Below you see a list of frequently asked questions about our products and how to use them.
Is your question is not here? Contact us. We are glad to help!
Original Lime Putty
Can I add pigments to my white lime putty?
Yes, you can create your own colours for your plaster by mixing a maximum 5% of pigments into the Original Lime Putty before combining it with the sand. Only use pigments that are suitable for use with lime, like Artisan Stucco Pigments.
For larger projects where consistency is key, we recommend mass pigmenting. This means adding the pigments to all the lime at once before mixing it with sand, ensuring a uniform colour throughout the project.
Looking for a specific colour? Feel free to contact us, and we will create a custom colour that perfectly matches your preferences.
Can I reorder my customized coloured lime putty, paint or plaster materials?
Yes, we carefully archive and store all customized formulas, so reordering is always possible.
However, the standard delivery terms on our website do not apply. Since each customized colour is meticulously created and recreated by hand, the process requires time and precision. Depending on the size of the project, production can take between 2 to 4 weeks.
Please archive the date, name and colour code of your customized order for future reference.
Can I use the same plaster indoors and outdoors?
No, the composition of our indoor and outdoor plasters are different. Indoor plasters are not suitable for areas with high exposure to rain and humidity.
Always check our usage instructions carefully. If you’re unsure, please contact us for guidance.
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
How do I clean my tools and brushes after working with lime plasters and paints
Tools and brushes can be cleaned with clean water immediately after use.
For best results, allow splashes from paints and plasters to dry before cleaning. Note that natural lime materials can leave dark stains on untreated wood, so it’s best to protect these surfaces during application. Avoid rinsing large amounts of lime-based materials down the drain, as they may harden and cause blockages.
Any remaining product can be stored in an airtight container for long periods without deterioration, but be sure to remix thoroughly before use as the minerals may settle over time. Keep stored materials protected from frost.
How do I mix my lime putty before use?
Our products should be thoroughly mixed using a handheld cement/mortar mixer. For smaller amounts or small buckets, you can also use a mixer attachment on a household drill.
Artisan Stucco Mortars are made from different combinations of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate, based on ancient Roman recipes. Over time, the heavy mineral particles in these materials settle at the bottom of the bucket. The longer the product is stored, the more compact this sediment becomes. Make sure to fully mix the sediment back into the product.
How long can I store Lime Putty?
You can store it as long as you want. If stored airtight and above freezing temperatures Artisan Stucco Original Lime Putty will stay good for many, many years and its quality will increase over time.
How many bags of sand do I need to mix with every 20Kg of Lime Putty?
The amount of sand needed depends on whether you are plastering indoors or outdoors and whether you are mixing a standard mortar or a customized plaster.
Please refer to the Artisan Stucco Product & System Finder and the manual for your desired finish. For precise measurements, follow the usage instructions carefully.
How much does it cost to have paint or plaster in a customized colour?
The cost of a customized colour depends on the pigments used, the complexity of the formulation, and the order size. Please visit our Customized Products page for more information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
How much pigment can I add to my mortar?
Add a maximum of 5% pigment to the total weight of the lime putty, and do this before adding any other ingredients.
If you’re unsure how to mix pigments or calculate proportions, choose our coloured products. You can also order a customized colour tailored to your needs.
I have a big project. Do you sell larger amounts?
We do sell larger amounts of lime putty, marble sand and marble powder. We frequently ship these products by the pallet to customers around Europe. We can also produce larger amounts of hand made and custom made materials, depending on your needs.
Please contact us for more information, estimates and shipping cost calculations.
What do I do with left over lime, mortar and paint?
You can store your leftovers for longer periods for later use. Store free of frost and air tight. In fact, if your lime putty or paint was coloured, it might be wise to keep some around in case of repairs, as colours may vary slightly per batch.
Lime putty, and lime wash can be stored indefinitely and their quality will improve over time.
Lime mortars and kalei can be stored for a year
Once dry, your Lime Putty converts back to lime stone. Dried lime, lime paint and lime mortar is non-toxic and non-polluting. You can discard dried out lime with the normal waste or with your building waste.
Never flush wet lime, lime paint or lime mortar down the drain. The wet lime particles will dry and clog up the piping. When cleaning tools, etc. always collect the waste water and let it dry out or discard in an appropriate fashion.
Why are some products only available on back-order?
