Hemp (hempcrete) Internal Plaster - Breathable, Insulating, Low Impact Finishes for Solid and Retrofit Interiors

We install hemp based internal plasters (hemp hurd combined with lime or binder) to deliver highly breathable, thermally buffering and low embodied carbon finishes. Hemp plasters are hygroscopic, vapour open and naturally resistant to mould when correctly specified, making them ideal for sustainable retrofits, breathable IWI systems and conservation sensitive repairs.

What we do

• Site survey: Assess substrate, moisture/salt status, existing finishes and decorative features.
• System selection: Specify hemp mix (hurd to binder ratio), particle grading, binder type and coat build suitable for substrate and exposure.
• Trial panels: Produce samples for texture, colour and finish approval.
• Preparation & installation: Consolidate substrate, install vapour‑open carriers or mesh where required, hand or machine apply base and finish hemp coats with controlled curing.
• Finishing: Offer rendered textures, lime skim finishes, natural paints or breathable wax/oil treatments as appropriate.
• Documentation & handover: Provide mix recipes, curing guidance and maintenance advice.

Key benefits

• Breathable & moisture‑buffering: Regulates indoor humidity and supports wall drying, reducing condensation risk.
• Thermal & acoustic improvement: Adds insulation and improves comfort when used as part of a retrofit build‑up.
• Low environmental impact: Uses renewable hemp fibre and mineral binders with lower embodied carbon than many alternatives.
• Durable & bio‑resistant: When correctly mixed and detailed, hemp plasters resist mould and biodegradation.
• Repairable & compatible: Patches easily with like materials and pairs well with lime finishes in historic fabric.

Conservation & specification protocol

• Survey & analysis: Record substrate type, salts/moisture, load‑bearing constraints and conservation requirements.
• Suitability check: Avoid use where persistent wetting, high soluble salts or incompatible substrates exist without remediation.
• Trial panels: Mock‑ups for texture and finish approval by client or conservation officer.
• Controlled application & curing: Apply in appropriate environmental conditions, allow staged drying and protect from rapid moisture loss or driving rain.
• Documentation: Supply mix formulations, installation method statements and maintenance guidance.

Typical workflow

• Condition survey — substrate, moisture/salts, lath/boarding and features.
• Specification — select hemp‑to‑binder ratio, binder type, coat build and finishes.
• Trials — produce sample panels for sign‑off.
• Preparation — protect fabric, repair substrate and install carriers/mesh if needed.
• Application — apply base and finish hemp coats; control drying and curing.
• Finishing — lime skim, earth paint or breathable final coat as specified.
• Handover — supply photographic records, mix recipes and long‑term maintenance advice.

Typical uses

• Breathable IWI and internal insulating plasters.
• Sustainable new build internal finishes.
• Repair and reinstatement where moisture buffering and thermal improvement are required.
• Feature walls and natural interior aesthetics.