Lime putty is the basic ingredient for many lime based building materials. Lime putty will store indefinitely if contact with air is avoided. This is can easily be done by keeping a layer of water on top of the lime putty. You must take care handling lime putty and follow the safety guidelines.

Making Mortars, Plasters and Renders

• Lime putty and aggegates should be thoroughly mixed in large batches using the paddle or roller mixer.
• The proportion of lime putty to aggregate should be 1:2, 1:2.5 or 1:3 depending on aggregate type.
• No water should to be added to the mix.
• The mortar, plaster or render should be left to mature in airtight containers

Using mortar
Using plaster

Making Limewater

• Place approximately 100mm of mature lime putty (Buxton or Cheddar) in a parallel sided metal or plastic dustbin.
• 3/4 fill the bin with cold tap water and stir vigourously for 5 minutes.
• Place an airtight wood and polystyrene float on the limewater surface and leave to settle and clear for 24hrs.
• Place a wet hessian sacking around the bin to keep the limewater cool. Ensure the hession is kept wet.

Using limewater

Making Limewash

• Mix lime putty with clean water to the consistency of thin cream.
• Pour the mixture through a fine seive.
• Add pigments by first mixing powdered earth pigment with a little warm water in a screw top and shaking well. Add this liquid to the white limewash and mix thoroughly.
• Thin mixture again to the consistency of creamy milk.

Using limewash

Making Sheltercoat

• Blend lime putty and aggregates thoroughly together.
• Mature in airtight containers until required.

Using sheltercoat