So, as we get a number of questions asking the origins of our American Clay Plasters, we thought it was a good idea to post a little about the American clay company history!

The Story of American Clay

American Clay Earth Plaster was developed in New Mexico in 2000 by Croft Elsaesser, a high-end furniture and wall finisher/artisan who was looking for an alternative to the highly toxic finishing materials typically used to do custom finishes. Unable to find a product that was non-toxic, cost- effective and adaptable enough to create a variety of wall surfaces/finishes, Croft returned to the original natural building material of history, clay. His idea was to create a wall finish that could equal any old-world finish in beauty, be healthy for those living with the material in their homes, and be manufactured in the U.S. of locally abundant materials.

With advice from ceramicist Carol Baumgartel, his mother, Croft developed a clay plaster recipe that met his demanding specifications. As a professional interior designer, Carol recognized immediately, the growing market for environmentally viable building materials.

After two years of experimentation and market research, American Clay became a viable, mass produced product available to the greater building industry. Applying for a provisional patent June of 2002, American Clay was awarded the Patent Pending in July of 2002.

American Clay is now sold by distributors and dealers across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Antigua, Mexico and Japan. The company continues to be run by Croft and Carol’s family, their investors and their many employees. Today they remain committed to the company values that helped build their product: Integrity, Innovation, Quality, Communication, Well-being, Sustainability, and Service.