Lime and POP Plaster

Lime:

Lime used for plaster is of basically two types i.e. fat lime and hydraulic lime. Fat lime is
preferred over hydraulic lime though hydraulic lime gives a stronger and harder surface
than fat lime just because of the reason that hydraulic lime is very slow in slaking and
even continues months (6 to 8 months) and normally used in dry condition.

Ground dry with sand for twice in an interval of 2 to 3 weeks. Also blisters may form if
unslaked particles remained in slaked hydraulic lime. however, fat lime can be slaked wet
and easy to use. Lime mortar can be used with proportion lime : sand as 1:3 to 1:4 and
1:2.
For hydraulic lime mortar and cement : lime : sand as 1:1:8 to 1:2:8 proportion.

For purely lime mortar with no cement, a binding material named gugal can be added
1.6 kg/m3 to the mortar. Also the tensile properties of lime is increased with the
addition of chopped hemp 1kg/m3 of mortar which ultimately prevents the formation of
tensile cracks.
After preparation of back ground, lime plaster is applied in three coats normally.
however, two coats of plaster may be applied too. They are discussed as follows:

Three Coat Plaster:

i.Rendering coat:
This is the very first coat applied to the back ground and its thickness is normally of
12 mm. However, this thickness may increase as per surface unevenness. This plaster
coat covers all the irregularities and is pressed against the wall forcibly by the help of
trowel. This coat is allowed to harden for seven days and cured well. The surface is
already made scratched Just after the work is over and the surface is little bit set.

ii.Floating coat:

The rendering coat is cleaned and the floating is applied. Then the patches of 15cm X
15cm or 10 cm wide strip is made for acting as gauge followed by throwing of mortar
with the help of mason’s trowel which is later spread with the help of wooden float.
!n case of lime-sand plaster, the finishing coat is applied immediately while in case of
lime-surkhi plaster, it’s allowed to harden little bit and cross marks are provided with
wooden float edge at a spacing of 8 cm which is cured for10= days approximately to
obtain a set surface.
iii. Finishing coat:
As discussed above, the finishing coat follows immediately after the floating coat while
in case of lime-surkhi plaster, it’s applied after getting a set and little hard surface. The
lime cream to cement ratio is kept 4:1 in finishing coat which is applied with the steel
trowel and made smoothen. The surface is left for one day for drying and then cured for
seven days.

The back ground over which plaster is to be made decide the number of coats like
random rubble, brick masonry, stone masonry, coarse rubble masonry, cement block
etc. Therefore plastering is applied in 1 or 2 or 3 coats. Generally lime plaster is applied
in 3 coats and cement plaster in two coats.

Hydraulic and fat(non-hydraulic) lime:

Hydraulic lime sets by hydrolysis whereas non-hydraulic lime sets by carbonation. The
hydraulic lime can set underwater, that's because hydrolysis is a reaction caused by
water. The non-hydraulic lime needs air to carbonate and thus set.

In physical terms, the two materials are very different to work with. Hydraulic lime is
available as a bagged powder whereas the non-hydraulic lime is a putty, hence the
name fat lime putty. This makes working with hydraulic lime much easier for most
builders as it's practically the same as working with cement.
Non-hydraulic lime is softer and sets much more slowly. The carbonation process is
very slow and the material remains soft and flexible. This of course, can be extremely
advantageous if that's what is required. The hydraulic lime is available in degrees of
strength, is faster setting and more durable.
Practical Considerations
With these general differences in mind, let's consider the practical considerations.

Project
If it's a new build then there's an incredibly strong case for hydraulic lime. If you're
working to existing with maintenance or repair work, it's always best to replace like
with like. Technically there's no reason that hydraulic and non-hydraulic can't co-exist
but it's better conservation practice to keep it original.
Experience
What skills have you got on-site? Bricklayers or masons experienced in conservation
work may be highly adept with either material. Less experienced workers are generally
more comfortable working with hydraulic lime.
Budget
Non-hydraulic lime is considerably cheaper than hydraulic lime and could give you a
good saving on large jobs. At the same time, hydraulic lime could save you a fortune on
labour and lessons learned throughout the course of the project.
Timescale
If you're on a tight schedule then hydraulic lime may be more appropriately suited.
Hydraulic limes are faster setting, it is also generally accepted that non-hydraulic limes
can require up to 40% more labour.
Limes & Cement in Comparison

Hydraulic Non-Hydraulic Cement(OPC)

Breathable Yes Yes No
Setting Speed Medium Low High
Flexibility Medium High No
Durability Medium Low High
Labour Low High Low
Cost High Medium Low
Shelf Life Medium High Medium
 Plaster Of Paris
Plaster of Paris (POP) is a building material having Gypsum as its main component. It is
used for coating walls and ceilings and also for creating architectural designs. Plaster of
Paris is manufactured as a dry powder and is mixed with water to form a paste when
used. Below are some of its advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Plaster of Paris:

• It is light in weight and more durable.

• It has low thermal conductivity.
• It is very good fire resistant and hence a very good heat insulating material.
• It does not shrink while setting. Therefore, it does not develop cracks on heating or
setting.
• It forms a thick surface to resist normal knocks after drying.
• It mixes up easily with water and is easy to spread and level.
• It has good adhesion on fibrous materials.
• It gives a firm surface on which the colours can settle.
• It has no appreciable chemical action on paint and does not cause alkali attack.
• Plaster of Paris gives a decorative interior finish. Its gypsum content provides it a
lot of shine and smoothness.
• It can easily be moulded into any shape.
Disadvantages of Plaster of Paris:

• Gypsum plaster is not suitable for exterior finish as it is slightly soluble in water.
• It is more expensive than cement or cement lime plaster.
• It cannot be used in moist situations.

• Skilled labour is required for precise application and thus labour cost for
applying plaster of Paris is high.
PARTS OF A SLOPING ROOF