Lime plaster ratio

[Armchair]

What ratio would I need to use to plaster a cob wall in lime? I've been hunting on google but can't find anything specific.

Anything that points me in the right direction would be appreciated.

 

[Gervase]

3:1 sharp sand and hydrated lime/lime putty is pretty standard. If you want a swanky white finish with extra smoothness and hardness, use a skim coat of 1:1 silver sand and lime.

 

[Gervase]

For more advice on cob, try to find a copy of Jane Schofield's Cob Buildings - A Practical Guide. You should be able to get it from Black Dog Press. Jane herself is hugely knowledgable and helpful, and is also the author of the indispensible Lime in Building - A Practical Guide.

 

[FCB]

Agree on the 3:1 sand:lime ratio for a scratch coat. Works well from my experience - and especially using 50:50 sharp sand to normal silver sand as I've done for a while.

As for finishing, 2:1 or, as Gervase says, even a 1:1.

FCB

 

[andrew gayton]

or a clay daub......... or even a hybrid lime/clay daub.