classidur paint. An alternative to limewash?

[michael]

I got in touch with the SPAB to discuss my dilemma and the gentleman there advised that the Classidur paint appears to be very good product but they would only recommend the very expensive option of Classidur Tradition (£200 + per 12.5 litres) a polymerised resin paint which has an anti fungal additive. They claim that the cheaper option of Classidur Super Classic( about £100 per 12.5 litres) an isoparafin based paint without any fungal additives was once used on a chapel that had not previously been decorated and after decoration and occupancy of the building a few areas began to support fungal growth. This and other information was apparently gathered from an SPBA technical paint forum. The resounding winner of that forum was however plain and simple “contract trade emulsion” and everybody at the forum apparently agreed that this was an excellent coverall product which has good coverage, good breathability and very cheap.
The SPBA also gave me a couple of names to contact for further advice. One was a gentlemen at "Papers and Paints" (http://www.colourman.com) and unlike the SPBA, he reckons the Clasidur Super classic is an excellent product and that it would be unnecessary to use the more expensive Classidur Tradition unless you have very damp conditions.(same opinion as my specialist lime plasterer) He also agreed that the Contract trade emulsion was pretty good if you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the perfect finish.
I’m still therefore a bit confused, so many options and varying opinions. I’ve got one more expert to contact. I’ll see what he says and let you know.

 

[michael]

P.S. The SPBA would not reccommend distemper either with or without additives - OK for ceilings and ceiling mouldings but not for walls which can be brushed against. Two of my walls requre access by scaffolding at high level. The low level would be vulnerable to being brushed against. The other two walls are acessable at high and low level due to insitu balconies.

 

[ajbaker]

I discounted limewash and distempter for my bedroom for the same reasons - brushing against with a fresh suit on would ruin my day!

Having said that a lot of people recommended adding casein to make it less chalky. Linseed oil was another recommendation. Didn't fancy spending the time limewashing just to find out the finish was still not satisfactory so discounted this option too. Understand it 'can' support mould growth but is this very likely in your property? Heating and ventilation.

I still think NBT is a solution for you, and I don't understand why you discounted it. I've not read anything about Classidur which would suggest it is more appropriate for you than any of the much cheaper solutions.

Dare I suggest you may be reading a little more into this than necessary?

 

[michael]

Following advice from the SPAB I've just spoken to a Mr Colin Mitchell Rose from the Technical paint forum. Extreemly helpful gentleman.
Conclusion:- Classidur was when he new it (10 years ago) and presumably still is an excellent product. Great for stain blocking, fire damage etc and can bind to unstable surfaces and remains breathable and stable even in dank damp conditions. Often used in churches because of its appearance very flat matt finish.
Advice given - Try the cheaper option first of contract trade emulsion and only use the classidur if any of the surfaces prove to be difficult.

 

[Nemesis]

Mr Rose of the paint firm...

Limewash and its derivatives however do have a very different surface finish, which can be addictive...


Trade emulsions etc are very flat, some better quality emulsions, such as those produced by Rose of Jercho, are made with pigment rather than dye and have a richness about them which cheaper paint does not.

It's all more to confuse you of course...

 

[Nemesis]

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/paint/paint.htm

Worth reading.

 

[Matey Plumber]

Almost looks edible....

 

[NT]

P.S. The SPBA would not reccommend distemper either with or without additives - OK for ceilings and ceiling mouldings but not for walls which can be brushed against.

You're reading / quoting a lot of nonsense, thats the problem. Thats why I suggested no more reading.


NT

 

[michael]

Note to ajbaker : Thanks for your suggestions BIOFA, NBT, EARTHBORN etc I did discuss these with the SPAB but they could not provide any usful advice on these as they felt the clay paints and breathable emulsions provided by these companies were a bit untried and tested to provide any difinitive verdict.

 

[michael]

Reading back on your comments Nemisis:-

"Trade emulsions etc are very flat, some better quality emulsions, such as those produced by Rose of Jercho, are made with pigment rather than dye and have a richness about them which cheaper paint does not."

I dont want to argue with you on this one Nemesis, but as mentioned above, on the advice of the SPBA, I did speak with the guy from Papers and paints( Mr Baty)www.colourman.com who would seem to be a complete guru on paint products often analysing and reproducing existing old paint surfaces for landmark buildings in this country and often travelling overseas to the USA etc to lecture and offer his expert opinion.Whilst my head was in a bit of a technical spin after speaking to him, I do think he said that pigments couldnt be added to emulsions, somthing to do with its chemical structure and that only colourants could be used. I cant be precise on this though.

 

[Moo]

Not sure if this is relevant, but Mr Baty colours standard manufactured paints (Sanderson, etc). I agree that he is a guru regarding historic colours, but I'm not sure about things like what sort of paint one should use.

 

[Nemesis]

Sadly the real expert died...


http://www.realpaints.com

Peter used to be very rude about modern paints!


Anyone who has used Rose of Jericho I think will testify that they are superior paints too.

http://www.rose-of-jericho.demon.co.uk/

 

[michael]

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/paint/paint.htm

Worth reading.

I've just noticed that the article refered to in the above building conservation link provided by nemisis was written by Colin Mitchell Rose, the gentleman I spoke to today who advied that the Classidur was very good but to try using the Contract trade emulsion as a first resort.

Now I'm really confused

 

[NT]

Now I'm really confused

Indeed. Time we placed bets now.


NT