What Lime?

[downshifter]

We are at the stage of sourcing materials in this case lime for mortar and render. We know what are requirements are for NHL etc. but my question is whether there is a substantive difference in quality between the various lime products on the market, Singleton Birch, St Astier, Castle, lincolnshire products etc. There is ceratinly a price difference.

 

[fjpdesigns]

I havn't used them all but wouldn't think there is too much difference between them. Just remember putty should be at least three months old, which it generally is, and NHL should be as new as possible.
Having said that, try the cheapest and see how you get on.

 

[robgil]

Ive not really seen any difference, what is the difference exactly , apart from price? Perhaps they use better quality ink to print the bags it comes in? Or perhaps the more expensive lime gets transported by train instead of in the back of a lorry?
Or perhaps the people who make the more expensive stuff drive nicer cars and live in bigger houses than the other chaps.

 

[Gervase]

With bagged lime, hydrated and hydraulic, Singleton Birch is definitely superior. It's milled finer (the 25 kilo bags are noticeably larger than Castle or St Astier), and gives a stickier plaster or mortar. It also dries to a buff colour which suits most aggregates rather better than the battleship grey of the French limes.
If you buy a bag of each and try it, you'll notice a significant difference. Jewson's are currently stocking it, so open a trade account and haggle for a discount - you should be able to get it for the same price as Castle.

 

[downshifter]

Thanks for these replies.
looks like singleton birch is the better choice its cheaper than St Astier and comes from Lincolnshire saving on those lime miles.

 

[biffvernon]

I havn't used them all but wouldn't think there is too much difference between them. Just remember putty should be at least three months old, which it generally is, and NHL should be as new as possible.
Having said that, try the cheapest and see how you get on.

There is a school of thought (Biff's School) that says some wines may be better after ten years but most of us never find out because we drunk it sooner. And lime putty made this morning can be used before lunchtime with no ill effect.

 

[Penners]

I'll drink to that.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

I havn't used them all but wouldn't think there is too much difference between them. Just remember putty should be at least three months old, which it generally is, and NHL should be as new as possible.
Having said that, try the cheapest and see how you get on.

There is a school of thought (Biff's School) that says some wines may be better after ten years but most of us never find out because we drunk it sooner. And lime putty made this morning can be used before lunchtime with no ill effect.

NB - It can be highly dangerous to confuse the two. Young wine should never be drunk at lunchtime. 8)