Lime Plaster FAQs provide clear answers to common questions about lime plaster, including composition, application, durability, eco-friendliness, mold resistance, finishes, cost, and where it can be used.
Lime plaster is a decorative wall finish made from natural limestone. The stone is purified, burned, and mixed with water to create a paste that matures over time. When applied, this paste slowly carbonates – meaning it absorbs CO₂ and turns back into stone. The result is a durable, breathable, long-lasting, aesthetic plaster ideal for many interior/exterior surfaces.
Lime plaster is made from natural limestone and marble dust, creating a breathable, mold-resistant finish that continues to cure and harden over time. Regular gypsum plaster dries quickly but isn’t as durable, breathable, or moisture-tolerant, and it lacks the aesthetic depth and versatility that lime plasters provide.
Yes, lime plasters are eco-friendly. Meoded’s premium lime plaster series contains 0 VOC, no synthetic binders, and offers high breathability, as it naturally reabsorbs CO₂ while curing. These plasters combine sustainability with versatility, offering glossy, matte, or textured finishes to achieve any desired aesthetic with long-lasting, premium performance.
Lime plaster offers a breathable, durable, and eco-friendly wall finish. It resists mold, regulates indoor humidity, and continues to harden over time for long-lasting performance. Highly versatile, lime plasters allow designers and homeowners to achieve a wide range of aesthetics with premium, sustainable quality.
Lime plaster is extremely durable, with a lifespan often exceeding 50–100 years when properly applied and maintained. Its natural flexibility, breathability, and slow curing process help it resist cracking and deterioration, making it a long-lasting, sustainable wall finish suitable for both historic restorations and modern interiors.
Lime plaster is naturally mold-resistant due to its high alkalinity and breathability, which help regulate moisture. This makes it ideal for interior walls, particularly in humid areas, as it promotes a healthier indoor environment. Its natural properties support long-lasting, durable finishes that maintain both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity over time.
Traditional lime plaster can be challenging for DIYers, as it requires specific techniques and careful application to achieve smooth or textured finishes. For easier, more forgiving options, consider Meoded’s Moroccan Clay plaster or Lime Wash, which are simpler to apply while still providing breathable, natural, and visually appealing finishes.
Lime plasters are applied in two or more thin coats using a trowel, with each layer spread, leveled, and smoothed. Their versatility allows for a variety of finishes, from gloss/matte to textured, depending on tools and techniques. For examples of different applications, visit Meoded Paint’s YouTube page.
Yes, lime plaster can be applied over drywall with proper preparation. For new drywall, use a PVA primer, and for pre-existing painted drywall, use a multipurpose primer. In both cases, follow with a coat of Quartz Primer to ensure strong adhesion, a smooth application, and a long-lasting, durable finish.
Lime plaster can bond to a variety of surfaces, including drywall, masonry, brick, concrete, stucco, and previously painted walls. Proper surface preparation – cleaning, priming, and leveling – is essential to ensure adhesion and a smooth, durable finish. Always apply a coat of Quartz Primer over the prepared surface before plastering to ensure strong adhesion and long-lasting performance.
Lime plaster is generally applied in two or more thin coats, depending on the type and desired finish. Heavier aggregate lime plasters, like Marmorino, usually require two coats, while thinner lime-based Venetian plasters often need three coats to achieve full depth, smoothness, and the intended glossy or textured aesthetic.
Lime plasters typically need 24 hours for the first coat to dry. Two-coat plasters, like Marmorino lime plasters, dry in about 12 hours for the second coat but require 48 hours of curing before sealing. Thinner lime based Venetian plasters need three coats, with the second coat drying for at least 5 hours and the third curing for 2 days before applying a topcoat.
Lime plaster is breathable and moisture-tolerant, making it suitable with a sealer for damp areas such as bathrooms, but it is not fully waterproof. For wet zones like showers or areas with constant direct water exposure, Meoded’s Concretta microcement is recommended to provide a durable, water-resistant finish.
Yes, primer is essential for proper adhesion. A mineral-based primer like Meoded Quartz Primer is specifically designed for use beneath lime plasters. Its sand grit texture creates a strong mechanical bond, helps the plaster glide smoothly during application, improves overall coverage, and ensures long-term durability.
