FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

• What substrates are acceptable? Most substrates including drywall, blue board, cement, concrete, brick, and stone are compatible with our systems. Metals and surfaces covered with glossy paints, lacquers, water repellents, and oil polymers are not compatible.

  
  

• What level of preparation over drywall is required? A level 3 finish (tape + mud) with  the application of a water-based primer to even-out suction throughout.  

  
  

• Is it Venetian plaster? Venetian plaster is a generic name commonly used in Northern America to describe a smooth texture that may as well be achieved with a paint or glaze coating applied in thin layers and burnished to a marble-like texture. Real stucco or lime plaster lends itself to a surface of absolute mineral nature difficult to match with faux paint.

   
• How durable are your plaster systems? Our plaster systems reach their optimal performance within a few months following the application. As the lime cures, it forms a mineral crust absorbing carbon dioxide present in the air. Progressively it hardens like a stone and leads to a timeless finish.
  

   
• How does it compare to paint? Unlike any resin-based coatings, lime plaster or lime paint typically does not form  a film atop the substrate. Rather it works its way into the pores of the substrate and crystallizes. Once cured, it naturally fossilizes to form a long-lasting mineral skin.
  

  
  

• How does it compare to Portland Cement? Portland cement takes 30% more energy to produce than lime. The production of hydrated lime not only creates less CO2, but it also re-absorb more while it cures.  Cement is also more prone to cracking because of excessive compressive strength and hasty curing time.
  

   
• Why is lime plaster better? The modulus of elasticity of lime plaster makes it less prone to cracking from settling and shrinkage. Recent studies suggest that lime plaster resists structural movements better than other tested materials in earthquake conditions (Hall, UCSD). Time has shown us that lime is just more better fit to protect buildings.
  

  
  

• What makes it mold resistant? Lime has a higher PH. Naturally, it acts as an antibacterial agent, neutralizing the development of organic matters. For instance, the farming industry uses lime as a cleanser for stables.  An authentic lime plaster is porous, allowing  any water vapor, if present, to escape quickly from the wall. These two phenomenon combines makes lime a sure choice to prevent mold.
  

  
  

• How are the materials packaged? Our materials are ready-mixed in a dry form. The  products are usually delivered with pigments aside to allow potential color adjustments and reduce waste on the job site.
  

  
  

   

• Do you stand behind the reliability of your products? Quality is systematically controlled in our laboratories. A sample of each batch of production is archived. From one batch to another the quality of our products remains consistent, years after years since 1936.