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Minimalist Nordic interior: a large smooth warm limewash wall with a clean, empty wall area on the left for readable text, an oak bench and an olive tree on the right edge

PAINTING · LIMEWASH AND CLAY PAINT

A consciously chosenliving environment.

Hand-applied limewash and clay paint for homes and commercial spaces in Tallinn and Harju County. Natural surfaces and timeless finishes.

Welcome! We're Nordic Clay — we hand-apply limewash and clay paint in homes and commercial spaces across Tallinn and Harju County.

What does the process look like?

Consultation: hands holding clay and lime finish samples on an oak table

Step 01

We come to you, assess the scope of work and find the right finish

We visit the space and look at the light together. We choose the material and tone, agree the technical details and send a clear quotation.

Filling work in a Japandi-style room: a craftsman smoothing filler with a wide steel trowel

Step 02

Filling and plastering

A good finish starts with the substrate. We do the painting work, filling, plastering and priming until the surface is smooth, sound and even — exactly what clay and lime need to last.

Limewash application: a craftsman brushing limewash onto a warm wall

Step 03

Final finish

We apply limewash and clay paint by hand, layer by layer. We also offer clay and lime plaster and marmorino finishes. We finish with a walkthrough together and written care instructions.

Hand-applied limewash and clay paint create natural, vapour-permeable surfaces and give your room its own character.

Materials we offer

  • Clay paints

    Clay paints

    A soft matte surface that is vapour-open. As a thin coat it buffers humidity less than clay plaster.

  • Clay plasters

    Clay plasters

    Natural plasters that are vapour-open and buffer indoor humidity. The thicker the layer, the greater the buffering effect.

  • Clay marmorino

    Clay marmorino

    A smooth, luminous clay finish that reflects light elegantly. Vapour permeability depends on the top coat (wax, varnish).

  • Limewash

    Limewash

    Mineral paints with very high vapour permeability, suited also to wetter rooms.

  • Lime plasters

    Lime plasters

    Classic mineral plasters — vapour-open and durable.

  • Lime marmorino

    Lime marmorino

    A stone-like lime finish with a deeper sheen, for walls and ceilings. Vapour permeability depends on the top coat (wax, varnish).

Tones

Colour range

The lime and clay paint tones come from the colour card of our partner UKU. Tones are available in various strengths. Colours on screen are approximations.

  • Nero Roma 10%

  • Calcare 10%

  • Deserto 10%

The Nordic Clay team, Juhan Noode and Kristo Sepp, at the UKU Studio among clay and lime finish samples

Kristo Sepp and Juhan Noode

About

Our work is based on presence, care and quality

We are a duo dedicated to hand-applied limewash and clay paint, combining craftsmanship, quality materials and timeless aesthetics. Our aim is to create healthy, breathable and beautiful homes that support a balanced and conscious way of living.

Every finish is completed by hand, focusing on quality and detail. The result is a surface whose natural texture, depth and nuances create a calm atmosphere and a unique look for the room.

The founder and visionary of the company is Juhan Noode and the painting expert is Kristo Sepp.

We work on a few projects at a time to ensure a personal approach and high quality for every client. We work mainly in Tallinn and Harju County.

Journal

Read more about clay and lime finishes

  • Clay vs lime: which finish to choose?

    Guide

    Clay vs lime: which finish to choose?

    Clay plaster and limewash are both natural mineral finishes, but they behave differently in light, moisture and over time. Here is a short comparison to help you decide.

  • Conventional paint vs natural paint: what is the difference?

    Guide

    Conventional paint vs natural paint: what is the difference?

    Conventional and natural paints may look similar at first glance, but their composition, breathability and effect on indoor climate are very different. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide.

  • VOCs – what you should know

    Healthy indoor climate

    VOCs – what you should know

    VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are gases released into the air by paints, varnishes and building materials. Most of them do not disappear in a couple of days but keep off-gassing for months. Natural clay and lime finishes are one of the simplest ways to reduce them at home.

  • Why are architects increasingly choosing clay and lime materials?

