Hey everyone! I’ve recently embarked on a journey to renovate my 1920s home with as many eco-friendly materials as possible. One of the projects I’m most excited about is using aged lime putty for the interior walls. I’ve read that it’s not only sustainable but also offers a unique, breathable finish that’s perfect for older homes like mine. I’ve chosen LimeWorks.us for their aged lime putty, as they seem to have a great reputation among natural paint enthusiasts.
I’ve previously experimented with milk paint and clay paints, which were fantastic for smaller projects, but I’m looking for something more durable for the walls. The idea of using a material that’s been used for centuries is incredibly appealing to me. However, I’m a bit nervous about the preparation and application process. I’ve heard that the key to a durable finish lies in the proper preparation of the lime putty, including slaking and aging. Does anyone have experience with this? How did you ensure the lime putty was properly prepared before application?
Also, I’m curious about the best practices for applying lime putty to achieve that smooth, durable finish. Any tips on tools or techniques would be greatly appreciated. And for those who’ve used lime putty, how did you find it performed over time, especially in terms of durability and maintenance?
Looking forward to hearing your experiences and advice! Let’s make our homes beautiful and sustainable together.
Hey @EcoPainterJane, great choice going with lime putty! I used LimeWorks.us for my kitchen walls last year, and the finish is still holding up beautifully. The key is indeed in the preparation. Make sure you slake the lime properly and let it age for at least three months. This process allows the lime to become more workable and durable. For application, I found that using a stainless steel trowel gives the smoothest finish. Good luck with your project!
I’m also in the process of renovating an old home and considering lime putty for the walls. @GreenThumb88, how did you find the maintenance over time? Is it easy to clean or touch up?
Thanks, @GreenThumb88! I’ll definitely make sure to age the lime properly. Did you encounter any challenges during the application process? Also, how many coats did you apply for optimal durability?
@VintageSoul, maintenance has been surprisingly easy. The lime finish is naturally antimicrobial, so it stays clean with just a damp cloth. For touch-ups, I just mix a small amount of lime putty and apply it with a brush. It blends seamlessly with the existing finish.
@EcoPainterJane, the main challenge was getting the consistency right for the first coat. It needs to be thin enough to penetrate the wall but not too watery. I ended up applying two coats for durability, with a light sanding between coats. The result was a smooth, durable finish that’s lasted over a year without any issues.
@NatureLover101, I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m planning to experiment with natural pigments for a soft, earthy tone. I’ll share my experience once I get there!
I’ve used natural pigments with lime putty, and it’s a game-changer for adding color. Just make sure to use pigments that are compatible with lime. I found that earth pigments work best and don’t compromise the durability of the finish.
I’ve been using lime putty for a while now, and I can’t stress enough how important the aging process is. I usually let mine sit for about six months, and the difference in workability and finish is night and day compared to fresh lime. Also, when applying, I’ve found that keeping the trowel wet helps prevent the putty from drying too fast and cracking. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but totally worth it for the finish.
Just a heads up, if you’re working in a dry climate, you might want to mist the walls with water before applying the lime putty. It helps with adhesion and prevents the putty from drying out too quickly. I learned this the hard way on my first project. The finish was patchy, and I had to redo a whole wall. Also, don’t skimp on the curing time. Rushing it can lead to a weaker finish.
I’m curious about the color options with lime putty. I’ve seen some beautiful, soft hues in old buildings, but I’m not sure if that’s from pigments or just the natural aging of the lime. Does anyone have experience with adding pigments to lime putty? I’m aiming for a warm, earthy tone for my living room.
For those worried about the initial cost, lime putty can actually save you money in the long run. It’s more durable than conventional paints, so you won’t need to repaint as often. Plus, its breathability prevents moisture issues, which can save on potential repair costs. I’ve been using it for years, and my walls still look fresh without any maintenance.
I’ve heard that lime putty can also help regulate indoor humidity, making it not just a sustainable choice but also beneficial for the indoor climate. Has anyone noticed a difference in their home’s humidity levels after applying lime putty? I’m considering it for my bathroom renovation to help with moisture control.
Hey, I’ve been using lime putty for a couple of years now in my 1900s home. The maintenance isn’t too bad, honestly. It’s pretty easy to clean with just a damp cloth. For touch-ups, I keep a small batch of the same mix I used originally, and it blends in seamlessly. The key is in the prep work, making sure the surface is clean and slightly damp before applying the touch-up.
I’m curious about the color consistency over time. Does the lime putty fade or change color with exposure to sunlight? I’m considering it for a south-facing room that gets a lot of light.
From my experience, lime putty does tend to lighten slightly over time, especially in direct sunlight. But it’s a natural process that adds to the character of the finish. If you’re looking for something that stays exactly the same, you might want to consider adding a natural pigment that’s known for its UV resistance.
I’ve heard that lime putty can be tricky to apply in humid conditions. Has anyone had experience with this? I live in a pretty humid area and I’m worried about the drying time and finish quality.
Humidity can definitely affect the drying time and finish. I applied lime putty in my bathroom, which is naturally more humid, and it took longer to dry. I found that using a dehumidifier helped speed up the process and improved the finish. Just make sure to keep the area well-ventilated.
Mixing pigments with lime putty can definitely add a beautiful touch to your walls. From my experience, it doesn’t significantly affect the durability if you’re using natural pigments. The key is to mix the pigment thoroughly with the lime putty to ensure an even color. Just be mindful of the amount you add; too much can affect the putty’s properties. It’s a bit of trial and error to get the color just right, but totally worth it for that custom look.