Lime in winter?

[Anonymous]

Can I use lime plaster indoors in the winter? I know it needs to be frost free and dry slowly, but can I do small scale work without compromising drying or getting cracks? Our whole house was coated with pink plaster skim in the seventies and it is coming off gradually leaving holes and a 1m whole upright timber in one room. I want to fill/ limeplaster around the said timber to avoid draughts etc. preferably now! Room has heat but I can turn it off. Help!

 

[Anonymous]

No prob, as long sa you can protect it from frost, which obviously you can. Some gentle heat is no bad thing, but allow the plaster to 'cure' and dry slowly, don't turn the thermostat up and attempt to force it.

We are currently lime plastering indoors, with no central heating working. We have a small convector heater just raising the temperature slightly. It's all working very well so far.

 

[Anonymous]

I did some lime plastering indoors recently. It had hair in it and I sprayed it with a hand mister every few hours for the first couple of days.
Tip of the day: If you want a crack-free and really smooth, but not flat surface (subtle distinction) rub it firmly with a jam jar or similar hard shiny curved object, a few hours after plastering.

 

[Anonymous]

Biff - you can do the same thing with a suitably sized and shaped pebble. I am sure that I have seen this done to mud plasters in Africa. I still reckon some really good fine skim is the easiest and best way - gives a much denser and more resiliant finish. Mike.