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Lime Course Printable
November 20th, 2024
Lina, Project Administrator at Cosy Homes Oxfordshire, recently took part in the SPAB ran Introduction to Lime Plastering course at the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, Swindon. In her previous role she used to work for Woodfibre Manufacturer Pavatex, and Woodfibre & Lime is often used for Internal Insulation on Cosy Homes projects, so she was keen to put theory into practice!
The course began by covering the history of lime production and use, and how this should be considered in the restoration of traditional buildings today. In many older examples of Lime work, local materials like sand aggregate and soil (producing ‘Cob’ as it is referred to in certain regions) are used and give areas a distinct character and style. It is very important to consider sourcing the correct aggregate, not only to ensure that the Lime stands the test of time, but also to match the regions character.
Durrant and Daughter guided through the process of knocking up Lime Putty & Course Sand aggregate with hair (sourced from Cows or Goats rather than Horse hair, a common misconception) in large batches, ready to be used.
Course leaders Michal Wolf, and Sean Wheatley, both Master Craftsman of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, led hands on sessions teaching participants how to apply traditional lime plaster to lath, apply a floating coat, and then a smooth finishing coat.
What were their motivations?
Other key skills taught included the application of Rough Cast to Solid Walls, the application of Lime to varying substrates, like WoodFibre and Wood Wool Insulation, and a brief introduction to Cornicing in Situ.
Course Leader Marianne Suhr of Old House Consultancy offered invaluable insight into a range of real-life case studies of Heritage Retrofit Projects she has led. She also ran through the properties and uses of Hydraulic Lime, and beautiful applications of Lime Wash.
Lina reflected that the course had been insightful and invigorating.
‘It was so inspiring to learn from such passionate and skilled Tutors. I have left with a keenness to build on my new skills and knowledge of Heritage, traditional crafts. My experience will undoubtedly help me aid clients, and converse with our Member Contractors about Retrofit Projects involving WoodFibre and Lime. I would greatly encourage anyone who is curious about a skill or trade to take the plunge and take part in a similar course.’
The Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings has a host of online resources as well as hands on training opportunities. Click here to take a look at what’s on offer: https://www.spab.org.uk/learning
‘Lime in Building: A Practical Guide’ by Jane Schofield is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about Lime: https://www.spab.org.uk/shop/product/lime-building-practical-guide
Since completing the course, Lina has also had the opportunity to join Tutor, Michal Wolf, on a local Lime Rendering Project and put her skills to use!
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