The information here is just some of that which can be found in the "Lime Practitioners Guide".
This guide is available from Limebase Products. Contact us for a copy.

Introduction
Lime has been used for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used lime for building. In Britain every mediaeval stone building was constructed using lime mortar as were buildings of the 17th and 18th century. Lime is the correct material for historic and traditional buildings and has many benefits.

There are two types of lime; hydraulic lime and lime putty (non-hydraulic). Lime putty is made from burnt limestone and will only harden when in contact with the air. See the lime cycle to see the chemistry involved. Hydraulic lime is made in a similar way but has a clay content of 6-25%. This means that it will set when in contact with water.

Lime is used for new construction and conservation. For new stonework and brickwork, hydraulic lime can fulfil the structural requirements that Portland cements once answered.

Lime putty is the basic ingredient used for making the materials required for building and conservation work, such as mortars and plasters. Various additives can be added for special requirments, such as pigments for adding colour to limewash.

Mortar
Hydraulic lime based mortars are usually used for new building work. For stone repair work and repointing lime putty mortars are often used.
Making Lime Putty Mortars, Making Hydraulic Lime Mortars
Using Mortars

Plaster
Internal plasters are usually based on putty lime or feebly hydraulic lime. Hair is always added for work on laths and wattle, and sometimes for applications on walling. Traditionally internal plasters are given a fine finish and painted with limewash or distemper.
Making Plaster, Making Hydraulic Lime Plaster
Using Plaster, Using Hydraulic Lime Plaster

Limewater
Limewater is a clear solution of lime which was traditionally used by fresco painters as a binder for their pigments. In conservation it is used for strengthening the surface of fine grained limestones and lime plasters.
Making Limewater
Using Limewater

Sheltercoat
Stone that has been cleaned or is severely eroded is much more vulnerable to atmospheric pollutants and the weather. It is common practice with limestone conservation to work in a protective lime coating to the surface once all other conservation and repair work is complete. This coating is called a sheltercoat and is made up of putty lime, fine stonedusts and fine sand.
Making Sheltercoat
Using Sheltercoat

Limewash
Limewash is the lime equivalent of paint. In its pure form is finely sieved lime putty diluted with water. Pigments can be added to produce the broad range of creams, buffs, pinks, yellows and reds which adorn so many traditional buildings. To increase the durability of limewash linseed oil, tallow or casein can be added.
Making Limewash
Using Limewash