This work analyzes the macro-mechanical behavior of earth when it is used as a raw material for finishing. It is a pioneer study in Brazil and abroad. The finishings were applied on a rammed earth wall of 50 of height and 30 cm of width. Finishings fabricated with four different clay contents (17,5%, 12%, 9% and 6% by weight of clay in relation to the dry material) were analyzed for two different soils. Each one of these soils has a predominant type of clay: Tassin (with illite in greater quantity) and Rochechinard (with kaolinite in greater quantity). As a reference finishing, it was fabricated a mortar of lime and sand (1:3). Furthermore, the behavior of two fibers was evaluated: short sisal fibers (Agave sisalana), natural from Brazil, and residue from the manufacture of short hemp fibers (Cannabis sativa), from France. These fibers were used only in samples of Rochechinard with two clay contents (17.5% and 12% by weight of clay in relation to the dry material). The fibers were added to the soil on a percentage of 0.5% by weight of dry soil, manually. Sisal has circular section with average values of 0.15 mm of diameter and 40 mm long; hemp fiber is considered as a rectangular section with 2 mm of height, 5 mm of width and 20 mm long. For all finishings, visual observations of shrinkage were performed in situ. Those finishings with higher clay content dropped from the support. The finishings which did not fell were tested in shear. For this, a load of 250 g was added, until rupture, in every 30s on a rectangular wood frame (600 g weight), that was hung in the samples. In laboratory, linear shrinkage and flexural strength were tested on prismatic samples. It was observed that both shrinkage and flexural strength increase with clay content. Regarding the addition of fibers, it was found that the composites fabricated with sisal had generally better results than those with hemp.