Diatom mud is an environmentally friendly interior wall decoration material with diatomaceous earth as the main raw material. Its porous structure gives it the functions of adsorbing formaldehyde, regulating humidity, anti-mildew and antibacterial. Although the advantages are significant, the following key details should still be paid attention to in actual use to ensure stable performance and long-lasting decorative effect.

 **1. Base surface treatment before construction**
Diatom mud has high requirements for the base layer and it is necessary to ensure that the wall is flat, dry and free of floating grey oil stains. It is recommended to focus on the following situations:
- **New house wall**: First fill the cracks or pits with gypsum, then level them with water-resistant putty to avoid cracking caused by uneven base layer.
- **Old wall renovation**: If the original wall has latex paint or wallpaper, the loose layer needs to be completely removed and polished until it is rough if necessary to enhance the adhesion of the diatom mud.
- **Humidity Control**: The moisture content of the base layer must be less than 10% (you can use a hygrometer to test). Too high humidity will cause diatom mud to fall off or mold.

 **2. Construction environment and tool selection**
- **Ambient conditions**: The temperature should be controlled between 5°C and 35°C, and the air humidity should not exceed 80%. Low temperature or high humidity environments will prolong the drying time of diatom mud, resulting in uneven color or curling edges.
- **Tool selection**: It is recommended to use a special roller or trowel to ensure uniform texture. When applying manually, keep the strength consistent to avoid being too thick or too thin in part.

 **3. Precautions for construction technology**
- **Glue mixing ratio**: Diatom mud needs to be mixed with water (usually water is added according to the product description ratio). Over-dilution will reduce the strength, while excessive colloid may clog micropores and affect adsorption.
- **Layered construction**: Usually 2 to 3 layers are required, and each layer needs to be completely dried (about 4 to 8 hours) before proceeding, otherwise it will easily peel or crack.
- **Texture control**: If you need to customize the texture (such as bark patterns and silk-like patterns), you need to plan the construction sequence in advance and operate it by skilled workers to avoid modifying and destroying the overall effect in the middle.

 **4. Drying and maintenance**
- **Natural drying**: After construction, ventilation and drying should be done to avoid direct sun exposure or heating to accelerate drying, otherwise cracking will occur due to inconsistent internal and external shrinkage.
- **Currency cycle**: It takes about 7 days to completely cure, avoid touching or scrubbing the surface during this period. After completion, use a dry cloth to gently wipe the dust, but do not splash water and rinse.

 **5. Daily use and maintenance**
- **Cleaning method**: Oil stains can be gently wiped with an eraser; stubborn stains can be treated locally with a slightly wet sponge dipped in a neutral detergent. Do not use strong acid and alkaline detergent or hard brush to avoid damaging the surface structure.
- **Avoid long-term humidity**: Although diatom mud is strong in hygroscopic, it is in an environment with a humidity exceeding 85% for a long time, which may breed mold. It is recommended to use it with dehumidification equipment.
- **Functional Maintenance**: Diatom mud will gradually saturate after adsorbing formaldehyde. It is recommended to perform photocatalyst spraying every 3 to 5 years (Professional personnel are required) to restore the ability to decompose harmful substances.
6. Application restrictions in special areas
Bathroom and kitchen: It can be used in adjacent areas (such as the background wall of the living room), but where it directly contacts the water source (such as the shower area, stove wall) needs to be used with high-density waterproof diatom mud, or used with ceramic tiles, glass and other materials.
Outdoor scene: Diatom mud has weak weather resistance and is not suitable for facades where direct sunlight or excessive temperature difference.
Conclusion
The application effect of diatom mud is highly dependent on construction specifications and post-maintenance. Rationally handling grassroots, precisely controlling environmental conditions, and choosing a professional construction team are the key, and the usage strategy needs to be adjusted according to the spatial characteristics. If the above details can be strictly followed, diatom mud can not only exert its environmental advantages, but also become a high-quality wall material with both aesthetics and practicality.