Cornish Lime Builders Traditional builders & restoration

Lime Plastering

Traditional Lime Plastering

At Cornish Lime Builders, we specialise in traditional lime plastering for historic, period and traditionally constructed buildings throughout Cornwall. With more than 20 years of experience working with lime, stone, granite and cob, we understand that lime plaster is not simply a decorative finish — it is an important part of how a building manages moisture and performs.

Although our roots are firmly in the restoration and conservation of Cornwall’s historic buildings, lime plaster is not just for old buildings. We also work on new-build properties, extensions, renovations and contemporary projects, where lime can provide a beautiful, breathable and environmentally conscious alternative to conventional plaster systems.

From Stone to Fine Finish

Every building is different, and our approach begins by assessing what is already there before deciding what needs to be removed.

Where existing plaster has failed or inappropriate modern materials have been applied, we can take the work right back to the original stone or masonry where necessary. This allows us to inspect the underlying structure and rebuild the plaster system properly from the substrate upwards.

However, we don’t believe that everything old needs to be removed.

If modern pink gypsum plaster has been applied over an original, sound lime plaster, we can carefully remove the modern plaster and expose the existing lime beneath. Where that historic lime remains solid and suitable, it can be retained and used as the background for new lime plaster.

This preserves as much of the original fabric as possible while avoiding unnecessary removal and disposal. It can also significantly reduce the cost of restoration compared with completely stripping and rebuilding the wall.

Repair Rather Than Replace

The same principle applies to external lime render.

Where sections of existing render have become blown or detached from the wall, we can carefully identify and remove only the failed areas while retaining sound, well-adhered original render.

The defective sections can then be prepared and replaced using compatible lime materials, carefully tying the new work into the existing surface.

This repair-and-retain approach preserves historic material, reduces waste and disruption, and can substantially reduce labour and material costs.

Our objective is always to do only what the building actually needs, rather than stripping perfectly serviceable material simply because it is easier to start again.

Lime Plaster for New Builds and Extensions

Lime plaster is equally valuable in new construction.

We work with homeowners, builders, architects and designers on new-build houses, extensions and contemporary renovations where the benefits and appearance of lime are desired.

Using lime in a new build allows the material to be incorporated into the construction from the beginning rather than having to adapt an existing wall.

Lime plaster can provide a natural, tactile finish while helping to regulate moisture and contributing to a comfortable internal environment. It can also work particularly well alongside natural and low-impact construction methods such as stone, timber, cob, hemp and other breathable building systems.

For new extensions, lime plaster can also provide an effective way of creating a sympathetic connection between new and historic construction, helping modern additions sit comfortably alongside older buildings.

We can produce finishes ranging from traditional textured surfaces through to clean, contemporary fine lime plaster, depending on the character and design of the project.

Breathable Insulation Systems

Traditional buildings can be made considerably warmer without sacrificing their ability to breathe.

Where appropriate, we can incorporate breathable insulation into a lime plaster or render system, dramatically improving the thermal performance of solid walls while maintaining vapour permeability.

This approach can be particularly valuable when upgrading older stone, granite and cob buildings, but it can also be incorporated into suitable new-build and extension projects from the outset.

A properly designed insulating lime system can help improve:

By considering the insulation, plaster and wall construction as a complete system, we can help create buildings that are both warmer and breathable.

Traditional Techniques and Fine Finishes

Where a complete rebuild of the plaster system is required, we can take the surface back to the underlying stone and rebuild using an appropriate lime specification.

We can provide everything from traditional base and levelling coats through to a fine lime plaster finish, with the mix and application method selected according to the substrate and character of the property.

Where appropriate, we can incorporate traditional broom-handle render beads to create crisp, durable corners and reveals while remaining sympathetic to traditional construction.

These techniques can be used on historic properties as well as new construction, giving clients the opportunity to combine traditional craftsmanship with a clean and contemporary finish.

Traditional Craftsmanship, Modern Understanding

Successful lime plastering depends on much more than simply mixing lime and applying it to a wall.

The type of lime, aggregate, background preparation, thickness of each coat, environmental conditions, curing and finishing technique all affect the final result.

Our experience allows us to combine traditional Cornish craftsmanship with modern conservation principles and contemporary building requirements.

Depending on the project, we can:

Respecting the Building — Old or New

Our philosophy is simple:

Preserve what is good. Repair what has failed. Replace only what is necessary. And where we are working on something new, build it properly from the beginning.

For historic properties, this means respecting the materials and craftsmanship that have survived.

For new builds and extensions, it means using the same principles of compatibility, breathability and careful workmanship to create a plaster system designed to perform for the future.

Whether you need a small lime plaster repair, the careful removal of modern gypsum plaster, restoration of historic lime render, a complete plaster system back to the stone, a breathable insulated finish, or lime plaster throughout a new extension or build, Cornish Lime Builders can provide a sympathetic, practical and highly skilled solution.

Traditional materials. Traditional craftsmanship. Modern conservation knowledge.

Cornish Lime Builders — working with lime in Cornwall’s historic buildings, new homes and everything in between.