Natural lime plaster

The gypsum alternative

Description
♦ Natural lime plaster is made from a mixture of sand, lime and other fibres like straw.
♦ Non hydraulic lime is better for the environment as it absorbs CO2 when exposed to air during drying.
♦ Hydraulic lime sets through a chemical reaction once contact is made with water.
♦ Any pigment can be added to lime plaster creating a wide choice of colours.
♦ Natural colour without pigment is off white.
The texture can be added to easily, from very smooth to very rough.
♦ A glassy finish can be created with precious stone/ceramic polishing, olive based coating and one further polish.
♦ Marmorino is an ancient stucco finish mixed with lime and ground marble (instead of sand).
♦ Marmorino finish has the appearance of sheeny and translucent stone.

Uses
♦ Lime plaster can be found on interior and exterior walls.
♦ Marmorino is typically used on interior and exterior walls, wetrooms, bathrooms, ensuites, kitchens, stairs, fireplaces, pillars as well as some flooring applications.
♦ Suitable for both historic and modern interiors.

Advantages
♦ Both natural lime plaster and marmorino have light reflecting qualities, creating a unique aesthetic.
♦ Natural properties are anti allergic.
♦ A 100% natural, breathable material which absorbs moisture unless sealed.
♦ A good regulator of temperature (keeping warm in winter and cool in summer) and humidity levels.
Can be treated the same as gypsum plaster using the same paint, fixtures and fittings.
♦ Plaster can be used with a range of absorbent backing surfaces; brickwork, board, gypsum, plasterboard and plaster undercoat.
♦ Good weather proof properties.
♦ Use of hydraulic and non hydraulic lime create good water resistant properties.
♦ Marmorino holds the same characteristics as marble.

Disadvantages
♦ Must be applied to a stable backing otherwise finish is prone to cracking.
♦ Plaster finishes take between a few days to 6 months to harden completely depending on the backing material.

Embodied Energy
♦ Transportation and distribution from overseas adds to the level of embodied energy.
♦ Less embodied energy than stucco cement and gypsum plaster.
♦ High temperatures are used to heat limestone in a kiln to create lime for plaster.
♦ Extraction of raw material and quarrying can destroy natural habitats and landscapes.

Source/Origin
♦ Some raw materials are sourced from North Africa, especially Morocco.
♦ Raw materials are otherwise abundant in most regions.

Renewable
♦ Partly as limestone raw material is widely available, but not renewable.

Environment & Health
♦ Limestone quarrying destorys natural habitats & landscapes using high levels of energy for extraction.
♦ Limestone processing and transport increases embodied energy levels.
♦ Water based sealants can be found to seal plaster.
♦ Added pigments can be natural earth or oxides.
♦ Surface treatments can be beeswax or 100% natural soap.

Performance
♦ A durable and resilient plaster.
♦ Lime plaster becomes harder and stronger if allowed to dry slowly.

Maintenance
♦ Clean with 100% natural olive oil soap and not harsh cleaning agents (helps retain water resistant qualities).
♦ Any areas of damage can be refilled and polished although they will be visible once repaired.

Recycled content
♦ n/a

Recyclable
♦ n/a

Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ Yes

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