Lime plasters and paints require very little maintenance and are extremely durable, offering a lifetime of beauty and enjoyment. With proper care, they not only retain their timeless charm but can also be refreshed or layered to enhance or transform your Artisan Stucco finish. Learn how to care for your lime finishes, perform periodic touch-ups, and add new layers to keep your spaces looking their best.
Preparing Your Walls for Regular Use
During the first 24 hours after application, lime plasters and paints must dry slowly to prevent cracking and dusting. Rapid drying can damage your finish, so it’s important to minimise airflow by keeping doors and windows closed and turning off any mechanical ventilation if possible.
After the initial 24 hours, you can gradually speed up the drying process using ventilation or drying equipment. However, avoid carrying out any additional installations or applying pressure to the walls until they are fully dried.
Lime plasters and paints undergo a slow hardening process. For the first few weeks, handle your walls with care to avoid accidental damage. Over time, the plaster or paint will harden and mature, eventually reaching the durability and strength of natural limestone.
Cleaning
Artisan Stucco lime plasters and paints are durable, water-resistant, and antistatic, making them easy to clean and maintain. Whether indoors or outdoors, proper care ensures their beauty lasts a lifetime.
For regular cleaning, use a sponge and water to gently wipe down your walls. On exterior walls, a high-pressure water gun can be used with pressures up to 90 bars, provided the surface is undamaged and not vulnerable to extreme humidity. Avoid using high-pressure water guns on interior walls, as excessive moisture over time can cause deterioration.
Waterproof lime plasters in bathrooms require regular maintenance to prevent lime deposits from tap water. Use a non-abrasive green sponge and mild green soap free from acidic ingredients. For added protection and shine, apply a new layer of wax once a year.
As Artisan Stucco lime plasters and paints are made from 100% mineral materials, primarily calcium carbonate, they are sensitive to acidic substances. Always avoid cleaning products containing vinegar, lemon, bleach, or anti-lime agents, as these can dissolve the calcium carbonate and damage your walls.
By following these care instructions, you can preserve the timeless elegance and durability of your lime finishes for years to come.
Cleaning & Maintenance of your Waterproof Plaster
Your Artisan Stucco Waterproof plaster is designed to be long-lasting and durable, but like natural stone, it requires proper cleaning and maintenance to preserve its beauty and performance.
Warnings:
- Avoid using abrasive products that dissolve lime (Antikal, etc.) and cleaners containing bleach, lemon or vinegar.
- Some rich, oily cosmetic products may penetrate the plaster and cause stains. Use them with caution and avoid direct contact with the plaster.
Cleaning products:
For regular cleaning, use a natural soap without lemon or other abrasive ingredients. Clean your plaster using a soft cloth or sponge. We recommend Artisan Stucco Natural Soap for your regular cleaning routine.
With time, normal use and cleaning of your shower will slowly dissolve the upper wax layer and might result in dull patches or slight penetration of water into the upper layer of your plaster during showering. We recommend revitalizing the wax layer regularly using Saponified Wax to:
- Remove lime deposits from tap water.
- Thoroughly clean the plaster.
- Enhance the shine and waterproof quality of the plaster.
Before application, clean the plaster as described above and let it dry completely. Apply the wax in small amounts with a clean, soft cloth. Let it absorb for a few minutes, then gently rub the surface to remove any stains and achieve a polished effect.
To keep your Waterproof lime stucco in perfect condition, apply a full layer of wax every three years.
Refreshing the waterproof layer and repairing mechanical damage: Over time, and if not properly maintained, the waterproof layer may weaken. Artisan Stucco Waterproof Plaster can be seamlessly refreshed with a new waterproof coat, which also allows for repairing mechanical damage.
For this specialized maintenance, it’s important to rely on a skilled professional. Visit our certified plasterers page or contact us directly for expert advice, quotations, and further maintenance options.
Revitalising Lime Paint or Kalei
Lime paint and kalei are remarkably versatile and easy to maintain, making it simple to restore their charm whenever needed. Revitalising lime paint or kalei doesn’t require specialised tools or materials and can be done as part of regular upkeep.
To keep your lime paint walls looking their best, follow these steps:
- Brushing and Cleaning: Gently brushing away any dust or loose debris from the surface. Then, if needed, use a sponge and water to remove stains as described in the Cleaning section above.
- Refreshing with Layers: Lime paint and kalei can be revitalised by applying one or more new layers. Their natural and breathable properties allow for repeated layering without compromising the wall’s integrity or the need of priming.
- Repairing Minor Damage: Small imperfections or minor damage can be easily repaired by touching up the affected areas with fresh lime paint or kalei, ensuring a seamless finish.
Refreshing Your Floated and Fresco Plaster
Over time, your floated and fresco plaster can be revitalized to restore its original beauty and functionality. This periodic maintenance may include:
- Cleaning stains, grease, pollution and mold using specialised soaps and water blasting techniques.
- Repairing mechanical damage.
- Restoring areas affected by issues such as broken water pipes.
- Refreshing or renewing the colour.
For this specialised maintenance, it’s important to rely on a skilled professional. Visit our certified plasterers page or contact us directly for expert advice, quotations, or further information about maintenance options.
Modifying and Building Up Layers
Artisan Stucco Mortars is a versatile layering system that allows you to modify your finishes over time. Most of our finishes can be upgraded or transformed without the need to remove previous layers or apply a primer.
Refreshing Colours
Looking to update or enhance the colour of your floated stucco or kalei paint? A new coat of lime wash is all it takes to give your walls a fresh and vibrant look.
Changing Finishes
Dreaming of transforming your lime-washed or kalei-painted stone wall with one of our decorative plasters? It’s absolutely possible! The painted wall serves as a perfect base for new finishes. Simply clean the surface thoroughly to remove any grease or dust, then follow the layering process for your chosen stucco.
Upgrading to Decorative Techniques
Considering an upgrade to your floated stucco with a fresco, or waterproof stucco or even a sgraffito or other special finish? These stunning enhancements can be applied directly over your existing floated finish. With proper preparation and layering, your walls can be transformed into a new masterpiece, showcasing the timeless beauty of lime-based craftsmanship.
Curious about the possibilities for layering Artisan Stucco Mortars paints and plasters? Contact us with your questions, and we’ll be happy to help you explore your options.