Applying limewash

[Moo]

Thanks so much for that link. There's a stockist not far from us, it transpires, so I shall make a detour on my way to the allotment this morning ......

xxx

 

[Zebra]

Please could I have some more advice about limewash? I am plastering my ceilings and walls internally with a lime putty/plastering sand mix, or with Old House Store's "Coarse Stuff." When I went on a lime plastering course a while back, they said that if you don't mind a rougher finish it is feasible not to do a top coat in silver sand & lime, but to sponge off the float coat, which leaves a rougher finish. I was not much good at doing the top coat, so I decided that a sponged finish was what my house would be getting!
It looks great so far, but once dry the sand in it does rub off when you touch it. I haven't applied any limewash yet, but will limewashing solve that problem?
Thanks to Robgil for the detailed post in this thread about how to apply limewash. How many coats might be needed to "seal" a plastered wall in this way?
Many thanks all!

 

[MatthewC]

... I decided that a sponged finish was what my house would be getting!
It looks great so far, but once dry the sand in it does rub off when you touch it. I haven't applied any limewash yet, but will limewashing solve that problem?
Thanks to Robgil for the detailed post in this thread about how to apply limewash. How many coats might be needed to "seal" a plastered wall in this way?

I used limewash on this house almost two years ago and it is still fine with no colour coming off. However, I applied it over Mike Wye's Regency plaster which gave a very smooth finish, with either 3 (as recommended) or even just 2 coats of limewash (where I've been lazy); also, the limewash covered a much greater area than advertised. I very much doubt whether limewash will do much to smooth or "seal" your rough surface as it is very thin. Moreover, I would guess that the roughness will make it more difficult to apply (which I found VERY easy). I suggest you try an area using a test pot and see.

Matthew

 

[DJH]

I've always used bagged lime and mixed up whitewash myself using the old method of sprinkling it into a bucket of clean water until it's the consistency needed. After wetting or dampening the wall it gets a quick brush over with a thin mix and then a further coat daily for at least four days.

For walls that have cement in the render coat about two and a half per cent by volume of linseed oil will prevent it from spalling off. We used to boli up tallow and mix it in and that had the same effect. Provided that limewash doesn't dry out but cures properly it won't come off unless rubbed hard.

Always worked for me....

Doug

 

[Zebra]

You know, you are useful DJH. So glad you came along. So, a coat a day for four days. Thanks.
I have been trying a test area where it won't be seen, just brushing on some limewash made from putty I've got left over, and it's working a treat at sealing up the plaster and stopping it from brushing off. Only problem is, I seem to have drawn a weird face in it which is looking at me......

 

[MdB]

I seem to have drawn a weird face in it which is looking at me......

Park Henry in front of it and they can have a staring contest...

 

[worms]

Claim it as a miracle and open the house to pilgrims! That should pay for the renovations!

 

[LadyArowana]

Claim it as a miracle and open the house to pilgrims! That should pay for the renovations!

I think you may be a tad optimistic with that prediction.

 

[Penners]

I seem to have drawn a weird face in it which is looking at me......

Uh-oh! Zebra's been at the cooking sherry again. :roll:

 

[Sonyaclegg]

Not strictly on point, but I have just bought and taken delivery of some lime mortar from Mike Wye so I can have a go at pointing the back of the fireplace. I'm hoping I will be able to make a reasonable job of it. I will let you all have a chuckle and post some photos. I just have to get 400 yrs off soot off the stones first.......

 

[Zebra]

Oh Lady A, if only my artistic talents ran to that. No, here it is. Can you see it?



Sonya, do let us know how you get on, and do ask the kind folks on here if you need any tips, although I'm sure Mike Wye will have helped in this regard. I quite like pointing, find it very satisfying.

 

[MdB]

but I have just bought and taken delivery of some lime mortar from Mike Wye so I can have a go at pointing the back of the fireplace.

Mix, mix and mix again before using. Don't try straight from the tub, preferably with a SDS drill and paddle whisk. You aren't actually mixing (that has already been done) but waking the lime up (technical term there). It makes using the lime so much easier.

Best tool is this and a hawk.

 

[Zebra]

I use one of these, with a plastering trowel acting as a hawk, as it's smaller.

 

[Penners]

Best tool is this...

Technically known, I believe, as a 'plasterer's small tool'.

I understand that most plasterers have one.

 

[Moo]

Cue some smutty thread drift from the lads behind the bike shed.......

 

[Penners]

Oh, goodness! I never realised that my comment might be a double entendre.

:twisted: