Techniques & Materials

Lime wash Lime wash is a traditional material that has been used for thousands of years. Lime wash allows the substrate to breathe and the lime wash remains vapor permeable after it cures. It is a beautiful, traditional material that mellows gradually while it wears away. Over time it develops the weathered patina that characterizes the Old World charm of Europe.

Lime wash is non toxic and environmentally friendly  made from natural earth materials.

Lime wash also has hygienic properties  and acts a mild fungicide due to its high PH.The refractive nature of lime wash paint means it will reflect heat away but not light. In fact it intensifies light which is why buildings take on the rich tones often seen in Mediterranean countries. It’s suitable for unpainted wood, plaster, and masonry. It can be applied to unpainted porous surfaces, The best thing about lime wash is, when it starts to look grubby, you can just apply another coat.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
 
 
Venetian Plaster Venetian plaster is applied with a trowel. Developed by European artisans, over centuries, this plaster finish originated in ancient Rome ,and is used right up to present day as a compliment to a n antique decore or as a counterpoint to a high tech setting. The term Venetian plaster derives from it’s extensive use in the palaces of 15th-century Venice. Venetian plaster can be put on all flat surfaces, including ceilings. Venetian Plaster Venetian Plaster comes in all sheens, textures and colors. Subtle color and larger pattern variations work well with for larger areas, whereas depth and intensity can be used for smaller areas. High quality Venetian plaster has a quality of translucency that promotes greater complexity and depth with each successive layer.
 
                                          
 

Walls first floated smooth

with dry wall compound

before brushing on lime wash with special extra large Italian brushes.

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     Walls

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Stainless steel troweled

and burnished venetian

plaster with a smokey nicotine color add an attractive back round to the period piece bathroom fixtures.

Adding more lime creates

more movement and chalky worn appearance called bloom; a naturally occuring phosphoresence that continues with time resulting in a truely unique surface.

Rustic barn wood contrasted against triple coated

and burnished glassy smooth venetian plaster.

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Australian bees wax buffed

to a low luster sheen on smooth troweled venetian

plaster.

 

Oxidized metallic pigment is activated by spraying on a mild acid solution 

producing an authentic rust finish.

 
 
 
 

This fresco was painted on the Island of  Crete at the site of Knossos, seat of the Minoan civilization, some 3000 years ago, using much the same material as what we today  call “lime wash”.

 

    1. ◦Organic - No odors, no fumes, non-toxic 

    2. ◦Anti-Fungus - lime paint allows walls to breathe and kills bacteria and mildew

    3. ◦Unlimited Colors - Colors are custom made and the color palette is unlimited

    4. ◦Durability - Can last up to a century or more (see ancient frescos) and does not peel off like modern paints 

    5. ◦Beauty - Depth and transparency resulting from multiple layers (2-3 coats)

 

What are the benefits of lime based paints :

 

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