Lime Plastering- Herefordshire

Here at Wye Valley Heritage our Lime plastering is done on several types of surfaces, including wood and manufactured wall mediums, but with those types of surfaces some initial preparation is required. Often times with these types of surfaces tacked down materials like wire mesh is used to hold, and contain the render.

On the other hand, when it comes to stone, cement, or any other of the more types of common porous what you might call natural building materials, all that is usually required is that the surface be clean before we can get to work. Also the finished surface that you have in mind plays in heavily with regards to the rendering system that you do use.

As for the actual type and mix of render that you use in your job, there are several too choose from, so you would be well advised to allow us to study up on how to mix and blend them before you get started if you expect optimal finished results.

For instance if you are working on the outside of a building, you may want to achieve a rougher surface and also if the building is made from stone you may also want to accent or show the actual shape of the stones themselves. Hence; in this case you would use a different mix then if you were working on, say the interior where a smoother end result is desired.

You may be surprised at the wide range of aggregates and materials that you have to select from to mix lime renders and each one has its own purpose. For instance, you should consider using a fibre to help prevent cracking, and hair is a very common choice.

As for how you actually apply the plaster to the wall surface you have a few different options with us at Wye Valley Heritage. Now with larger surfaces a sprayer is often used, but that is not a rule. For smaller to medium sized surface areas, a trowel is more often the method of choice.

Even then keep in mind that there is a wide range of tools that are employed in lime rendering, and each tool has its own specific purpose. Take a little time to have a look at all the different types of trowels and shaping tools we use, so you can be sure that you are getting the correct tools at any given time to achieve our professional final results, I ensure you we are very experienced in what we do.

Also be aware that lime renders do begin to set up just as soon as they are mixed, and while they can be kept viscous by remixing, eventually overly remixed renders can set up to form a weak surface that is more prone to cracking. This is also why it always helps to have an extra set of hands on site to keep the work moving at a brisk pace. Most all plasters contain a material that causes the plaster to harden after it is applied.

There are only a few manufacturers who produce limestone plaster and some even have colored crushed rock that can be added in the mix or during the application. When the colored agglomerates are added into the finishing process and ground quickly with a polishing wheel, the plaster will take on the appearance of honed travertine.

Compared to gypsum, cement or clay plaster, lime plastering is by far the most versatile. From exterior flooring to interior domes, it covers more substrates than any of the other plaster materials.

Wye Valley Heritage provides a lime plastering service in Herefordshire and also throughout its surrounding areas, we provide you with either a private lime plastering service or a commercial lime plastering service. Once again Wye Valley Heritage Plastering services are available in all surrounding areas and we can be reached all day with friendly staff, waiting to advise you on all your needs.