Lime plaster is a building material made of water, sand, and lime, often confused with other types of plaster. Hydrated lime is the most commonly used form and takes time to dry. It has been used since ancient times and is making a comeback due to its eco-friendliness. It is important to wear protective clothing when using it and to neutralize any accidental exposure with mild acid.
Lime plaster is a building material composed of water, sand and lime. It is often confused with lime mortar or other types of plaster which contain insignificant amounts of lime or cement, which drastically change the material properties. The substance comes in the form of putty or powder. The most commonly used form of this type of plaster is hydrated lime, also known as air lime or high calcium lime.
Hydrated lime is first fixed with water and then carbonation, also known as CO2 reabsorption. This means that it needs air to fully set. Hydrated lime plaster can take several months to dry completely, but is desirable for construction due to ease of application.
Although its use declined with the development of concrete, lime plaster has been used since ancient times as a material for buildings, floors and other smaller objects such as vases. Modern archaeological excavations have found the material in areas as diverse as Egypt, China and Mexico where it was often used by the Aztecs. Horsehair was a common binding ingredient in traditional forms of lime plaster.
Lime mortar was also an ancient building material in several cultures. It is also made of lime, sand and water. The main difference between lime mortar and lime plaster is the specific use of the material.
As it is a caustic material, care should be taken to avoid contact with skin and eyes when using this type of plaster. It is important to wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and suitably sturdy material. In order to quickly deal with accidental contact with the material, it is advisable to have clean water available in the vicinity of the construction site.
In the event of accidental exposure to lime plaster, the first step is usually to remove the material from the affected area. So any kind of mild acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, can be used to neutralize what’s left on the skin. If the eyes are affected, the area should be rinsed thoroughly with water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
As green building practices have increased in popularity, lime plaster has also seen a resurgence in popularity. It has been used as a frequent replacement for regular stucco. This is mainly because lime plaster emits an exponentially lower level of CO2 than cement-based building materials.
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