Smooth Lime Plaster Application + Use
Smooth Lime Plaster is used to create smooth, hard surfaces. Due to the high alkalinity (pH value 13) the plaster inhibits fungal growth, which makes it especially suitable for bathrooms and other humid conditions.
SUITABILITY.
Suitable for interior application only. Best used on coat-able, absorbent surfaces like drywall, mineral plaster, concrete and fibrous plaster boards. If applying to surfaces with varying absorbency levels, be sure to prime first. Can be used over most conventional paints so long as they are not glossy. We recommend testing the product out on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure suitability prior to application.
PROPERTIES.
- Powder to be mixed with water
- Easy to use, assuming plastering experience
- Natural white due to fine marble flour
- Nearly odorless
- Can be painted over with venetian plaster if glossier finish is desired
- All ingredients from natural sources
- Free of preservatives
- Can be tinted up to 5% by weight with Unearthed Pigments
NOTE.
Room temperature during application must be at least 40°F. Do not leave plaster in full sun during resting period. If applying in higher elevation the plaster can dry out quicker. If you experience this, simply add a little water to make the product workable again.
TOOLS.
- Quality trowels
- Buckets (for mixing product, cleaning trowels, and extra clean water if needed)
- Drop cloth
- Mixer (a second, smaller mixer may be desired for mixing pigments)
- Gloves (this product is high in lime and dries skin out)
- Saran Wrap
YIELD.
1 kg of powder covers 11 ft2 per mm of thickness. Accurate consumption values vary, depending on experience and surface.
PREP.
The surface must be smooth, solid and clean.
- Strongly absorbent or surfaces with varying levels of absorbency must be primed first with Vega Primer.
- Remove non coat-able surfaces and residues.
- Remove residues of molding oil on concrete surfaces
PIGMENT.
Tint with up to 5%, by weight, of all Unearthed Earth and mineral pigments. For example, if applying a 10 kg. bag of Smooth Lime Plaster, you can mix up to 500 g. of pigment in. (1000 g = 1 kg)
For more information on how much pigment to purchase, click here, or see chart below.
You can also customize your plaster by mixing in Muscovite Glimmer or Vermiculite.
WATER.
For a 2.5 kg. bag, add 3-4 cups of water.
For a 10 kg. bag, add 3 quarts to 1 gallon of water.
If using pigment, you will need to add water to the pigment first before it is mixed in with the plaster. Use enough water to dilute the pigment so that all chunks are mixed out and you have a nice, smooth liquid.
MIXING.
In a clean bucket, measure out the recommended amount of water needed and set aside. In a separate clean bucket, pour in a small amount of the required water. If using pigment, pour premixed pigment into clean bucket. Slowly while using your mixer add in the Smooth Lime Plaster and water, alternating so to not allow any clumping to happen. Work the mixer up and down, being sure to mix all the way to the bottom of the bucket. Once plaster is mixed well with no clumps, the consistency should resemble smooth peanut butter. Once you reach this consistency you will want to scrap off the edges of the bucket and wrap the top of the plaster with Saran Wrap so that no moisture will escape. Then allow the plaster to rest for 20-30 minutes. *If mixing outside, do not let the product sit in direct sun.* After the 20-30 minute period, unwrap the plaster, and mix again.
APPLICATION.
Apply using standard plastering techniques. If using pigment, be sure not to mist the plaster once it’s on the wall as this will create a marbled look.
Each layer should be no more than 2 mm in thickness.
DRYING TIME.
Safe to coat after approximately 24 hours. Keep in mind our natural plasters harden over time.
STORAGE.
If stored dry and above freezing, the powder can be kept for at least 2 years.
Mixed plaster should be used within 24 hours. The longer the plaster sits, the more water you will need to make the product workable again.
CLEANING OF TOOLS.
Clean tools immediately after use with water. If this step is ignored, plaster can dry on your tools, adding chunks and streaks to later applications.
We recommend wearing gloves during application and while cleaning tools to avoid contact with skin.
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION.
Lime Hydrate
Xi-irritant (acc. to European Council Directive 67/548/EWG)
SAFETY ADVICE.
Contains Lime Hydrate. Risk of serious damage to eyes. Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact with skin. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear eye/face protection.
Keep out of reach of children.
Consider possible allergies to natural substances and read ingredient list to ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients.