Figuring out what to order starts with one key fact: most Earthaus finishes are complete systems, not single products. Each of these finishes requires multiple materials applied in a specific sequence — primer, base coats, finish coats, sealers, and pigment. Ordering the right materials in the right quantities is essential for a successful project.
The two exceptions are Limewash (always a single, pre-pigmented product) and Lime Slurry over porous unsealed masonry like brick or stone (a single product — though over primed or painted drywall it also needs primer with Primer Grit, and the 5-gallon size needs a pigment pack).
The fastest and most accurate way to figure out what you need is to use our Project Materials Calculator for your chosen finish. The calculator takes your square footage and tells you exactly what to buy, in the right quantities, with 10% overage built in.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before using the calculator or placing an order, you need four things:
1. Your substrate. What surface are you applying plaster to? The most common substrate is drywall, but Earthaus plasters can be applied over many surfaces including cement board, blueboard, existing plaster, and various natural building substrates. Your substrate determines your prep requirements.
2. Square footage of the area to be plastered. Measure the wall and ceiling area you plan to plaster — not the floor area. Multiply height × width for each wall, then add them together. Subtract any large openings (windows, doors). For showers, include all walls and the ceiling if applicable.
3. Which finish you want. Each Earthaus finish has a different look, feel, and application process. If you're not sure which finish is right for your project, see the article "Which Earthaus Finish Is Right for My Project?" or contact support@earthausplaster.com.
4. Your color. Choose from the 54-color Plaster Palette or the 43-color Limewash Palette. If you haven't chosen a color yet, see the article "How Do I Choose the Right Color for My Project?" We strongly recommend ordering samples before committing.
Use the Calculator for Your Finish
Once you have your four inputs, use the calculator for your chosen finish. Each calculator shows you every product in the system, calculates the quantity you need, shows the cost, and lets you add everything to your cart in one step.
Artisan interior finishes:
Tadelakt Finish Calculator — Water-resistant, burnished finish for showers, bathrooms, and walls (installed over a waterproof membrane in wet areas)
Marble Finish Calculator — Smooth, polished finish with movement and depth
Stone Finish Calculator — Classic natural plaster look, our most popular finish
Sand Finish Calculator — Textured, granular finish with a rustic feel
Base Finish Calculator — Bold, heavily textured finish
Lime Slurry Calculator — Brushed, opaque lime coating with a fine, sandy texture
Build System (exterior & natural building):
Lime Stucco Fine Calculator — Fine-textured exterior stucco
Lime Stucco Coarse Calculator — Coarse-textured exterior stucco
BUILD Sand Finish Calculator — Sand finish for natural building substrates
PHL Binder Calculator — Cob Interior — Binder for cob wall interiors
PHL Binder Calculator — Straw Bale Exterior — Binder for straw bale exteriors
Why You Can't Just Order One Product
This is the most common misconception. Earthaus plaster finishes are systems — each layer serves a specific function:
Primer & Primer Grit prepare the substrate for adhesion
Base coats build thickness and create a flat, stable surface
Finish coats provide the final texture, color, and appearance
Sealers & protectants provide durability, water resistance, and stain protection
Mineral Pigment Packs provide color (one pack per bag of plaster)
Skipping a layer or using the wrong quantity will compromise the final result. The calculator ensures you get everything you need. (Limewash and Lime Slurry over porous masonry are the exceptions — those are single-product applications.)
What the Calculator Gives You
When you enter your square footage and select your color, the calculator shows:
Every product in the system, listed in application order
Quantity needed for your project (with 10% overage built in)
Cost per product and total project cost
Add to Cart buttons for each product or the entire system
After the Calculator
Once you've reviewed the calculator results:
Double-check your square footage. Measure twice. The calculator is only as accurate as the number you put in.
Add everything to your cart. Don't skip products — the system is designed to work together.
Order your Mineral Pigment Packs separately if they are not included in the calculator.
Allow for processing and shipping time. Some products ship from different locations. See the article "How Long Will It Take for My Order to Be Delivered?"
Need Help?
If you're unsure about your substrate, which finish to choose, or how to measure your space, email support@earthausplaster.com or text 1-800-917-2414. For unique or complex projects, Earthaus offers Project Consultations with a Tadelakt or plaster expert in 15-minute increments.