Extra tips & tutorials

All types of building lime are made from limestone, which is a sedimentary rock composed of the dead bodies of sea creatures such as shellfish, corals and some planktons.

Non-hydraulic lime (quicklime), hydrated lime, hydraulic lime and lime sand.

Environmental and health benefits of lime.

Lime is not much good for tower blocks or supermarkets, as it doesn’t have the strength or speed required; but it’s ideal for the domestic scale,

….. and why lime fell out of favour.

Quicklime is dangerous. It is extremely caustic, and can burn skin especially when wet. Eyes must be protected at all times.

For interest – you’re probably not going to do this, but…

You may be interested in following the process through from beginning to end – although you may not want to burn your own limestone, you may want to slake quicklime.

Making & using lime mortar, and pozzolanic additives.

This section contains specific information for straw-bale buildings. It’s best to let the building settle for as long as possible after building, before you render it.

Lime slurry can be applied to a wall to present a uniform surface to further coats of lime wash.

One part lime putty, c. two parts water or until the consistency of full cream milk is achieved. Mix in a small tub or a bucket with a whisk. You can sieve for a particularly fine finish.

Lime concrete, or limecrete, has been used since Roman times for massive structures such as bridges, docks, and even the dome of the pantheon in Rome.