Mix lime plaster for different applications yourself


Lime mortar is a simple mixture of sand and dissolved lime with many positive properties. It is a weather-resistant plaster for the house facade and can also be used indoors for a pleasant indoor climate.

Mix lime plaster for plastering walls inside and outside

In order to produce workable lime mortar, except water and a further additive, only dissolved lime is needed, which is converted into limestone when it is set. In some cases cement is added to the mixture. In this case one speaks of lime cement mortar. Other excipients such as gypsum or various binders are conceivable as additives. Pure lime plaster is only mixed with lime, sand and water. You need the following ingredients if you want to mix lime mortar yourself:

  • About three parts of sand (for example, silica with a grain size between about 0.2 and 0.6 millimeters)
  • a part of lime
  • Water (more on the required amount below)

The right amount of water for mixing lime plaster

The amount of water depends essentially on the amount of lime and the desired consistency of the lime mortar. You use about half a kilo of water per kilo of mortar. This amount can be adjusted slightly upwards or downwards depending on the desired consistency.

Possible areas of application and properties of the material

The lime mortar mixed in this way can be used for at least 24 centimeters thick masonry, if the walls are bare and the building has a maximum of two floors. Lime mortar has a lower strength than cement mortar, but can be much easier to process. As the material hardens, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the ambient air and reverts to limestone with the added water when agitated. The material has an antibacterial effect and does not provide mold for the mold. It is also a breathable material for plastering both interior and exterior walls.

Lime plaster can be processed relatively easily

After mixing, the material can be applied by hand with a stainless trowel to the wall like a traditional wall plaster and then smoothed. However, you can also process the material using a machine, for example, to apply a larger amount on a relatively large wall surface. The material is naturally creamy white to greyish.

Product Image: Schankz / Shutterstock

Mix lime plaster for different applications yourself

FAQ - 💬

❓ What is lime plastering?

👉 When lime is used as a binding material in making mortar for plastering purpose, it is called lime plaster. A mixture of lime and sand taken in equal proportions in a mortar mill, mechanically prepared with water to make a paste of required consistency.

❓ How many coats of lime plaster do I Need?

👉 It is more desirable to apply more than one coat of the lime plaster, so before applying the second coat the mortar is dashed against the surface of the wall in a layer of 6 to 10 mm thickness with a trowel to give a good grip. The second coat is then applied to the first coat (not dry).

❓ How do you prepare lime plaster before painting?

👉 Store your lime plaster in a sealed container to protect it from the air for three months prior to using it. Mix 1 part lime putty to 3 parts sand. The sand particles should range in size from very small, like dust,, to large pieces, as large as 3/8 inch, and they should be angular.

❓ What are the techniques used in hydraulic lime plastering?

👉 The techniques employed in the application of hydraulic lime plasters should be to ensure a correct bonding with the background while striving to minimise shrinkage and rapid drying. These techniques should be followed throughout the plastering process.


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