Do i have Lime plaster

[cconnor]

hello,

I own an Edwardian style Lodge buildt circa 1925... I have completed all the structural and damp work and now need to start the internal restoration.

The ceilings are quite badly cracked (and so is the ornate coviving), the walls are in okay condition but I would like to skim both surfaces for a better finish ready for decorating.

Being an old house i understand that it needs to breath but im not sure whether the plaster work is lime or not. The ceilings are lath and plaster -is this indicative...?

I *assumed* that it is lime plaster but as I am unable to find a plasterer willing (and capable) of use lime so i'm wondering if i actually need to.

Any advise please? How can i test the plaster? And if i DO have lime plaster can anyone recommend a reliable plasterer? I live in Surrey.

Many thanks to all

 

[NT]

Gypsum is brethable too, its the paints typically found on existing gypsum that arent. But putting a gypsum skim onto lime is not a good recipe for it staying there in the long run. Since you're getting your walls skimmed anyway, why dont you try doing a bit and see if you get a decent finish. The good thing about lime plaster is you get all day to get in smooth, which is good for beginners. Painting the old lime first with watered down lime putty should help stabilise it.


NT