Lime plaster is a versatile building material that can be used for various applications, including interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and decorative finishes. It is made from a mix of water, quicklime, sands, and soundusts and is used to finish and strengthen buildings. Lime plastering requires patience and a little know-how to achieve beautiful, functional, and a long-lasting lime plaster finish.
To make traditional exterior lime plaster, one needs to mix lime putty, sand, water, and any desired additives. The ideal ratios for plastering will vary from property to property, but it is generally accepted that a mix of 1:3 lime:sand is a good proportion. Lime rendering is generally applied in three coats, but it is common to find 2 coats or even single coat work in vernacular or early structures.
In the Exeter townhouse restoration project, the original detail of the external decorative lime plaster work was recreated using lime plaster. The recipe for lime plaster is simple, with only three ingredients: one part lime to two and a half parts sand. The amount of water used depends on the type of structure and the desired finish.
In conclusion, lime plaster is a versatile and eco-friendly option for restoring features of older buildings and other structures. It is a versatile and cost-effective way to create a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting lime plaster finish.
📹 LIME PLASTER: The CHEAPEST and MOST DURABLE SIDING that’s been Time-tested for 1000’s of years!
Lime Plaster and Lime Renders have been used for 1000’s of years to build and finish walls that last for generations. Follow us as …
Why is lime plaster no longer commonly used?
Lime plaster is a heavy material that dries slowly, which makes it less prone to adhesion and shrinkage when applied in thick layers. It is advised that each coat be allowed to dry completely before the application of the subsequent coat. The recommended drying time is one calendar day per millimeter. The requisite drying time may vary slightly depending on the specific conditions at the site in question. However, it should not be less than four to five days in any scenario.
How do you waterproof lime plaster?
Lime plaster can be created by applying black olive oil soap to the plaster, creating a waterproof and washable surface called Tadelakt. This can be polished using a stone or stainless steel trowel, ensuring a highly washable finish. Casein can be added before applying limewash, varying the washability level. Modern additives like latex, acrylics, xanthan gum, and methyl cellulose can be added to limewash. However, all products are 100% natural, sourced directly from the ground or cleaned sieved, boiled, or fired without modern “shortcut” chemicals.
How to make exterior lime plaster?
Lime plaster is an ancient alternative to modern plaster, made from sand, water, and lime. It has been used for centuries to create a rustic look and air purification. It is a traditional choice for plastering buildings, with its natural, rough appearance. To make lime plaster, start by mixing coarse sand with one part of lime, one part of sand, and another one and a half parts of sand. Mix the materials dry for five minutes, then slowly add clean water while mixing. Stop mixing when the desired consistency is reached. Lime plaster is characterized by its natural, rough appearance and is increasingly used for its rustic appearance.
How long does lime plaster last?
The longevity of lime plaster is contingent upon the quality of its application, the prevailing environmental conditions, and the extent of maintenance. When correctly applied and maintained, it can last for decades. The material offers benefits such as breathability, flexibility, and a natural finish. Furthermore, it is known for its historical authenticity and sustainability.
Can lime plaster be used outside?
Lime plaster is a versatile, eco-friendly plastering material suitable for interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and decorative finishes. It is a durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing building material. However, the application process is more complex than cement plaster and requires expertise. It is recommended to hire a skilled professional with experience for a high-quality finish. Lime plaster is a great choice for those looking to renovate old homes or build new ones, as it is a durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing option.
What are the cons of lime plaster?
Lime plaster takes 5 days to fully cure and reach its final hardness, depending on thickness and environmental factors. This process is time-consuming and requires a significant investment of time. Modern plastering can be learned through intensive courses, while traditional materials like lime plaster require specific experience and can be costly. The application process is specialized and should be done by someone with experience and training to ensure a good finish on historic buildings. The rough method for applying lime plaster is as follows:
What is the best plaster for outside use?
Cement plaster is a commonly utilized material for exterior walls, primarily due to its durability, fireproof properties, and straightforward application process. Stucco, an embellished form of cement plaster, may contain lime, sand, or acrylics and is typically applied in three distinct coats: scratch, brown, and finish coat.
What is the best plaster for exterior?
Cement plaster is a strong, weather-resistant option suitable for exterior stucco applications, offering longer working time than gypsum but requires precise mix ratios. It can be pigmented or textured with aggregates like sand. Dri-coat plaster, with unique water-resistant agents, is recommended for damp interior spaces like bathrooms and exterior areas exposed to precipitation. Selecting the right plaster type involves evaluating key factors and understanding their relationship to different options to achieve the best results.
Can you plaster the exterior of a house?
Plaster is a versatile material that can be used indoors and outdoors, with indoor use being more common due to its softer surface. Stucco, on the other hand, is primarily for outdoor use due to its rougher texture and installation process. Plaster offers a classic aesthetic that modern drywall cannot replicate, and can even be used for ceilings to create a uniform appearance. Outdoor plasters, specifically stucco, are designed to withstand the elements better.
How long does exterior lime plaster last?
