An ancient building material
Lime putty, also known as slaked lime, air lime, or pit lime, is an ancient and traditional building material made from limestone, a natural form of calcium carbonate that is abundant worldwide.
Limestone forms when shells and skeletons of tiny sea creatures compress into rock over millions of years. In regions without limestone formations, lime putty was also made from seashells, known as shell lime.
The limestone is quarried, crushed, and heated to produce quicklime. Then, the lime is immersed in an abundance of water. This last step, called slaking, creates the smooth, liquid paste known as lime putty, which forms the basis for various hydrated lime mortars. As the lime putty mortar dries and absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, it gradually hardens, returning to its original limestone form.
Traditional lime mortars are made by combining the wet lime putty with sands and mineral pigments to create mixtures with different textures and colors. Used for many centuries in plasters, masonry and paints, lime putty based mortars remain popular in decoration, construction and restoration projects today.
Quality and Beauty
Traditional lime putty mortars possess unique properties that not only preserved our architectural heritage for centuries but also enhanced its beauty. These same qualities make these lime mortars an invaluable choice for sustainable and healthy construction in the modern world.
Timeless Strength and Natural Flexibility
Thanks to its chemical makeup, lime plasters have proven resilient over millennia, maintaining their strength and stability through the ages.
Lime plasters are naturally flexible, allowing them to adapt to slight building movements. This reduces the risk of cracking and can even help heal small cracks over time.
Moisture Control and Indoor Air Quality
The porous nature of lime plasters, developed through traditional manufacturing methods, allows them to absorb and release moisture effectively. This makes them effective in preventing moisture damage, and mold formation, promoting a healthy indoor environment by allowing the whole building system to breath.
The hygroscopic qualities of hydrated lime plasters help regulate indoor humidity, absorbing moisture in damp spaces and releasing it again in dry conditions, promoting a balanced atmosphere.
Pure and Sustainable Building Material
Composed entirely of mineral ingredients, traditional lime plasters are environmentally friendly and free from toxins or synthetic additives. Their durability and natural composition make them a sustainable choice for environmentally friendly building practices.
The refraction of light produced by calcium carbonate helps prevent the building from overheating and therefore helps cooling cities temperature.
Versatile Design and Expert Craftsmanship
Lime mortars are highly adaptable, allowing for customized blends of sands, pigments, and lime putty to achieve a wide range of colors and textures. This versatility ensures a perfect match to the client’s vision, whether complementing existing designs or creating unique finishes.
Traditional lime mortars are highly workable and can be applied without additives. When mixed with mineral pigments and applied skillfully, they create fine, decorative finishes that showcase the craftsmanship of the architect and the builder.
Unmatched Beauty and Natural Luminescence
The unique structure of calcite crystals in lime reflects light beautifully, adding a soft luminescence to its surface. This quality brings a distinctive brightness and depth to walls and facades, creating a finish that is unmatched by other materials. Lime plasters and paints offer a natural elegance that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any space.
A timeless craft
The production and application of lime putty mortars are deeply rooted in our history, arts, and crafts. This skill, integral to our culture, has added immense value, comfort, and beauty to our shared spaces, supported by the expertise of highly skilled professionals. It’s a craft built on centuries of knowledge. A tradition worth preserving for future generations.
