Lime

Lime is the result of firing limestone at a temperature of between 1400°F and 1800°C. Depending on the type of limestone used, several types of lime are produced: 
Quicklime: this is the raw product obtained after firing the limestone. 

Slaked lime, obtained by adding water to quicklime. This is then used to obtain either: 

• Air lime, obtained from pure limestone. These limes are generally recommended for "decorations", where their fineness and whiteness play their role to the full. 
• Hydraulic lime, from clayey limestone. Because of its lower limestone content, hydraulic lime hardens largely on contact with water initially, then continues to harden on contact with air. It is used primarily in construction.

Lime lets the walls of old and new buildings breathe. It encourages moisture exchange and evacuation. It captures and releases water steam. It prevents rising damp. 

Lime has the natural ability to regulate humidity in walls and rooms. This makes for a more comfortable home, but also saves energy. Heating is much more efficient when the walls are completely dry. 

Lime is permeable to air, but impermeable to water. 

Combined with other materials (hemp, cork, flax), it provides good sound and heat insulation. However, these types of rendering and mortar do not achieve the insulating performance of specific insulating materials. 

Lime purifies the atmosphere thanks to its bactericidal and antiseptic properties. In damp areas, it prevents the proliferation of mould. Lime paints contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Lime adapts very easily to different surfaces. It is flexible and elastic. This allows it to adapt to the movements of the building. It is also very resistant and ages well. 

Hydraulic lime, and even more so air lime, are particularly fire-resistant. 

Lime-based mortars respect materials (stone, wood). They can be removed without affecting other parts of a structure. They can then be replaced with new lime mortar or other materials. This is an essential quality, particularly when restoring old buildings. 

Lime is 100% natural, whereas most conventional interior paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), solvents and glycol ethers. So you can combine decoration with a commitment to the planet. 

Lime offers many decorative possibilities, both indoors and out. Mixed with natural pigments, it offers a very wide range of tones.

Brushed Lime, as its name suggests, is applied with a brush. It offers a random, dense and textured effect, with a matt finish enhanced by the grain that gives body to the surface. This effect works equally well on light, medium and dark tones. 

The softness of light shades: a natural, mineral effect. The finish and effects are very soft. The brushstroke is barely mentioned, just enough to structure the material for a soft, slightly brushed effect. The walls take on a powdery, warm, round and enveloping appearance. 

With strong shades and dark colours, paint can work its effects. It's not just a matter of putting a colour on a wall, but of making it vibrate and come to life. The wall then becomes plant or animal, the colour becomes textured, takes on nuances, moves with the light and gives way to dreaming..

Lime and pigments are crushed to produce a glossy finish and a very compact product with the visual appearance of traditional lime coatings, such as Moroccan tadelakt. 
It is intended for dry rooms in the home and only for vertical surfaces.

It is recommended for light to medium tones. Once the rendering is completely dry, you can apply a coat of wax. This gives the rendering a more matt appearance. The only drawback is that waxed iron lime coating needs to be washed more regularly than normal coating.

Smoothed Lime offers a deep, striking effect, with a matt, satin finish, enhanced by the application of Waterborne Wax. The Smoothed effect is ideal for bright, dark tones.