Lime plaster

Because of its natural composition and longevity, lime plaster has been a trusted building material for centuries. Lime, sand, and water are combined to create a flexible, breathable coating that works well indoors and out.

Lime plaster is a great option for homes in a variety of climates because it can control humidity, which is one of its main advantages. It also has a smooth, attractive finish that is easily painted or left unpainted for a more rustic appearance.

Lime plaster is a timeless option that blends beauty and functionality, perfect for modern spaces or old buildings that need a natural touch.

Where lime plaster is used

Lime plaster is currently the best, least expensive, and easiest material to work with when doing interior renovations.

You can treat the surfaces in rooms with high relative humidity by using different additives.

Since the lime mixture poses no environmental risks, it is utilized to finish living rooms, office spaces, and even children’s rooms.

Kindly take note! When sand is added, the lime mixture becomes universal. As long as the humidity level remains below the Rubicon 75%, almost any surface within the building can be treated with the mixture without risk.

Building facades receive an application of lime plaster intended for external use. You can work with stone and wood if you add gypsum.

Advantages and disadvantages of lime plaster

For interior work, lime plaster has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about the advantages of the plaster mixture. Benefits

1. Universal (flexible, plastic) material has high adhesion and high plasticity.
2. After the lime mixture hardens, plasticity disappears.
3. The solution breathes, which means that it is vapor permeable: it has a beneficial effect on the indoor microclimate.
4. Provides protection against fungus and mold. This indicates the bactericidal properties of the material.
5. It is necessary to emphasize the resistance of the mixture to low temperatures and note the thermal insulation properties.
6. Environmentally friendly product without unpleasant odors.

Furthermore, the lime mixture lays down flawlessly, does not peel off, and perfectly aggregates with the surface.

One way to describe the drawbacks is as having a weaker mixture than other mixtures, like materials made of Portland cement. As you can see, the aforementioned mixture has more benefits than drawbacks.

Various types of lime compounds

The high strength of the final lime material is one of the characteristics shared by several types of lime plasters.

For instance, the strength of the applied layer defines the characteristics of lime-clay mortar.

Furthermore, lime-cement mortar strengthens interior walls quickly and can be applied.

You can use lime-sand plaster for any kind of wall finishing. It is suitable for use in highly humid spaces.

Let’s examine each variety of lime mortar in turn and ascertain its characteristics.

Lime-cement mortar

It can be used to finish any kind of surface because of its great strength. It is frequently utilized in highly humid spaces.

Lime-gypsum mortar

This version of the solution is meant for interior finishing projects in dry rooms with typical humidity levels. Practically no external works use it. The final product hardens quickly and is durable.

It is important to consider that a component like gypsum can have an impact on the hardening speed. The mixture sets in just 5 minutes, and it hardens completely in 30 minutes.

In light of this, this solution is made in small quantities (up to 5 liters) exclusively for use in dry rooms using the following method:

1. Initially, a regular mixture with lime is prepared in a 3-liter container.
2. Gypsum is added (gradually) and water. Everything is thoroughly mixed.

It should be noted that one part gypsum requires four parts of the lime mixture. The thinner the solution, the slower it hardens. Don’t worry—the strength of the layer won’t be jeopardized.

It is advised to use the product within five minutes of its readiness for use.

Lime-clay mortar

Clay mixed with lime is essential for the structural integrity of interior walls. The mixture will turn "fat" if the lime dosage is excessive, or "lean" if it is not. If you ignore this and use an excessively thick solution, a web of cracks will cover the working surface. Furthermore, a "lean" composition denotes a persistent absence of lime. If the ratio is off, the plastic’s qualities may be lost because the strength won’t be at the right level.

Lime-sand plaster

Both indoors and outdoors, rough finishing tasks are completed with decorative lime-sand plasters. The following is the procedure for preparation:

1. Liquid lime composition is poured into the mortar mixer.
2. Cement is poured in.
3. The mixing process takes up to 2 minutes.
4. After which sand is added, and the mixing procedure is repeated. This takes up to 3 minutes.

Spraying is used to apply the completed component.

Preparing the work surface

The preparation of the work surface is a crucial step in the high-quality application of prefabricated lime mortar, and it involves multiple required steps.

1. First of all, the old layer of plaster is removed.
2. The walls are primed. If necessary, they are initially leveled.
3. For surfaces with weak adhesion, a chain-link mesh made of thin wire is used. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws. Rarely, but still, dowels are used. Fixing the mesh is carried out along the perimeter with possible control in the center.
4. Instead of "chain-link", lath can be used: this is a kind of mesh made of thin wooden planks. The work is painstaking, requiring a certain dexterity and practical skills.
5. Lastly, beacons are installed, although this is not a mandatory condition. Installing beacons helps to monitor the evenness of the work surface.

Plaster mixtures, aluminum profiles, or wooden blocks can all be used to create beacons. It’s critical that there be no more space than the norm between them.

A classic building material, lime plaster is prized for its natural antibacterial qualities, breathability, and durability. Made from limestone that has been converted to lime, it provides wall finishes with a versatile and environmentally friendly choice. Lime plaster can offer a stunning, long-lasting finish that promotes a healthy indoor environment whether you’re renovating an old structure or designing a new one.

Application of plaster

The process of applying lime plaster to the work surface follows a specific order. Applying the mixture in three layers:

• the first layer is called a splash;
• the second is a primer;
• the third, final layer is necessary to eliminate defects – this is the finishing.

Let’s examine each step in greater detail and identify the key components of the work.

Adhesion to the work surface is enhanced. With a trowel serving as a working tool, the completed mixture is thrown onto the wall. Surface leveling is not necessary for the first step.

Kindly take note! It is not desired for the first layer to be thick.

The splash technology is straightforward: a trowel is used to apply the solution to the wall while a short distance away with a hand wave is made.

Take note of the figure, which illustrates how the solution is applied from both the left and the right sides.

• Second layer.

This represents the primary phase of the work being done. The thickness of the applied layer shouldn’t be more than 50 mm. Ideally, the solution will be denser than the spatter. The work makes use of the well-known trowel or half-grater. A plaster cutter is used to trim away any excess mixture from the working wall. Control is required once the work is finished, and this involves ensuring that the applied layer is uniform both horizontally and vertically.

At this point, the walls’ final (final) finishing is completed and any flaws are removed. Smoothing is done after removing minor irregularities. The solution’s composition ought to match that of the spatter. A damp wall is coated with the mixture. The thickness of the layer must not exceed 2 mm. A unique float is used to rub the surface.

If the soil gradually dries out while working, use a brush to lightly moisten it.

Please take note that there are different ways to rub lime plaster, as shown in the figure.

Time-tested and adaptable, lime plaster is an environmentally responsible wall finishing option. Because of its natural composition, it offers breathability in addition to durability, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy indoor environment.

Lime plaster can give your walls a distinct charm whether you’re working on a new project or renovating an old structure. It can be applied rather easily and, with the right maintenance, last for many years, making it a useful option for both traditional and modern interior design.

All things considered, selecting lime plaster is an environmentally conscious choice that combines practicality, style, and sustainability. Any plastering project would benefit from taking into account its everlasting appeal and advantages.