Many of our products, especially the coloured products, are hand made for you when you order them. This is why you might see that a products is not ‘In stock’, but only ‘available on back-order’.
Making products by hand when they are ordered takes a bit of time. On average we ship our orders between 5 to 10 working days.
Why there is transparent water floating on top of the product when I open my bucket?
Aged lime putty is a suspension that naturally settles over time. As it sits, the mineral components sink to the bottom, while a seemingly clear layer of water rises to the surface. This water is rich in nano-calcite crystals and plays a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical strength of your paints and mortars.
Do not discard or replace it with tap water, as this could weaken the final product.
Pigments
Can I add pigments to my white lime putty?
Yes, you can create your own colours for your plaster by mixing a maximum 5% of pigments into the Original Lime Putty before combining it with the sand. Only use pigments that are suitable for use with lime, like Artisan Stucco Pigments.
For larger projects where consistency is key, we recommend mass pigmenting. This means adding the pigments to all the lime at once before mixing it with sand, ensuring a uniform colour throughout the project.
Looking for a specific colour? Feel free to contact us, and we will create a custom colour that perfectly matches your preferences.
Can I change the colour of my Fine Finish and Waterproof Finish by adding pigment?
Adding pigment to premixed products can disrupt the carefully balanced composition of the paste, affecting its texture, adhesion, and overall performance.
If you want a specific colour, we recommend ordering a pre-tinted version. Our colours are precisely formulated to ensure the best application results and durability. If you are unsure about colour choices, feel free to contact us for guidance.
How much pigment can I add to my mortar?
Add a maximum of 5% pigment to the total weight of the lime putty, and do this before adding any other ingredients.
If you’re unsure how to mix pigments or calculate proportions, choose our coloured products. You can also order a customized colour tailored to your needs.
Lime Plaster Materials
Can I apply Fine Finish or Waterproof Finish on dry plaster?
Artisan Stucco Mortars strongly advises against this. Both finishes achieve the best results when applied to a fresh layer.
To determine the correct layer system and application methods for these finishes, please refer to our Artisan Stucco Product & System Finder and consult the user manual for your desired finish.
Can I change the colour of my Fine Finish and Waterproof Finish by adding pigment?
Adding pigment to premixed products can disrupt the carefully balanced composition of the paste, affecting its texture, adhesion, and overall performance.
If you want a specific colour, we recommend ordering a pre-tinted version. Our colours are precisely formulated to ensure the best application results and durability. If you are unsure about colour choices, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Can I reorder my customized coloured lime putty, paint or plaster materials?
Yes, we carefully archive and store all customized formulas, so reordering is always possible.
However, the standard delivery terms on our website do not apply. Since each customized colour is meticulously created and recreated by hand, the process requires time and precision. Depending on the size of the project, production can take between 2 to 4 weeks.
Please archive the date, name and colour code of your customized order for future reference.
Can I use the same plaster indoors and outdoors?
No, the composition of our indoor and outdoor plasters are different. Indoor plasters are not suitable for areas with high exposure to rain and humidity.
Always check our usage instructions carefully. If you’re unsure, please contact us for guidance.
Does the Fine Finish and WaterProof paste need to be the same colour as the floated layer?
The Artisan Stucco Mortars layering system allows for creativity. By combining different colours, transparency effects can be achieved, adding a sense of depth to the plaster. Using contrasting layers enhances the flame effect of the plaster.
We recommend always making a test piece of your design before applying any combination of colours on a larger scale.
How can I layer Artisan Stucco paints and plasters?
All Artisan Stucco structured paints and plasters can be layered over each other when applied to stone walls, with no need for additional preparation or primers.
On panel-based walls, only paints can be layered over paints and plasters.
Fresco and Waterproof finishes do not accept additional layers on top.
Ensure your surface is clean and free of dust and grease before applying any Artisan Stucco product.
Please contact us if you have any questions about adding additional layers to your plaster.
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
How do I clean my tools and brushes after working with lime plasters and paints
Tools and brushes can be cleaned with clean water immediately after use.
For best results, allow splashes from paints and plasters to dry before cleaning. Note that natural lime materials can leave dark stains on untreated wood, so it’s best to protect these surfaces during application. Avoid rinsing large amounts of lime-based materials down the drain, as they may harden and cause blockages.
Any remaining product can be stored in an airtight container for long periods without deterioration, but be sure to remix thoroughly before use as the minerals may settle over time. Keep stored materials protected from frost.