    Architecture and materials

    Why are architects increasingly choosing clay and lime materials?

    Architects and interior architects choose clay and lime finishes because they work on three levels at once: they give the surface living light, keep the building fabric breathable, and answer client expectations for a healthy indoor climate and a low carbon footprint.

  • Why does indoor air affect our health?

    Healthy indoor climate

    Why does indoor air affect our health?

    We spend about 90% of our time indoors and breathe close to 15,000 litres of air a day. That makes indoor air quality one of the most direct health factors at home — and the wall surface plays a bigger part in it than you might think.

  • Which interior finish suits allergy sufferers?

    Healthy home

    Which interior finish suits allergy sufferers?

    Natural mineral finishes are the best choice for allergy sufferers because they release no volatile organic compounds, balance humidity and do not encourage mould. Clay paint and limewash are two practical options.

Try a finish

See how clay or lime paint would look in your room

Upload a photo of your room and pick a finish and tone — you will see the result right here. The result is indicative; the real tone is confirmed with sample boards.

Viimistlus

Toon

Nordic Clay fotot ei salvesta. Pildi loomiseks saadetakse foto tehisintellekti teenusele (OpenAI), mis võib seda kuritarvituste kontrolliks hoida kuni 30 päeva. Ära lae üles fotosid, kus on näha inimesi või isikuandmeid.

FAQ

How much does a clay or lime finish cost?

Applying lime or clay paint is around €20/m². The exact price depends on the condition of the existing surface, the number of coats and the texture you want, so we confirm it after visiting the site. Clay and lime plaster or marmorino are quoted per solution after the same visit.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes — the first consultation and quotation are free. We visit the space, assess the substrate and the light, and send you a clear price. Nothing obliges you to place an order.

Can you apply it over old paint or wallpaper?

Wallpaper is always removed — we never apply finishes over it. Old paint can stay if the surface is clean, dry and firmly bonded: in that case we prime and apply directly. Loose or flaking paint is removed first. We assess the substrate at the free site visit.

What is the minimum project size?

The smallest sensible size is one accent wall or a small room. Even for small jobs the pricing stays transparent: the visit and quotation are free and the price is confirmed before work begins.

Is there a warranty?

Yes — our installation work carries a 2-year warranty. When the substrate is prepared and applied correctly, a mineral finish lasts for decades: lime carbonates and keeps hardening over time, and the colour never peels — it wears.

How long does installation take?

Painting one room with clay or lime paint usually takes 2–3 days, plastering 3–5 days. Most of that is drying time between coats, not the work itself. We confirm an exact schedule in the quotation, together with the price.

Which rooms are clay and lime suitable for?

Both clay and lime finishes work well in living rooms, bedrooms and on ceilings. Clay absorbs moisture from the air and releases it when the air dries — the surface is matte and warm, ideal for bedrooms and studies. Lime is also beautiful in these spaces and, being more durable and moisture-resistant, is especially good for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and staircases.

What does a breathable wall mean?

“Breathable” means vapour permeable: water vapour moves through the layer instead of being trapped behind it. It does not mean the wall exchanges air — very little moisture passes through the wall compared with what ventilation moves, so the room still needs ventilation. Permeability also applies to the whole build-up: if the substrate is sealed (for example with acrylic paint or vinyl wallpaper), clay and lime finishes will not work as intended.

Do clay and lime prevent mould?

Not by themselves. The main cause of mould is excess moisture — a leak, a cold bridge or inadequate ventilation — not the wall finish. Clay plaster can buffer humidity peaks and lime is alkaline, which inhibits mould growth, but neither removes the cause.

How do I maintain the surface?

Remove dust with a soft dry cloth or a soft vacuum attachment; if needed, wipe lightly with a soft damp cloth without pressure. Use only pH-neutral or lime-compatible products and avoid acidic cleaners.

Is lime finish suitable for bathrooms?

Yes, lime tolerates bathroom humidity and steam better than clay thanks to its high pH and excellent vapour permeability. It is still important to avoid direct water jets and ensure adequate ventilation so the surface can dry.