Lime Plastering
Lime Plastering in Swindon and Wiltshire
Inside an old building, lime plaster keeps solid walls breathing, helps control condensation and damp, and gives the soft, natural finish that suits period rooms. Gypsum plaster and plasterboard do the opposite on solid walls, and they are often behind the damp and mould problems we see.
At Limeway Wiltshire we strip out unsuitable plaster and replaster in lime, on solid walls, chimney breasts, and walls and ceilings on timber lath, in homes across Swindon, Wiltshire and the neighbouring counties.
What Is Lime Plastering?
Lime plaster is made from lime and sand, often with hair or fibre added, and applied in coats by hand. It is porous and vapour-open, so moisture in a solid wall can move through it and evaporate from the room, rather than being trapped behind a sealed surface. It also absorbs and releases humidity, which helps keep rooms comfortable.
We also use lime-hemp plasters on solid walls and chimney breasts, where a little extra insulation helps keep the surface warmer and drier.
When Lime Plaster Is the Right Choice
- Damp, mould or salts on solid walls finished in gypsum or cement
- Plaster that is blown, crumbling or coming away
- Damaged lath and plaster ceilings or walls
- Rooms in old buildings that feel cold and damp despite heating
- Restoring the character of a period or listed interior
How We Lime Plaster
- Stripping out. Gypsum, cement or failed plaster is removed back to the masonry or lath.
- Preparing the background. Masonry is repaired and dampened, or new timber lath is fixed where needed.
- Scratch coat. The first coat is pressed well into the wall or through the laths to form a key.
- Float coat. A second coat builds up and levels the wall, following the lines of the room.
- Finish. A fine setting coat gives a smooth or softly textured surface, ready for a breathable paint or limewash.
Related Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lime plaster go over plasterboard?
It is not recommended. Lime works best on the original masonry or on timber lath, where it can do its job of keeping the wall breathable.
What paint should I use on lime plaster?
Limewash, clay paint or a breathable mineral paint. Vinyl emulsions seal the surface and stop the plaster breathing.
How long before I can decorate?
Lime plaster needs to dry thoroughly before decorating, usually a few weeks depending on thickness, the time of year and ventilation. We will advise on your particular job.
Can you repair lath and plaster ceilings?
Yes. We repair and re-lath ceilings and walls and plaster them in lime, the way they were originally done.
Areas We Cover
We carry out lime plastering throughout Swindon and Wiltshire, including Marlborough, Chippenham, Devizes, Malmesbury and Cirencester. See all the areas we cover, or get in touch for a quote.