How do I determine the correct layering system for Fresco and Waterproof Stucco?
The correct layering system depends on your substrate, location and the desired end result. Please consult our Artisan Stucco Product & System Finder or contact us for more information.
How many bags of sand do I need to mix with every 20Kg of Lime Putty?
The amount of sand needed depends on whether you are plastering indoors or outdoors and whether you are mixing a standard mortar or a customized plaster.
Please refer to the Artisan Stucco Product & System Finder and the manual for your desired finish. For precise measurements, follow the usage instructions carefully.
How much does it cost to have paint or plaster in a customized colour?
The cost of a customized colour depends on the pigments used, the complexity of the formulation, and the order size. Please visit our Customized Products page for more information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
How much pigment can I add to my mortar?
Add a maximum of 5% pigment to the total weight of the lime putty, and do this before adding any other ingredients.
If you’re unsure how to mix pigments or calculate proportions, choose our coloured products. You can also order a customized colour tailored to your needs.
I have a big project. Do you sell larger amounts?
We do sell larger amounts of lime putty, marble sand and marble powder. We frequently ship these products by the pallet to customers around Europe. We can also produce larger amounts of hand made and custom made materials, depending on your needs.
Please contact us for more information, estimates and shipping cost calculations.
What amount of colour sands can I add to my floated plaster?
You can add a maximum of 1 liter of coloured sand per 20 kg bucket of lime putty in your mortar mixture to achieve a special effect.
What do I do with left over lime, mortar and paint?
You can store your leftovers for longer periods for later use. Store free of frost and air tight. In fact, if your lime putty or paint was coloured, it might be wise to keep some around in case of repairs, as colours may vary slightly per batch.
Lime putty, and lime wash can be stored indefinitely and their quality will improve over time.
Lime mortars and kalei can be stored for a year
Once dry, your Lime Putty converts back to lime stone. Dried lime, lime paint and lime mortar is non-toxic and non-polluting. You can discard dried out lime with the normal waste or with your building waste.
Never flush wet lime, lime paint or lime mortar down the drain. The wet lime particles will dry and clog up the piping. When cleaning tools, etc. always collect the waste water and let it dry out or discard in an appropriate fashion.
Why are some products only available on back-order?
Many of our products, especially the coloured products, are hand made for you when you order them. This is why you might see that a products is not ‘In stock’, but only ‘available on back-order’.
Making products by hand when they are ordered takes a bit of time. On average we ship our orders between 5 to 10 working days.
Why isn’t my Waterproof Finish becoming shiny when I polish it?
The glossy, waterproof effect is created by the reaction between Natural Soap and calcium hydroxide in your wet Fresco Stucco aided by the friction of your trowel. This reaction only occurs when the plaster is still wet but has already begun the carbonation process.
If you don’t see any shine while applying the Natural Soap or Waterproof Finish to the Fresco layer, your plaster is likely still too wet. Wait until the carbonation process starts before polishing for the best results.
Why there is transparent water floating on top of the product when I open my bucket?
Aged lime putty is a suspension that naturally settles over time. As it sits, the mineral components sink to the bottom, while a seemingly clear layer of water rises to the surface. This water is rich in nano-calcite crystals and plays a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical strength of your paints and mortars.
Do not discard or replace it with tap water, as this could weaken the final product.
Impregnations
Can I apply water repellent impregnation myself?
Our water-repellent should only be applied by a professional trained to follow the usage and safety guidelines in the data sheets. Applying too much of the material can cause stains on your plaster or paint. To avoid any risk, we recommend contacting one of our specialized professionals.
Lime paint & Kalei
Can I reorder my customized coloured lime putty, paint or plaster materials?
Yes, we carefully archive and store all customized formulas, so reordering is always possible.
However, the standard delivery terms on our website do not apply. Since each customized colour is meticulously created and recreated by hand, the process requires time and precision. Depending on the size of the project, production can take between 2 to 4 weeks.
Please archive the date, name and colour code of your customized order for future reference.
How can I layer Artisan Stucco paints and plasters?
All Artisan Stucco structured paints and plasters can be layered over each other when applied to stone walls, with no need for additional preparation or primers.
On panel-based walls, only paints can be layered over paints and plasters.
Fresco and Waterproof finishes do not accept additional layers on top.
