear sealer, and then with your finger, rub it over the edge of where you are going to paint (for me that’s inside the circle).
7. Take a cloth and remove the excess sealer from the inside. This will keep your paint from bleeding out under the tape.
8. Get your tape and add more to the outside area of your shape to give yourself more of a “cushion” to avoid getting paint where you don’t want it.
9. “Paint” away!

As you can see I added more tape for extra protection but this is how my first and second coats looked. You can go a little thicker on the second coat if you want less “variation”. Just don’t forget to sand and dry wipe after the first coat.

Here is my first full attempt with Presidente and Fade to Black…as you can see I had some mishaps with the tape pulling off the clay. NOT GREAT! But I went back to Portola and asked them if this happened because I applied the clay directly to the drywall without a primer. They kindly said yes and that for my real walls, as long as the current wall paint is water-based paint I will be 100% fine and priming isn’t even necessary!! I was so relieved. I mean if there weren’t all of those tears I would be super happy with it.

And this is my first attempt with Mare Island and Fade to Black. Now, as much as I appreciated that guy showing me his taping method, since my patterns are in a line I came up with a better way that I’ll show you in a minute:)

And here’s how the first round turned out. Not toooooo bad for my first time, right?? I mean sure it was a bit mind-numbing stenciling, taping, cutting, putty knifing(?), sanding, and then putty knifing again…but that’s what I do. Nothing is allowed to be simple with me, I guess. I mean remember the bench??? But the bench turned out amazing and I can’t wait to show you!

Ok, ok. This is how I decided to tape for the second round…

I used two long strips across instead of a million tiny pieces of tape! This way also made it easier to line everything up so I didn’t accidentally trend upward or down. I should also warn you that your cuts (especially if you have circles) are not going to be perfect. Unless you have a VERY steadiest hand! I like the imperfect look for this project.

See how much better that is!? Even with that tear, it’s so much easier to take off.

But now let’s take about which combo looks the best. I photoshopped the pictures so that there weren’t any tears since they are really distracting and won’t be in the final product:)

Ok, so the top row is the Fade to Black and the bottom is In the Navy. I know it’s hard to see the blue on the tan color but that’s just because the lighting is weird. I think I’m leaning toward the blue-on-blue and here’s why…

While this photo was taken at night (aka zero natural light), I think the blue base gives a nice depth, and the lighter blue pattern is more playful.

Also, if you look at the two options from this angle, I don’t love the idea of all of the trim being that tan color. The blue makes more sense to go on every surface inside the closet and it works with the tile of the bathroom better, right?

P.S. Did you notice my new little brass rod??!

Towel Set

And to give you a little design direction for the bathroom, these are the towels I am crossing my fingers I can get. I know that all the combos technically go with these towels but I just like of contrast of the blue with them a bit more.

To be honest, I’ve realized that I am easily scared by dark paint (or plaster) colors in my own home when trim and doors are involved (FYI I’ll be using acrylic paint in the same color for the trim and doors). It feels a little overwhelming and what if it looks bad?? Those are just some silly thoughts that come into my brain but I want/need to quiet them because it’s just paint and I can always pivot.

So thoughts? Feelings? Has anyone worked with roman clay and has tips? Let’s talk because I’m starting next week!

Love you, mean it.

Fin
43 Comments
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Emie
2 years ago

Just a thought, there are several ways to make your own custom stamp. Foam board glued together and/or sponges cut to the shapes you need. You could try it to see if you like the look of it. It may/may not be the look you’re gong for but it’d be much less labor. For the amount of work you’re doing you could also opt to have a custom stamp made.

? Rusty
2 years ago
Reply to  Emie

I agree. This makes more sense and is time efficient, plus a quality solution.

Cat
2 years ago

I know you mentioned you like the imperfect look, but if you want to create extra long stencils, you could see if you know anyone with a Cricut joy. You can create continuous stencils up to 4.5 inches wide and 4 feet long. The removable vinyl is great for wall stencils (they have stencil specific material too, but honestly is more expense and cant give you the long continuous roll_

Rachel C
2 years ago

I am super intrigued by using roman clay for some texture in my kitchen. Can’t wait to hear your final takeaways. Also, I love that you are doing the custom pattern, but man, that does look extremely time consuming! I am sure it will turn out fantastic but wondering if the commenter below is onto something with the custom stamp idea.

? Rusty
2 years ago

Love the earthy look of this finish.
However, I would personally use lime wash instead of roman clay.
Here’s what the experts say “Lime Wash is applied by brush and will have a more suede-like texture.”
No trowel. No hassle. Still a very organic, earthy look andfeel, plus a myriad of colours.