The longevity of lime plaster is contingent upon the quality of its application, the prevailing environmental conditions, and the extent of maintenance. When correctly applied and maintained, it can last for decades. The material offers benefits such as breathability, flexibility, and a natural finish. Furthermore, it is known for its historical authenticity and sustainability.
How thick is exterior lime plaster?
The standard thickness for lime plaster is 15mm, and any deeper hollows should be removed prior to the application of a scratch coat. Prior to commencing work, it is advisable to respray the wall in order to prevent moisture from being drawn into the mortar, which would otherwise impair the adhesion of the coating.
📹 Exterior lime plaster.
Exterior lime plaster. Folks, we are located in Oakland, Ca. Howdy Folks, all the basic tools we use and recommend on Amazon’s …
Kemset recommends using their course primer before applying the Ekoplast. No need for this step? I have a similar job like this to do. On my house, there is plywood underneath instead of the wood lath on yours. Will a paper application over the plywood, then regular 2.5 metal lath (instead of ribbed) get the job done (materials I have on hand)? Last question, what’s the secret to bring out the sanded look of the Kemset you displayed at the end of the article?
The name Captain “Kirk” comes from “Circe” and means “church” in Scottish. So the church (Captain Kirk) is the head of the Space Enterprise. … Roman politicians passed laws so that the poorest of citizens would vote for them by providing them with cheap food (Bread) and entertainment (Circuses). Bread and Circuses became the method of choice for politicians rise to power. GOT COVID CHECKS? … Star Trek the original series promoted Christian references: Episode “Bread and Circus” Stardate 4041.7 (2268 AD), where Kirk (Church) talks about Christ and Caesar., he said, ” Wouldn’t it be something to watch, to be a part of? To see it happen all over again?” … The Church of the Space Enterprise is represented by the Flying Saucer or Circle, as is Stonehenge and other sites of celestial worship. .. “Live long and Plaster” ~ Kirk Giordano
Hello Mr Giordano. I am a huge fan of your website. I find this tremendous to my education. Learning from the experts is something I could never take for granted. I was wondering if you may show the final products once they have dried so we may see how it looks on the building and as the cement itself.
I’ve commented a few times already but rewatching this article makes me want to vacuum the attic… thank you again for all the insight. The last time I did one of these pop out windows. I messed up and didn’t build up the lath. I had to coat about three to four inches of scratch and brown. I used rapid set and the Home Depot accelerator but it was winter and it would not set. I can’t remember off the top of my head. But the area was in the shade in the middle of winter in Southern California. But man….. it wouldn’t set. The mud was rich it had three cups of luminite per bucket plus two cups of rapid set. But it wouldn’t set…
I got a “Rat story too”. My wife and I heard a Rat pulling my angel food cake through a hole behind The washer. Caught him. (Big ass Rat.) No big deal. That night, my wife puts Her hair up behind Her on The waterbed and I hear The hair thinking it was The rat. I hit Her in The face with a glass and broke it on Her face! I jumped up and flipped The light. Going “oh my God!!” She laughed and said take me to The Emergency!” Ya, docs said “what happedend?” I said “thought she was a RaT”
Kirk, recently my sibling has been helping a friend on their newly purchased Stucco home exterior. The friend has black mold underneath the eaves of the two-story house. My sibling applied 2 applications of anti mold bleach then pressure washed it with water to rinse off after waiting. It has a gotten a little bit lighter, is there a better method?
Kirk how do you deal with the inside corner between the house wall and the ceiling there? Paper tape, mesh tape, caulking??? I would think inside corners on the exterior would be difficult due to temp. changes, settling, etc. Thanks for continuing to educate (and entertain) on the benefits of plaster.
Another masterpiece from Giordano’s…. thanks Kirk, although I am not a plasterer thanks to you I did manage to do my house in UK and again thanks to you. Eventhough I am done with plastering I don’t stop to follow you and watch your articles. I like your face brother and I want to see it with my coffee or beer….One question only Kirk, that “sand finish” with no sand how is it possible to make it happen? Thanks once again your Greek fan.
Hey Kirk, my house here in Florida has had a good amount of new cracks and stuff form over the last few years. We did have a hurricane blow through here in 2017 that blew part of the roof off and I’m wondering if the water got behind the stucco and Compromised the wood. At one point do you say “screw it” and tear it all off to redo it from the studs up? Or should I have all that cracking repaired and expect new cracking here and there as a normal maintenance cost?
Another informative article from Kirk and Jay. It may not be needed now but always great to have the extra knowledge for when the need arises you have the correct way to approach it. Kirk did you price the job with changes of clothing included,😉? The article ending with your family all together is just perfect, it makes all your hard work worth the effort. You’re a very fortunate man!
Kemset should sponsor good ‘ol (young) Kirk, a man of all trades. He can plaster, sell you a product, warn you about the dangers of rat feces, all at the same time while teaching you life lessons and making you laugh. Good stuff. I got to start perusal your website again. I got a little to distracted with other things, but still looking forward to learning from the expert applicator.