Lime as an alternative to plaster and cement

Lime plasters, such as our RC Intralime range, are stronger than gypsum plasters and allow the substrate to breathe, whereas gypsum plasters do not. Lime plasters are less affected by water and do not soften, dissolve or rot, as gypsum plasters do.

Compared to cement, lime is strong but less hard, which makes it ideal for old substrates. Where cement would, as it were, pull the substrate to pieces, one can, in this case, perfectly choose a lime plaster. In addition, lime plasters, unlike cement, are self-healing and to some extent elastic and can thus accommodate small movements. Lime plasters are not sensitive to salt, whereas cement can break down on contact with salts.

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Advantages of lime plasters

Sustainable and ecological

Lime is one of the most durable, ecological and aesthetically pleasing natural building materials. The surfaces of lime plasters and lime paints are significantly harder, more stable and more resistant to wear than gypsum plasters or cement plasters.

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Resistant to mould and moisture

Lime has an impressive alkalinity of 13, which has a preventive effect against fungi, bacteria, micro-organisms and moss growth. By using hydraulic lime as a binder, lime plaster is water-resistant, vapour permeable and moisture regulating, thus having a positive effect on the moisture balance. Due to its capillary system, it regulates room humidity and improves the insulation value.

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Mechanical strength

The mechanical characteristics of lime plasters are built up progressively: NHL lime reacts with water and then hardens under the influence of air (carbonates). This makes it easier to absorb settlements in the building. Through carbonation, the compressive strength, (bending) tensile strength and modulus of elasticity increase, even by a factor of 5 or more.

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No additives required

There is no need for additives such as cement, pozzolans, bond retarders, bubble formers, etc. These additives increase the cost, lead to mistakes in dosing on site and sometimes create unwanted side effects in the long run. These additives increase costs, lead to mistakes in dosage on site and sometimes create unwanted side effects in the long run.

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Low density

Due to the high volume-to-weight ratio, less material is required per unit volume of mortar. On a 1:2.5 mixture, this means 320 kg NHL 3.5 (400 litres) per m³ of sand. With RC Intralime G, the consumption is also low: approximately 11 kg/cm/m².

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Lime: a versatile material

Lime plaster is a versatile plaster that can be ground perfectly without further finishing, but it does allow for further finishing. So you can paint on these plasters with our lime paint RC Calco or apply lime putty RC Calcoliss and then wallpaper and tile.

A lime plaster is also ideal as a substrate for lime paint, lime finishing and gloss plasters. A beautifully sponged or polished lime plaster such as our finishing plaster RC Intralime F can also be left as it is.

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Apply lime plaster

Lime plaster is typically applied in three layers to the surface. This is the most important condition for obtaining high-quality results. The first layer, called the rag coat, improves the adhesion of the first layer to the base of the wall. The second layer with RC Intralime G is the base layer: it is considered the main layer and has a thickness of between 0.7 and 8 cm and must always be reinforced. The third layer, as a finishing layer, with RC Intralime F with a thickness of 1 to 4 mm serves to eliminate defects, smoothen and obtain a flat surface.

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Lime plaster as restoration and renovation plaster

Lime plasters are considered to be the better restoration plasters, as they leave the wall vapour-permeable in contrast to cement plasters. Lime plasters do not contain harmful materials such as cement or salt, which can promote efflorescence and cracks. In the event of wind or hairline cracks, the lime plaster will repair itself.

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Reynchemie: expert in lime

Since its start in 1988 Reynchemie has developed expertise in all kinds of lime products. Apart from the exclusive distribution rights in Benelux for natural hydraulic lime of Saint-Astier, Reynchemie also has its own products based on lime such as lime-based plasters(RC Kalei), lime putty based on aerated lime(RC Calcoliss 300), coloured joint lime(RC Astivo), lime paint (RC Calco), salt-buffering sanitary mortar(RC Sanisel) and recently also 2 high-quality lime plasters: RC Intralime G & RC Intralime F. View our complete range of (lime) plasters here.