Plasters & Cements

 » Lime Plasters & Renders

Lime Plasters and Renders

Introduction

The warm glow of a polished lime plaster wall

It is in the use of lime that the beauty of Ocher is fully realized, from rustic, textured walls to highly polished plaster finishes. The additional light refraction from the lime crystals along with the texture of the Ocher makes the combination unmatched by any synthetic render. Another difference in tinted lime plaster is the depth of color obtainable. Because lime is unique in its purity and process, it allows for completely different color applications not possible with any other type of render.

Let it be stressed here that this article only pertains to pure Lime Plaster. The same rules do not apply for Cement and Lime mixtures. These are covered under the Cement and Stucco article. Lime plaster is created from processed lime, water and aggregate in proper ratios. Once applied, it undergoes a critical process called carbonation where the lime reacts with the carbon dioxide in the air, causing it to return to its original form-limestone. In order for lime plasters to succeed, certain rules must be followed in order for carbonation and proper adherence to occur.

Coloring Lime Plasters and Renders with Pigments

Building facade with pigmented lime plaster walls

Proper Ratios:
To obtain colored lime plaster, Ochers and pigments can be added in ratio to the dry weight of lime to be employed, before the addition of any aggregate. The amount used will depend upon the depth of tint desired and whether the pigment is a natural one or a manufactured Oxide. This amount used should not exceed the upper end of these ratios:

  • Ochers and Natural Pigments 3% to 20% of the weight of the dry lime
  • Manufactured Oxide Pigments 3% to 15% of the weight of the dry lime

If using lime putty rather than hydrated lime powder, calculate that approximately 1/3 of that putty's volume is water. Therefore safely calculate the weight of water in one gallon of lime putty will be around 3 lbs, and the remaining weight will be lime. It is this remaining weight that you will base your calculation on. If using a readymade bagged dry lime plaster that already contains aggregate, calculate 25% of the weight of that mix as your lime binder and that will be the weight you calculate your amount of Ocher or pigment to.

Creating Samples:
It cannot be stressed enough the need to do sample testing for your colors. It is important to:

  • Establish proper ratios
  • Determine the final color when actually dry
  • See the sample in different light

For batch-to-batch consistency, ratios should always be determined by weight rather than volume as pigment is like flour and the weight of any volume measurement can differ. It is also important to make sure that a sample has completely dried to see the truest color. After adequate drying time, test for any moisture in the sample by holding your hand or cheek against it. Moisture will feel cool to the touch. If a small sample board is created, move it around to different locations to see how the color looks in different light. It may look different in one room from another. Part of the beauty of pigment in lime is how it changes with the changing light.

Adding Pigment to the Mix:
To mix, slake the pigment in an equal volume of water and work to create a homogenous paste. This can then be added to the wet plaster mix. The use of a mixing paddle attachment is recommended. When adding pigment color to plaster, it should be considered as a powdered aggregate. Therefore it may be necessary to adjust the water to your mix, particularly when using Ochers. Rather than adding additional water, it may be sufficient just to thoroughly saturate the substrate before application of the plaster, and if necessary, light misting of the plaster with water while it is being worked. Follow the proper application instructions for your product and type of mix.

The enhancement of Color in Lime Plasters

As one observes the finishes seen on buildings of Old Europe, the most outstanding feature is not only the color but the depth of it. Often customers will ask how such a deep color can be achieved, a depth more like the pigment itself. It is because these traditional finishes are pure lime allowing for techniques not possible with other types of coating. Lime differs from any other type of plaster in the way color can be applied. Because of its purity and the unique carbonation process, pigment can be used in additional ways to create depth of color not attainable with other types of coatings. The techniques discussed in this extensive article are Fresco and Patina coatings. These applications of color are done after the plaster has been applied-one before it is dry and the other within a certain time frame during the carbonation process. Both allow for greater application of color to the surface

In depth: Fresco & patina application for lime plasters.

Integrally colored Lime plasters can also be sealed with a wax coating such as our French Wax Cream. Wax deepens the color by changing the light refraction. Additional pigment can be added to the wax to create color effects.

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Proper Atmospheric Conditions for Application of Lime Renders

Proper temperature and humidity are required for the carbonation process to be successful.

  • Temperature should not be below 41 ºF (46 ºF for dark colors) at any time during the application or carbonation process. Do not allow freezing to occur.
  • In temperatures above 86 ºF or in very low humidity, surface and subsequent coatings must be misted with water. Exterior coatings should be protected from wind and sun to protect from drying too quickly. An opaque covering such as damp canvas or burlap works particularly well.
  • Surfaces must not have a surface temperature below 41 ºF (46 ºF for dark colors) and must not be excessively hot or excessively wet.
  • The most critical period of carbonation is the first two to three days.

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