should lime mortar be totally dry before limewashing?

[piapiapiano]

We've finished re-pointing (and, in some patches, re-building) the stone walls in one of our bedrooms. Do we need to wait for all the mortar to totally dry out before limewashing it?

(We want to limewash it to keep the dust down, so that we can move in asap. Renovations have been going slowly because we can't live on site. We won't be able to afford (either money or time for) re-plastering until next year.)

Here are some pictures, for your enjoyment! Click on the thumbnails to embiggen.











And here it is now, complete with lovely husband:

 

[robgil]

i dont think it would do any harm as far as drying goes , i would be more worried about being able to plaster over it in an years time.
although i have been advised to limewash my clay lump walls before plastering to keep the suction down.
what did you do the pointing with?

 

[MdB]

I can't comment on the lime washing I'm afraid. I can comment on your pointing though... I know how much work that was - well done.

(just make sure that Building Control don't get wind of it as if it is over 25%, they will want you to cover the walls with insulation before rerendering.)

 

[JoceAndChris]

Fab pics and well done on all your hard work! Think the husband deserves a sit-down!

 

[fjpdesigns]

Don't worry about it drying completely, as long as the mortar isn't disturbed when you limewash you should be fine. Just don't forget to wet the area first, letting the water soak in before starting.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Great work PPP - looks lovely.

Sorry - am not qualified to comment on husband. :wink:

 

[piapiapiano]

Thanks, everyone! We lime-washed it last weekend and it looks much brighter now. Will be moving in this week, once husband has finished demolishing the wall around the bathroom window...