I wouldn’t go dark, because of your stated issue of it being a dark, lightless area.
I’d be cautious of turning it into a dark cavern.

Keen to see the end product.

What ever happened to your living room reveal???

Cris S.
2 years ago
Reply to  ? Rusty

I also wonder if Lime Wash would be less of a problem when you move out (I think you are in a rental?)? As a (and this is very weird for me to say) landlord, I wouldn’t mind if our long term tenants wanted to paint. But I would really mind if they added a bunch of mud to the walls that added a texture I could never get rid of. But perhaps you’ve already talked to the landlord?

The Morse code idea is so sweet and personal. I really love that part of it! And I can’t wait to see how you deal with the fabric and clips on the brass rod. I have the same one, but haven’t gotten it up yet and I’m not really thrilled with the ring options the company offers. Excited to see how all this turns out!

Sasha
2 years ago
Reply to  Cris S.

Yes to this. Or she could do it on boards for less mess and bring it with her when she leaves too..

Vicki Williams
2 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

or even on heavy canvas! your idea is genius!

Angela
2 years ago
Reply to  Cris S.

I’m so curious about the landlord angle! Did they give permission? I’m a renter, not a landlord, but I can’t imagine adding this kind of texture to a wall in a rental! (And I wouldn’t be happy to move into a place that had been painted/textured like this.)

Sarah L
2 years ago
Reply to  ? Rusty

But will you get a raised texture with the pattern? I like the Roman Clay because it will be raised above the base color.

Kristin
2 years ago

I really like the blue on blue as well. And I agree that a custom stencil or stamp is definitely the way to do this!

Lisa
2 years ago

YES!!!! Love the blue ??? I also really like the black on blue but I think you are right that blue on blue is a little more playfull and maybe the lesser contrast might also be a good idea in a room this size. I think it’ll look great with the bathroom tiles and the towels are absolutely gorgous!!!

Roberta Davis
2 years ago

This looks painful! Sorry.

Elise
2 years ago

At first I liked the lighter color more because the blue shapes really stood out. But when I saw the two samples in your closet, I definitely like the blue on blue better. It goes well with your bathroom tile. Good luck!

wally
2 years ago

No feedback, just wanted to say that I got long knit gloves from Cider that match your towels!

Sasha
2 years ago

Make sure you also do test on the same surface as your current wall (drywall, primer, current type of paint) and proper steps (primer and portola paint). I think I read somewhere that the chemical reaction could be a giant mess.

Ana
2 years ago

Love Roman clay! We used Portola Paints (in “Passage”) for our bedroom and it completely transformed our basic builder-grade apartment. The way the light hits the walls and the texture/movement is really pretty. It’s a pricey investment (for materials + specialized labor) though.

Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Whoops, forgot to attach the photo!

before and after 1 (1).png
Sheila
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

That’s gorgeous, Ana!

MKP
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

So beautiful!

sona
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Your bedroom is gorgeous!

Michelle
2 years ago

I’d never heard of roman clay and I love it! I’m looking forward to seeing the final result!

Sara
2 years ago

This feels like a huge amount of work for something that’s hidden in a closet.. If it were me (which it isn’t, so of course do what makes you happy!), I’d keep the closet simple/functional and get the very sweet morse code message made into a large format art piece that you can take with you when you move. You could even hang it in the closet area for now. I just personally can’t imagine going to all the effort of Roman clay PLUS a design in an area that’s tucked away.

SARAH
2 years ago
Reply to  Sara

It’s not tucked away, this is her entry

Lane
2 years ago

I haven’t worked with that material. I think I’d keep it simple in a closet. No dark paint if this closet is meant for serious storage because it’s harder to find things when they don’t contrast with the wall. So either a very light patterned wall paper or light color on the walls with some fun art above the shelves if you want to keep it “light” and stylish. I also wouldn’t put any weird material in the wall. Is this material going to rub off your clothes, is it easily scratched, will it snag clothes? The items you store will scratch the walls as you take them out. People typically store a lot of things so if space is tight it’s bound to happen.

krkrkrkr
2 years ago

This is such a sweet project. Why not make it its own piece instead of permanently on the wall though? You can still cut a piece of drywall (or plywood or canvas) to fit the space, but then have your dad build a “box frame” for it. That way you can take it with you if/when you move.