Ensure your surface is clean and free of dust and grease before applying any Artisan Stucco product.
Please contact us if you have any questions about adding additional layers to your plaster.
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
How do I clean my tools and brushes after working with lime plasters and paints
Tools and brushes can be cleaned with clean water immediately after use.
For best results, allow splashes from paints and plasters to dry before cleaning. Note that natural lime materials can leave dark stains on untreated wood, so it’s best to protect these surfaces during application. Avoid rinsing large amounts of lime-based materials down the drain, as they may harden and cause blockages.
Any remaining product can be stored in an airtight container for long periods without deterioration, but be sure to remix thoroughly before use as the minerals may settle over time. Keep stored materials protected from frost.
How do I know when my plaster is starting to carbonate to make a perfect finish?
Our mortars will give the best results when they are finished at the start of the carbonation process. You can read more about this in the user manual. This process begins with a temporary darkening of the plaster. However, the change can be subtle and may go unnoticed by less experienced professionals.
For the best results, we recommend consulting our list of certified professionals.
How do I mix my lime paint and kalei before use?
Artisan Stucco lime paints should be thoroughly mixed using a mixer attachment on a household drill.
Artisan Stucco Lime Wash and Kalei contain a combination of calcium hydroxide (Lime Putty) and calcium carbonate (Marble Sand), based on ancient Roman recipes. Over time, the heavy mineral particles in these materials settle at the bottom of the bucket. The longer the product is stored, the more compact this sediment becomes. Make sure to fully mix the sediment back into the product.
How much does it cost to have paint or plaster in a customized colour?
The cost of a customized colour depends on the pigments used, the complexity of the formulation, and the order size. Please visit our Customized Products page for more information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
How much pigment can I add to my mortar?
Add a maximum of 5% pigment to the total weight of the lime putty, and do this before adding any other ingredients.
If you’re unsure how to mix pigments or calculate proportions, choose our coloured products. You can also order a customized colour tailored to your needs.
How should I prime the wall before painting?
At Artisan Stucco Mortars, we craft our mortars and paints using only high-quality mineral raw materials, completely free of additives. Because of this, we do not produce primers.
Our paints can be applied directly to stone walls, as well as lime, clay, and cement plasters, as long as the surface has structure and is free of dust and grease.
Planning to paint on panels or exterior concrete walls? Let us know the characteristics of your surface, and we’ll recommend the best primer on the market that is compatible with our materials.
I have a big project. Do you sell larger amounts?
We do sell larger amounts of lime putty, marble sand and marble powder. We frequently ship these products by the pallet to customers around Europe. We can also produce larger amounts of hand made and custom made materials, depending on your needs.
Please contact us for more information, estimates and shipping cost calculations.
What do I do with left over lime, mortar and paint?
You can store your leftovers for longer periods for later use. Store free of frost and air tight. In fact, if your lime putty or paint was coloured, it might be wise to keep some around in case of repairs, as colours may vary slightly per batch.
Lime putty, and lime wash can be stored indefinitely and their quality will improve over time.
Lime mortars and kalei can be stored for a year
Once dry, your Lime Putty converts back to lime stone. Dried lime, lime paint and lime mortar is non-toxic and non-polluting. You can discard dried out lime with the normal waste or with your building waste.
Never flush wet lime, lime paint or lime mortar down the drain. The wet lime particles will dry and clog up the piping. When cleaning tools, etc. always collect the waste water and let it dry out or discard in an appropriate fashion.
Why are some products only available on back-order?
Many of our products, especially the coloured products, are hand made for you when you order them. This is why you might see that a products is not ‘In stock’, but only ‘available on back-order’.
Making products by hand when they are ordered takes a bit of time. On average we ship our orders between 5 to 10 working days.
Why there is transparent water floating on top of the product when I open my bucket?
Aged lime putty is a suspension that naturally settles over time. As it sits, the mineral components sink to the bottom, while a seemingly clear layer of water rises to the surface. This water is rich in nano-calcite crystals and plays a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical strength of your paints and mortars.
Do not discard or replace it with tap water, as this could weaken the final product.
Natural Soap
Can I use Natural Soap to maintain the waterproof layer of my plaster?
Natural Soap won´t make your wall more waterproof once your plaster is dry, thus is not suitable to reinforce the waterproof quality. Use our Wax Soap for that purpose.
