Lime Plastering Services
Lime Plastering Specialists in Oldham & Greater Manchester
Looking for an authentic, breathable, and sustainable plaster solution? At AJS Plastering, we provide traditional lime plastering services for listed buildings, period homes, and eco conscious renovations in Oldham and surrounding areas. Lime is more than just plaster, it’s a living, breathing material that protects your building and preserves its historical integrity.
What Is Lime Plaster?
Lime plaster is a natural blend of lime putty, sand, and sometimes fibres like hair. Unlike cement or gypsum plaster, it allows walls to breathe, preventing trapped moisture, damp, and cracking. It’s ideal for:
- Stone, brick, cob, or timber-frame buildings
- Heritage or listed properties
- Eco-friendly new builds
- Areas with moisture-sensitive substrates
Benefits of Lime Plastering
🌿 Breathable & Damp-Resistant
Lime allows moisture to evaporate through the wall, reducing the risk of damp, mould, or condensation especially in older homes.
🛠️ Flexible & Durable
Unlike rigid cement plaster, lime has natural flexibility and can absorb slight building movement, reducing cracks.
🧱 Compatible with Traditional Buildings
Lime bonds well with historic materials and can be matched to original finishes during restorations.
♻️ Environmentally Friendly
Natural, low-carbon, and recyclable lime is a greener choice for walls and ceilings.
Our Lime Plastering Process
- Wall Assessment & Preparation
We identify substrate type (stone, brick, etc.), existing finishes, and check moisture or damp levels. - Base Coat Application
A coarse lime render (sometimes with hair) is applied in layers, building thickness and structure. - Float Coat (Intermediate Layer)
Additional layers are added with float and key, depending on the building’s breathability needs. - Finish Coat
A fine lime skim is applied, trowelled and smoothed or lightly textured to match existing finishes. - Curing & Aftercare Advice
Lime plaster cures by carbonation slowly absorbing CO₂. We advise on proper drying, misting, and room ventilation.
Where We Use Lime Plaster
- Interior walls and ceilings of period properties
- External breathable renders for historic homes
- Feature walls and eco-friendly new builds
- Restoration of lime-based lath & plaster systems
- Damp-prone areas needing natural breathability
Over three decades of hands-on experience.
Tidy, respectful and reliable team.
Clear communication, you’ll always know where you stand.
Fully insured and our workmanship is guaranteed.
Our Lime Materials
We use traditional mixes sourced from trusted British suppliers, including:
- Non-hydraulic lime putty (for slow curing, interior work)
- Hydraulic lime (for faster setting or external applications)
- Additives like goat hair or fibres (for strength and flexibility)
All mixes are adapted to your wall’s needs and historical integrity.
Why Choose AJS for Lime Plastering?
✅ Specialists in heritage restoration
✅ Experience working on listed and conservation buildings
✅ Deep understanding of lime curing, ratios, and techniques
✅ Respectful, clean, and careful on site
✅ Honest advice to no over-selling modern substitutes
Common Questions
Lime is breathable and flexible, while modern plaster (gypsum/cement) is rigid and can trap moisture.
Yes. Lime dries by carbonation, which can take days to weeks, depending on humidity and temperature. It needs moisture control, not forced drying.
It’s slightly more expensive due to materials and skilled labour, but it’s often essential for older homes and better long-term.
Yes, but only with breathable paints like limewash or mineral paints. Avoid modern plastic paints which block moisture.
Yes, especially if you want a breathable, eco-friendly, and natural material. It’s increasingly used in eco builds and sustainable renovations.
Request a Lime Plaster Consultation
Not sure if your property needs lime or gypsum plaster? We’ll assess your walls and provide the right recommendation, not just the easiest one.
Call us on 07462 900 637 or email [email protected] to arrange a home visit and free quote.