Also, tape will always pull the paint/Roman clay off. Try using a sheet of MDF or thin wood as a top layer and cut the Morse code from that (or hire a woodworker to do so). Then paint the top layer a contrasting color from the bottom layer and combine them.

Sam
2 years ago

Wow, that’s commitment! With that design, I would have gone with custom wall paper, the stencil process seems very tedious :)

Stacy
2 years ago

Agreeing with all the other commenters… 1) try a stamp! and 2) consider making that an art piece that you can take with you. The current rendition seems labor intensive and tedious, but I think the outcome will be really cool and definitely original. Look forward to seeing what you decide to do.

Sarah
2 years ago
Reply to  Stacy

Part of the charm of the example piece in the previous post was how the dashes and dots were imperfect. I think an alternative to using tape with square corners should be considered. Think of how beautiful each stroke of calligraphy is.

Kara S
2 years ago
Reply to  Sarah

I agree – I loved the vibe of the drawing from the previous post.

A.B.
2 years ago

This looks like gorgeous art. Why not an enormous canvas that you can then take with you to your next place?

Jean
2 years ago

I agree with the other readers, who suggested creating an art piece you can take with you. But if you really want to have the entire space covered, you might want to consider making your own wallpaper through a site like Spoonflower.

Lindsay Kolderup
2 years ago

Ahhh, I love this whole project. I think the roman clay will be worth it, and definitely the blue on blue. Like some of the other commenters, my eye noted immediately that it was so cohesive with the blue tile in the bathroom! The morse code message is so beautiful and tender. It will be such a wonderful thing to see it when you walk in. Also, I love how you are celebrating the quirks of your apartment layout–we always called it “finding the diamond in the rough”. It is such a good feeling to turn a previously unloved spot into a beautiful personal space–I’m thinking Charlie Brown Christmas tree right about now…

Camille
2 years ago

Love the blue on blue!! So much depth.

Kristin
2 years ago

Jess, I adore your idea to preserve this message from your mother. My mother died in 2019 and I think of her every day. I hope this beautiful project brings you peace and makes you smile each time you look at at.

2 years ago

Yessss! I love Roman clay! It always looks horrible in the beginning but after the third coat it’s amazing! Adds so much texture and warmth. And great tip on using a plastic spatula. I used a metal one with the light color and noticed dark marks. I wish I could Roman clay my entire house I love it so much!

Sarah L
2 years ago

I’ve had a dark blue entry for 7 years now and it still makes me happy to look at- doesn’t feel dreary at all. I think the dark closet will be a delightful contrast to the bright bathroom, and it’s a small space so I wouldn’t worry about it feeling dark- as long as you have sufficient task lighting for seeing what you need to see in there. I agree the navy is the way to go for the pattern, and it may be worth sweet-talking your way into borrowing someone’s Cricket (or hiring a Cricket owner to do it for you) to make your stencils- you could even design the circles and bars to be slightly irregular (or try to force a little clay under the stencil once in a while).

Babs
2 years ago

I’m super bummed about some of the negative comments (think positive, people!!). I think the Roman clay is gorgeous. I recently applied to a fireplace surround in our home and I love it! The texture is AMAZING in person, and brings a level of physical warmth to your emotionally warm project :) Your color choices are spot on, and I think you’ll be able to touch up any spots pulled off by the paint (we did 3 coats of Portola on our fireplace and needed small touch ups after our last sanding – it took trial and error to figure out). Worry about removal later – “future you” will find a solution (if it’s even asked for by your landlord or future tenant). Every time I’ve moved out of a rental, I found out after the fact that my landlords didn’t care about me removing/patching/painting things I spent hours worrying about and working on before moving. You have an amazing eye for design and other people appreciate that! VERY excited to see the final product!!

Suzanne
2 years ago

I like the blue on blue. Sounds like other readers have some good suggestions about using a stamp or custom stencil. I can’t wait to see the results!

SARAH
2 years ago

i realky appreciate your thoughtful approach! I’m doing the same slow steady research for my curtains. Others don’t get this, so I see you and appreciate you Jess ?

Emma
2 years ago

Honestly this has been the best post in weeks I was seriously tired of gift guides
This is real art and design Jess using and showing us how to make something more of this content please!

2 years ago

Sometimes something that gets 92% of our vision is better than another thing that gets 100% of a look that doesn’t speak to us.

K
2 years ago

Wow, roman clay is so cool! Now I’m wondering where I can use it in my home…. Thanks for the education. I enjoy you sharing your processes with us, and I love your style. Have fun with your project and I look forward to your results!

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