LIMEWASH USER GUIDE

Vibrant and beautiful, Masons Mortar Super Fine Lime Wash range is the perfect compliment to lime rendering and harling, suitable for most traditional masonry backgrounds. Can be applied to any background which exhibits a degree of suction: Lime wash adheres to the background by penetration of the substrate, it is not film forming.
Mixing. As supplied the materials may have settled, so thorough stirring is required each day before use and occasionally during the working day. The best method is by an electric whisk or paint stirrer attached to a drill. Further dilution might be necessary on porous backgrounds.
Unadulterated lime wash is supplied in tubs as a plain white or pre-pigmented liquid. Proper mixing is essential whether the material is pigmented on not. The lime wash should be completely free of lumps. Check the bottom and sides of the mixing tub to ensure the lime wash is properly stirred.
In instances where difficult backgrounds are encountered and when requested the lime wash will be supplied with Uni Protect (an additive to improve adhesion) this will be clearly marked on the label.
In all instances when using lime wash, regular stirring is essential to ensure a consistent application.
Application. Do not work in temperatures below 8oC or above 30oC or in visibly humid conditions, ie. Mist or Fog. Protect painted areas from direct sun, drying wind and rain for 3 to 4 days (longer in damp weather conditions). Do not use warm air dryers.
Apply with a good quality broad bristle or hair brush in short strokes, evenly and thinly spread the lime wash on the surface, work into any small hollows or cracks. Do not overload the brush, use only the bottom third of the bristles, do not apply unevenly. Generally 3-4 coats are sufficient. Wait 12 – 24 hours between coats.
On large areas of work, always keep the working edge damp, do not allow the lime wash to dry out and form a dry joint. Inadequate protection of the working area will exacerbate drying. Dampen with a light mist sprayer if necessary. Sufficient personnel should be used to complete large areas without forming dry joints.
Always finish whole walls or elevations into details, angles, corners, down pipes or the like in one operation to avoid colour banding.
Superfine lime wash can be sprayed with an airless sprayer.
Background.
Ensure that background is dry, clean and sound. Do not apply lime wash on waterproofed surfaces, distempers, existing glossy and waterproofed paints, dirty or polluted surfaces.
Remove any loose or flaking paints and repair defective plasters or renders. Test the background for suction by lightly flicking clean water from a brush on to the surface of the wall. Rapid suction into the background means that dampening with clean water will be required. In this cases thin the first coat out with 30% additional water. If thinning is required mix as normal then take out with a measured container the quantity you require to be thinned, place it in a separate container and add the extra water. A low suction background does not require pre wetting or additional thinning for the first coat, but may require the addition of Uni Protect (an additive to improve adhesion)
All new rendered or plaster surfaces should be properly dry before applying lime wash.

Lime wash is a wet application material and can react with some modern gypsum premixed plasters due to their additives content. Generally for internal use, distemper was most commonly used, but if lime wash is chosen, take care to properly check the background.
Suitable backgrounds.
Can be applied to most normal external or internal plastered surfaces (see background) including gypsum and cement and untreated timbers. (Uni Protect may be required to improve adhesion on some backgrounds.
Always carry out a test sample if in doubt.
Unsuitable backgrounds.
Not to be used on backgrounds that contain waterproofing agents, oil paints, grease or cement paints which have water repellent agents.
Protection.
Do not use below 8oC or above 30oC. Avoid working in foggy/ damp weather.
Protect from rain, strong direct sunlight and drying winds for at least 24 hours.
Technical data:
Made from specially selected pure high calcium quicklime.
Pigments: mineral or earth oxides.
Shelf life: Unlimited if stored in airtight tubs and protected from frost.

Health and Safety
Irritant. To the eyes and skin. Wash affected areas abundantly with clean water (do not use soap). Do not ingest or inhale dust. Wear adequate protection (mask/goggles/gloves) during handling and mixing.

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