🏗️Intermediate
Lime and Natural Plasters
Making and applying lime plaster for weatherproofing and hygiene.
Lime and natural plasters protect structures, improve hygiene, and allow walls to breathe.
Important
Quicklime is caustic; use eye and skin protection during slaking and mixing.
Key Concepts
- —Lime plaster carbonates over time, hardening by reacting with air.
- —Breathable plasters help moisture escape from earthen and masonry walls.
- —Aggregate grading affects crack resistance and finish quality.
- —Substrate preparation determines adhesion and durability.
Practical Guide
- 1.Slake quicklime safely and allow adequate maturation before use.
- 2.Prepare substrate by cleaning, dampening, and roughening as needed.
- 3.Apply base coats with coarse aggregate, then finer finishing coats.
- 4.Cure slowly by protecting from direct sun and rapid drying winds.
- 5.Inspect and patch microcracks early before water penetration expands damage.
References
- [1] Ching, F. D. K. (2014). Building construction illustrated (5th ed.). Wiley.
- [2] Minke, G. (2006). Building with earth. Birkhauser.