What is Lime Plaster?
Lime plaster is a traditional type of plaster that has been used throughout the ages in construction and interior design. It creates a beautiful finish adding unique character to a space.
Known for its durability, breathability, and aesthetic appeal, lime plaster is made from a mixture of slaked lime and aggregate materials such as sand, which are blended with water to create a workable paste.
Favoured by those seeking a natural and traditional plastering option, it is often applied in multiple layers, with each layer needing sufficient drying time before the next is added, achieving a smooth and consistent finish.
Why choose Lime Plaster?
Lime plaster offers several advantages over modern plasters:
- Aesthetic appeal - offers a stunning and distinctive with a depth of finish.
- Breathability - highly breathable, allowing moisture to evaporate through the plaster, which helps regulate humidity levels and prevent the build-up of moisture within walls.
- Antimicrobial properties- lime plaster has a natural resistance to mould and mildew growth, makes it an excellent option for use in humid or damp environments.
- Eco-friendly - made from natural materials, it contains neither harmful chemicals nor VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Durability - long lasting
What is Lime Paint?
Lime paint, also known as lime wash or whitewash, has been used for centuries and is made from natural ingredients, primarily slaked lime and water, along with other additives such as pigments or natural minerals for colour and durability. It is used both for its striking appearance and practical benefits.
Lime paint has an exclusive appeal and texture compared to modern paints. When applied to a surface, it creates a thin, matt, and porous coating that allows the underlying material to breathe. This gives lime-painted surfaces a rustic and aged look, often associated with traditional or historical buildings. However, lime paint can also be used in contemporary designs to achieve unique textured finishes full of character.
One of the key features of lime paint is its ability to gradually age and develop a patina over time. As it weathers, lime paint can change in colour and tone, giving a distinctive and authentic look to surfaces.
Lime paint can be used on a variety of surfaces, including plaster, stone, brick, and wood. However, it is important to note that lime paint may not adhere well to certain surfaces or withstand heavy wear and tear, so it is essentail to assess the specific requirements of the project and consult with experts or manufacturers to ensure its suitability.
Advantages of using Lime Paint
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, one of the practical advantages of lime paint is its breathability. It allows moisture vapour to pass through the painted surface, which can help regulate humidity levels in a space and prevent the build-up of surface moisture. This breathability also contributes to the longevity of lime-painted surfaces.
Lime paint is often chosen for its eco-friendly and non-toxic nature. It is made from natural materials, has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and can be disposed of without causing harm to the environment.
Our Lime Finishes - CalceTerra
We have selected products, sourced from Italy, called CalceTerra which translates as 'lime earth'. They are easier to use than traditional lime finishes and are available in four different grades from CT1 which has a fine finish to CT4 which has added fibres to give a more textured and rustic feel.
CalceTerra Natural Lime Plaster and Paint
CalceTerra is a natural and ecological wall covering based on lime and natural sand; it is environmentally friendly and has a low chemical makeup, meaning it is entirely safe for inside your home. You can apply CalceTerra and feel safe knowing it is eco-friendly.
Calceterra is a powder of natural lime and white Carrara marble mixed with water. It has a natural resistance to the onset of mould and bacteria, allowing the walls to breathe.
Naturally white, it can be coloured with 20 Natural Sands to obtain the 60 shades of the collection.
Available in four textures, CalceTerra is inspired by natural fibres and the colour of sand:
CalceTerra Cotton Texture - CT1
Silky and elegant, CT1 can be used not only as lime plaster (when it is applied by trowel), but also as lime paint. As lime paint it is applied by brush.
CalceTerra Linen Texture - CT2
With the appearance of slightly 'wrinkled', as linen is, and releasing a feeling of softness, CT2 is applied with a trowel in one coat.
CalceTerra Jute Texture - CT3With a rustic and mineral finish, CT3 is applied with a trowel in one coat.
CalceTerra Hemp Texture - CT 4
CT4 has added natural hemp with natural insulation and is applied with a trowel in one coat.
Mica Argento and Bronzo
A silver additive, Mica Argento, or a bronze additive, Mica Bronzo, which is applied by trowel, can be used with CalceTerra Cotton, Linen, Jute and Hemp Texture.
For walls that are covered with CalceTerra, this product is ideal as an adhesion primer due to its composition of carbonates, minerals and finely ground quartz. This breathable water-based white primer is suitable for exteriors and interiors.
Caseina is a natural water-based, transparent and protective topcoat that enhances the colour and appearance of surfaces covered with CalceTerra. It is for indoor use.
The product can also be coloured with Natural Sands to create glazing or distressed effects.
This water-based, transparent and protective topcoat which has a matt finish, is perfect for washable surfaces or that are in close contact with water. It also enhances the colour and appearance of surfaces covered with CalceTerra.
Invisibile is a transparent, water-based, siloxane sealant providing protection for interior and exterior walls and creating a natural, breathable finish.
What are the benefits of CalceTerra?
Here are just some of the benefits:
- Breathability - allowing moisture to escape from the surface. This is important for walls with damp issues, as it prevents moisture from getting trapped and causing damage.
- Natural - made from natural materials, primarily slaked lime and water. This makes it an eco-friendly option, as it contains no harmful chemicals.
- Antimicrobial properties - making it resistant to mould and mildew growth. This makes it an excellent option for use in humid or damp environments.
- Aesthetic appeal - available in four textures, it has a unique, matte finish giving walls a natural look. It is also available in a range of colours, from white to muted earthy tones.
- Durable - long-lasting.
- Easy to apply - or retouch, making it a low-maintenance option.
Choosing an environmentally friendly paint can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
Contact Stucco Veneziano for Lime Paint and Plaster
We are happy to offer further advice and information to ensure that you find the most suitable product for your project.
Our full range of lime paints and plaster can be purchased directly through our website and is stocked in our London warehouse for shipping throughout the UK.
For areas outside the UK, please call us for a shipping quote. If you would like to visit our warehouse to purchase, please contact us to make an appointment.
Should you require further information before placing an order, please don't hesitate to contact us, one of our team is always on hand to assist.