Lime plaster is less prone to cracking because its natural limestone formulation provides flexibility and a slower, more controlled curing process, unlike cement plasters that dry rapidly and are more susceptible to cracking. When applied over a properly prepared, stable substrate, cracks are uncommon. However, surface movement or inadequate preparation can still result in hairline cracking, making proper priming and substrate stability essential.
Lime plaster is highly durable, becoming stronger over time as it carbonates and reverts back to its natural form of stone. It resists moisture, mold, and everyday wear, making it a long-lasting finish for interior walls. When applied correctly over a stable substrate, lime plaster can perform for decades with minimal maintenance while retaining its elegant aesthetic.
Lime plaster walls are low-maintenance and simple to maintain. For routine cleaning, gently dust or wipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that may damage the surface. When sealed with premium sealers like Meoded’s Stain Shield, light washing becomes easier, and occasional resealing helps maintain long-term protection and appearance.
Yes, lime plaster can be repaired if it chips or cracks. Small areas can be patched with matching plaster and carefully blended into the surrounding surface. However, because lime-based plaster ages naturally, the repair may not perfectly match the original finish, and in some cases, an additional coat over the whole surface may be needed to achieve a seamless uniform finish.
A premium Venetian plaster is part of the lime plaster family, since high-end Venetian Plasters are made from natural limestone rather than cheaper acrylic versions. Lime-based Venetian plasters use a finer limestone aggregate, allowing thinner coats and higher coverage. As a result, on a cost-per-square-foot basis, Venetian plaster is the most budget-friendly lime plaster option.
The cost of lime plaster varies by product type and coverage. Meoded offers five lime plaster options, each priced at $292.40 per 4 gallon bucket, with coverage ranging from about 100 sq ft for textured plasters to 400 sq ft for lime-based Venetian plaster. Professional installation typically averages around $12 per sq ft, depending on project size and finish complexity.
Yes, lime plaster is an excellent choice for people with allergies. It is naturally breathable, helping regulate moisture and reduce mold and mildew growth, which are common allergy triggers. Premium lime plasters, such as Meoded’s series of lime plasters, are zero-VOC and naturally alkaline, discouraging bacteria and allergens while supporting healthier indoor air quality.
Yes, lime plaster naturally regulates humidity. Its breathable composition absorbs excess moisture from the air and releases it when the air is dry. This helps maintain stable indoor humidity levels, reduces the risk of mold and mildew, and creates a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
Lime plaster offers a versatile range of finishes, including smooth, textured, sandstone, or rustic looks with depth and movement. It can be troweled, burnished, or layered to achieve matte, satin, soft, or high-sheen effects. Lime plaster can also be tinted with natural pigments, allowing for custom colors and elegant, high-end decorative finishes suitable for both modern and traditional interiors.
Yes, lime plasters are available in a wide range of colors. For example, Meoded’s lime plasters are offered in 88 curated colors, and they also provide a color-matching service, allowing any plaster to be custom-tinted to match the exact color you desire for your project.
Yes, lime plaster is naturally mold-resistant. Its alkaline limestone composition creates an environment that discourages the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Combined with its breathable properties, lime plaster helps regulate moisture, reducing the risk of damp-related problems and promoting healthier indoor air quality in both residential and commercial spaces.
Lime plaster can lightly enhance insulation and acoustics. While it isn’t a primary solution for insulation or soundproofing, its breathability helps regulate indoor humidity, slightly balancing temperature changes. Its density softens high-frequency reflections, reducing echo and making rooms feel warmer, cooler, and more comfortable, while contributing to a gentle improvement in acoustic quality.
Applying lime plaster requires a few essential tools, depending on the desired finish. These include stainless steel rounded-edge trowels, premium Whiteout trowels for light colors, spatulas or hawks to hold the plaster, and texturing tools for textured effects. Sponges can also be used to level the first coat or refine certain finish coats.
Yes, lime plaster can be applied over paint with proper priming. For flat paint, clean the surface and apply a coat of Quartz Primer by Meoded. For semi-gloss or gloss paint, lightly sand, remove dust, apply a suitable multipurpose primer, then a coat of Quartz Primer to ensure adhesion and a durable finish.
Lime plaster is a timeless, natural wall finish valued for its breathability, durability, and environmental benefits. When properly applied and maintained, it offers decades of performance and design flexibility for both residential and commercial spaces.