Non Hydraulic Lime Plaster - Traditional, Highly Breathable Coatings for Historic and Solid Wall Buildings

We specialise in non hydraulic (fat - quick ) lime putty plaster for historic and listed buildings. Fat lime sets by carbonation, yielding very high vapour permeability, long term flexibility and close compatibility with older masonry and limewash finishes. Our conservation led approach uses genuine putty, graded aggregates and traditional hand application to protect original fabric and deliver authentic, durable interiors and exteriors.

What we do

• Survey substrates and existing finishes to confirm suitability for fat lime putty.
• Specify putty quality, aggregate grading and coat build (scratch, floating and fine finish).
• Consolidate and reattach loose plaster, reinstate mouldings and cornices, and match textures and tooling.
• Produce trial panels and use slow‑cure regimes to ensure proper carbonation before decoration.
• Finish with breathable limewash or mineral paints as required.

Key benefits

• Exceptional breathability: Promotes vapour movement and helps solid walls manage moisture.
• High flexibility: Accommodates thermal and minor structural movement with reduced cracking.
• Conservation compatibility: Closely matches historic mortars and traditional finishes.
• Repairable and reversible: Can be patched and maintained with like materials over time.
• Low cement content: Avoids cementitious binders that trap moisture and damage softer masonry.

Conservation & specification protocol

• Survey & analysis: Record substrate, adhesion, moisture/salt profile and decorative stratigraphy.
• Trial panels: Mock‑ups for mix, aggregate, texture and finish approval.
• Minimum intervention: Prioritise consolidation and like‑for‑like repair; remove incompatible cementitious materials selectively.
• Controlled application & curing: Hand‑applied coats with recommended thicknesses, protection from rapid drying and allowance for extended carbonation.
• Documentation: Provide mix recipes, curing guidance, photographic records and maintenance advice.

Typical workflow

• Condition survey — record substrate, adhesion, salts, lath/boarding and decorative features.
• Specification — select putty, aggregates, coat build and any reinforcement.
• Trials — prepare sample panels for approval.
• Preparation — protect adjacent fabric, remove unstable material and consolidate substrate.
• Application — apply scratch, float and finish coats by hand; allow extended curing.
• Finishing — apply limewash or breathable paints when carbonation is sufficient.
• Handover — supply photographic records, putty recipes and maintenance guidance.