Elena Rossi
Painting on lime plaster is generally not recommended as it can make the plaster less breathable, which can lead to bubbling and flaking. However, if you want to add colour to your lime-plastered walls, you can use a lime wash or a specialist emulsion paint. Lime wash is a traditional way to finish lime plaster, adding colour and protecting the wall beneath. It is microporous and alkaline, deterring algae growth and acting as a fungicide. However, it can be high-maintenance, requiring multiple layers and re-application every couple of years. Specialist emulsion paints such as Edward Bulmer natural emulsion and Mylands Matt Emulsion are free of plastic and microplastics, allowing the surface to breathe and giving off a more subtle finish.
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What You'll Learn
Painting over lime plaster
Lime plaster is made from sand, water, and lime derived from limestone or chalk. It is more flexible and less prone to cracking than modern plaster, but it takes longer to set. Each coat takes around ten days to set in typical conditions, but this can vary depending on thickness and environmental conditions. The curing process for lime plaster is called carbonation, which happens when slaked lime absorbs water-soluble carbon dioxide from the air. This process must happen slowly, and moisture must be present for it to work well.
If you do decide to paint over lime plaster, it is important to use a breathable paint to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the plaster, which can cause bubbling and peeling. Clay-based paints are a good option, as they are designed to breathe, allowing moisture to escape from the wall. Natural paints with ingredients like clays and chalks are more likely to be breathable, whereas paints filled with vinyls and chemicals will form a seal over the plaster and inhibit breathability.
Before painting, it is important to properly prepare the surface by removing any pre-existing vinyl emulsions or peeling paints. You may also need to sand down any lumps or bumps and fill in any gaps or recesses. When applying the paint, the first coat should be watered down slightly and used as a mist coat. Once this has dried, you can apply the top emulsion coat as normal.
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Breathable paint
Painting on lime plaster is often referred to as lime painting or lime wash. Lime plaster is made from sand, water, and lime derived from limestone or chalk. It is considered more environmentally friendly than modern plasters due to its natural composition.
Lime plaster is a popular choice for those seeking a natural, authentic aesthetic in their interiors. It is also a practical option, as its flexibility makes it less prone to cracking. However, one of the key considerations when painting lime plaster is breathability.
Lime plaster is a permeable wall material, and if it is covered with a non-breathable paint, moisture can become trapped, causing the paint to bubble and crack. Therefore, when painting lime plaster, it is essential to use a breathable paint.
There are several options available for breathable paints suitable for lime plaster. These include natural, water-based paints that are free from toxic chemicals and synthetic ingredients, such as those offered by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint. The Organic & Natural Paint Co. also provides breathable paint options, including GCS Interior and GCS Exterior for heritage and traditional buildings, and Graphenstone Grafclean for both lime plasters and normal walls.
When painting lime plaster, it is important to consider the absorbency of the surface. It is recommended to prime the surface beforehand, and you may need to use more paint to achieve the desired results.
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Lime wash
Lime plaster is a traditional type of mortar used to cover the surface of internal walls and ceilings before painting. It is made from three basic materials: sand, water, and lime, with the lime commonly derived from limestone or chalk. It is considered more environmentally friendly than modern plasters, and its use dates back to ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Lime plaster is often used as a standalone finish due to its natural texture and
To apply lime wash, it is first watered down and applied thinly with a roller, brush, or sprayer. It is then removed by hand or with a hose to expose the underlying plaster or brick to the desired level. Before applying lime wash, it is important to ensure that the lime plaster is fully dried and cured, usually requiring a minimum of four weeks for every 5mm thickness of lime.
While lime wash is commonly used for exterior spaces, it can also be used for interiors. When requesting lime wash for interior spaces, clients often mean lime painting, which refers to a solid-coloured, textured paint. However, the terms lime wash and lime painting are often used interchangeably.
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Lime plaster application
Lime plaster is made from three basic materials: sand, water, and lime, with the lime commonly derived from limestone or chalk. It has been used for thousands of years as a binder in mortars and plasterwork. It is more flexible than modern plaster and therefore less likely to crack.
Lime plaster is applied in three coats, with each layer taking days to set. The first coat is called the 'scratch coat' and is applied directly to the building material, whether that is lath, brick, or masonry. It is around 10mm thick and uses a coarse plaster that is scratched to create a rough surface for the next layer to bond to. The plasterer will mist the surface with water to ensure the plaster adheres well.
The second coat of lime plaster is then applied, again ensuring that the consistency of the layer is even. Any lines on the surface can be removed using a damp sponge. This layer is left to dry for a minimum of 12 hours, or up to several days.
The third and final coat is then applied, and the surface is smoothed out with a trowel. This layer is left to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before applying a sealer, wax, or paint.
It is important to note that painting onto lime plaster is not recommended as it can reduce the plaster's breathability and mask its natural appearance. If colour is desired, a lime wash can be used to add colour while still allowing the plaster to breathe.
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History of lime plaster
The use of lime plaster can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek architecture. The earliest known examples of lime plaster were found in Ain Ghazal, Jordan, and Çatalhöyük, Turkey, dating back to 7500 BC. In ancient India and China, clay and gypsum plasters were used to create smooth surfaces over rough stone or mud brick walls. The Great Wall of China, for example, was constructed using a mixture of lime and glutinous rice.
Lime plaster was widely employed in ancient Egypt, where it was used to coat the walls of tombs, mixed with clays, sand, and small amounts of anhydrite. It was also used in Minoan Crete around 1700 BC, where some of the first frescoes were painted onto lime walls. The same technique was later used in the Sistine Chapel in the 16th century, marking a significant development in Western art.
The ancient Greeks used lime plaster for decorative moldings, while the Romans refined their techniques, creating frescoes on plaster walls and using lime plaster in the construction of iconic structures like the Colosseum. The Romans also discovered the principles of the hydraulic set of lime, where the addition of reactive silica and alumina could cause the mixture to solidify rapidly, even underwater. The Romans referred to their finished plaster product as "Marmoratum Opus," meaning "smooth marble."
During the medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe, lime plaster became a prominent building material, used in the construction of grand castles and intricate cathedrals. Its flexibility and ability to adhere to different surfaces made it a preferred choice for decorative elements. Many historic European cathedrals, such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, feature lime plaster in their construction and interior ornamentation.
Lime plaster has also been widely used in the Americas, particularly in early American colonial homes, where it was used to create decorative swirls and stripes. It was also used in the construction of iconic buildings like Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, where it was employed for its neoclassical and Palladian design principles.
Today, lime plaster is still valued for its durability, breathability, and unique natural finish. It is often chosen for use in traditional architecture and the restoration of historic buildings.
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Frequently asked questions
Lime plaster is a traditional type of mortar used to cover the surface of internal walls and ceilings before painting. It is made from sand, water, and lime, with the option to add fibres like animal hair to strengthen the mixture.
Yes, you can paint lime plaster, but it is not recommended as paint rarely lets the plaster breathe, and you lose the plaster's air-regulating benefits. If you do decide to paint lime plaster, it is important to use a paint suitable for use over lime plaster, such as a specialist emulsion paint.
You should use a paint that is highly breathable and allows moisture to escape. Specialist emulsion paints such as Edward Bulmer natural emulsion and Mylands Matt Emulsion are suitable for lime plaster. Lime wash is another option for colouring and protecting lime plaster.
Each coat of lime plaster takes around ten days to set, depending on its thickness and air conditions in the room. It is recommended to wait as long as advised by your plasterer before painting.