However, Natural Soap is an excellent choice for regular cleaning of waterproofed plaster. As a mild agent, it effectively cleans without damaging or deteriorating the lime wall, helping to preserve its finish over time. The soap is skin-safe and made of natural ingredients.
Does Natural Soap increase the waterproof quality of plaster once the plaster is dry?
No, Natural Soap does not enhance waterproofing once the plaster has dried. The crystallization of the soap and lime particles occurs during application while the waterproof plaster is still wet. Once the lime plaster has set, the chemical conditions required for this process are no longer present.
For added water resistance after the plaster has cured, Wax Soap is the best solution. It enhances waterproofing while maintaining the breathability and natural look of the lime plaster.
However, Natural Soap remains an excellent choice for regular cleaning of waterproofed plaster. As a mild agent, it effectively cleans without damaging or deteriorating the lime wall, helping to preserve its finish over time.
What is the difference between Waterproof Finish and Natural Soap?
Both Artisan Stucco Natural Soap and Waterproof Finish can make your Fresco Stucco waterproof, but they work in different ways. For waterproofing to occur, crystallization must take place, meaning both products need to be applied wet-in-wet onto the Fresco Stucco layer using a finishing trowel.
Natural Soap is a colourless paste that penetrates into the wet Fresco Stucco, providing waterproofing without altering the colour. It can be used with any shade.
Waterproof Finish is a coloured paste that fills open pores in the Fresco Stucco while also adding pigment to the surface. You can match the colour to your base layer for a seamless look or choose a different shade to create special effects and subtle transparencies.
Marble sand & powders
Can I use the same plaster indoors and outdoors?
No, the composition of our indoor and outdoor plasters are different. Indoor plasters are not suitable for areas with high exposure to rain and humidity.
Always check our usage instructions carefully. If you’re unsure, please contact us for guidance.
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
How many bags of sand do I need to mix with every 20Kg of Lime Putty?
The amount of sand needed depends on whether you are plastering indoors or outdoors and whether you are mixing a standard mortar or a customized plaster.
Please refer to the Artisan Stucco Product & System Finder and the manual for your desired finish. For precise measurements, follow the usage instructions carefully.
I have a big project. Do you sell larger amounts?
We do sell larger amounts of lime putty, marble sand and marble powder. We frequently ship these products by the pallet to customers around Europe. We can also produce larger amounts of hand made and custom made materials, depending on your needs.
Please contact us for more information, estimates and shipping cost calculations.
Decorative Coloured Sands
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
What amount of colour sands can I add to my floated plaster?
You can add a maximum of 1 liter of coloured sand per 20 kg bucket of lime putty in your mortar mixture to achieve a special effect.
Other products
How can I order tailored paints and plasters?
Looking for a custom colour, special effect, coloured sands, or transparency layers? Do you need a lime paint or plaster for a very specific situation?
Get in touch with us. We are happy to discuss your needs. We can customize our paints or plasters to your exact specifications and, if needed, provide training for professionals to ensure proper application.
How long do I need to wait to use my shower after applying a wax layer?
If you are performing full layer maintenance, it is recommended to let the wax dry for approximately 5 hours.
For smaller cleaning touch-ups, a drying time of 2 hours is sufficient.
How often should I apply Wax Soap to my Waterproof plaster?
We recommend applying a full double layer of wax to your waterproof plaster every three years.
This water-based wax also functions as a cleaning agent and can be included in your regular cleaning routine. It effectively removes lime deposits, enhances shine, and can be used weekly.
Frequent use of this product not only keeps your plaster looking its best but also contributes to its long-term durability.
What amount of colour sands can I add to my floated plaster?
You can add a maximum of 1 liter of coloured sand per 20 kg bucket of lime putty in your mortar mixture to achieve a special effect.
Wax Soap
How long do I need to wait to use my shower after applying a wax layer?
If you are performing full layer maintenance, it is recommended to let the wax dry for approximately 5 hours.
For smaller cleaning touch-ups, a drying time of 2 hours is sufficient.
How often should I apply Wax Soap to my Waterproof plaster?
We recommend applying a full double layer of wax to your waterproof plaster every three years.
This water-based wax also functions as a cleaning agent and can be included in your regular cleaning routine. It effectively removes lime deposits, enhances shine, and can be used weekly.
Frequent use of this product not only keeps your plaster looking its best but also contributes to its long-term durability.