Thin coats of Hydraulic lime in chimney for a woodburner

[Saycheese5]

Thanks Stuart45. Just wanted to double check and I'm glad to know that lime is relatively heat resistant and I that can apply it on two coats. I'm looking forward to my small project. Just two final questions, could I buy hydrated lime from my own local builder's merchant or is it best to get it from specialised lime suppliers such as for example www.lime-mortars.co.uk or www.mikewye.co.uk? They just quote that lime needs to be at least 3 months old to reach maturity before being used. Could I also use normal emulsion paint or does it have to be a lime paint? Many thanks!


http://www.lime-mortars.co.uk/lime-render/non-hydraulic
http://www.mikewye.co.uk/mikeprices.htm#limeplaster

 

[stuart45]

You can buy it from your local builders merchant. For what you are doing this will be fine. Old, mature lime is what traditional plasterers prefer for their high quality work.
The idea of limewash is that it allows the walls to breathe, not trapping moisture. As damp isn't your problem here an emulsion could be used.

 

[Saycheese5]

Thanks Stuart45 for your expert advice. Surprisingly I cannot find anyone who stocks hydrated lime in my area. I have found a supplier who can provide me with a couple of bags of NHL hydraulic lime. Doing it that way seems cheaper than I thought but now I seem to have the problem of finding the correct sand. I have been told to get a well graded sand or 'sharp washed pit sand', but no one around here has heard of that; I cannot also find labelled 'silver sand'. All I can get is 'sharp sand' and 'plastering sand' (which is finer) from B&Q, Wickes or Jewsons. Do you think that will do or will I have to try further afield? Many thanks again for your advice.

 

[stuart45]

You could use plastering sand. To get a really good finish for the top coat a stronger mix with a very fine sand is preferred, but it depends on what type of finish you are looking for.