Lime mortars for restoration projects | Artisan Stucco Mortars

Artisan Stucco Mortars has its origin in the design of lime mortars specifically for restoration projects of historical buildings in Spain, where there was an increasing need to restore original lime plasters to its former glory.

By using modern production methods, the best materials available and researching historical ingredients and methods of application we designed our mortars to be identical to the originals we encountered in the plasters of the palaces and cathedrals of Andalusia.

Before the invention of cement, around 1850, generally all plasters and masonry works made use of lime putty as the binding ingredient of the mortar. The quality of restoration of any building predating this time will be greatly enhanced by using mortars made of the same ingredients and applying them in the same way as the original artisans did.

Using these original materials and methods will help avoid capillarity problems, enhance the breathing out of moist and salts from walls, help regulate ambient moist levels in damp spaces and have a perfect chemical bound with the original materials of the monument.

Masonry and repointing

Using Artisan Stucco mortars in restoration of historical masonry will prevent any negative effects regular cement based mortars can have on the original stones and joints. Adherence to the original materials will be optimal and the original stones will stay in good condition. See masonry and pointing for more information.

Stone repairs

Besides being very suitable for restoration of lime plasters and repointing of historical masonry, Artisan Stucco mortars can be used to repair marble, limestone and sandstone sculptures and ornaments.

The mortar will have very good adherence to the original stone and using UV resistant mineral pigments and choosing the right sands the original colour and texture can be equalled or near-equalled as required. The mortar will increase in harness over time while retaining its regular qualities.

The Right Ingredients

Artisan Stucco Original Lime Putty is an exceptionally high-quality base ingredient for custom-made mortars. This fat lime, made from exceptionally pure limestone, contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate (>95%) and complies with the NEN-EN 459-1 standard as hydrated lime putty (CL90-S PL). Original Lime Putty contains no additives and has been aged for a minimum of 6 months.

Our lime putty can be used as an additive for trass mortars, strong and weak bastard trass mortars, air-drying lime mortars, and bastard cement mortars.

Custom mortars for restauration

Do you need something specific? We can design a lime mortar for your restauration project to your exact specifications. Contact us for more information.