Eco De Vita interior plasters are manufactured in Japan by Shikoku Corporation which is based on the island of Shikoku. Founded in 1947, Shikoku Corporation began producing its first Sand Wall coatings in the 1970s and launched the Diatomaceous Earth series in 1999. The facility is ISO 9001-2000 and ISO 14001-2004 certified. Shikoku International is a subsidiary of Shikoku Japan with offices in Orange, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eco De Vita?
How is it different from Venetian plaster?
Why is it better than traditional wall paint?
On what surfaces can it be used?
Are Eco De Vita plasters easy to apply?
Are there environmental or health benefits? LEED points?
Do I have to use a Japanese trowel?
What is Eco De Vita Japanese plaster?
Eco De Vita recreates the plastered walls used in Japanese homes, temples and teahouses for centuries, but engineered for modern living environment. Eco De Vita is made of natural sand and diatomaceous earth combined with modern pigment and bonding technology.
How is Eco De Vita different from Venetian plaster?
Venetian plaster is a lime-based finish burnished to create the illusion of old world marble, travertine, or limestone. Eco de Vita is a natural sand or diatomaceous earth-based plaster originating in Japan that can be highly customized to create a range of colors, pigments and textures not attainable with wall paint, Venetian plaster, wall tile or clay plaster.
What makes Eco De Vita better than traditional wall paint?
Eco De Vita is a great alternative to paint, wallpaper and other wall coatings. Unlike paint, our breathable plasters are very versatile and can be texturized with simple additives to accommodate any style, from traditional to urban and contemporary. They also work well with wall stencils.
On what kinds of surfaces can Eco De Vita be applied?
Eco De Vita is perfect for residential design as well as remodels, home improvement and commercial spaces. However, Eco De Vita is not washable or "scrubbable" and not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens. For use on interior surfaces only, it can be cleaned via dusting and can be patched or repaired.
Are Eco De Vita wall and ceiling plasters easy to apply?
Eco De Vita is relatively easy to apply by hand trowel and, in some cases, spray gun. For best results, we recommend homeowners use an experienced plasterer familiar with applying fine interior finishes.
What about covering up "orange peel" or other textured wall surfaces?
Eco De Vita primer/basecoat SKPT can cover light textures and orange peel walls prior to applying Eco De Vita finish. Please consult a professional applicator before beginning such a project.
Does Eco De Vita have environmental or health benefits? What about LEED points?
Eco De Vita is certified SCS indoor Advantage Gold as low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). Low VOC products help to improve indoor air quality. Eco De Vita is also a green building material and natural fire retardant. It qualifies for 1 LEED point for IE Q Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings.
Do I have to use a Japanese trowel?
No. But we do recommend Japanese trowels, as their flexibility and thinness works best with Eco De Vita interior plasters and makes them easier to apply.
For answers about the specific preparation, mixing and application of Eco De Vita Japanese plasters, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet and Application Manual found on individual product pages.
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Eco De Vita™ is a low VOC interior plaster that combines traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. Design or renovate any residential or commercial space with beautiful Japanese plaster walls and ceilings in a range of custom finishes, colors and textures. Eco De Vita plasters are easy to apply and suitable for contractors, architects and designers as well as anyone passionate about home improvement. Composed of natural sand and diatomaceous earth, they are a great alternative to paint, wallpaper or coatings. Certified SCS Indoor Advantage Gold; applicable toward LEED green building credits.