The scratch coat of mud is the current project.

First, we sift the mud.

Then it gets sprayed on the wall.

And here is what it looks like when dried.

The scratch coat helps seal the wall, protecting the straw from water and critters. It also helps seal the straw so the wood stove can go in. This will help heat the house a bit so it’s more comfortable to work on the interior during the winter months.

In the spring, the other two layers of mud will go over the scratch coat.