Lime is a natural and sustainable product, and has traditionally been used throughout the world to protect and decorate buildings. In North America, modern paints and coatings replaced the use of lime early in the 20th century.

Recently, people have begun to rediscover the many benefits of this amazing natural product. Lime coatings have proven invaluable in the restoration of old buildings, the perfect complement to rammed earth and straw bale construction, and as a replacement for modern coatings such as cement stucco and paint.

Lime in its raw state is Calcium Carbonate. After processing, it can be used in its natural white state or tinted using lime-tolerant pigments to create beautiful, lasting color. When used in a plaster, paint or wash, prepared lime absorbs carbon dioxide from the air as it cures, reverting back to its natural state to form a tough, permeable coating of limestone.

Lime coatings have distinct advantages over more modern products:

• Vapor permeable, allowing moisture to escape
• Completely UV resistant
• Will not shrink or crack
• Stain resistant
• Waterproof when cured
• Unaffected by temperature fluctuations when cured
• Easy and inexpensive to make

Here are some general guidelines for the use of lime coatings:

• Application of lime renders and coatings must take place within a set temperature and humidity range for proper carbonation
• Lime is applied in the proper thickness to allow for carbonation and adherence
• Lime is caustic and requires simple protection and safety measures during application
• Supports must be evaluated for compatibility with lime coatings and properly prepared or primed

For thousands of years lime has proven itself to be a stable and long lasting building material. Realize the same benefits in your modern world with the use of lime plasters, washes and paints.