Two thousand years ago, before there was global warming, high energy prices, and concerns about breathing VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds), Roman builders perfected energy efficient, mold resistant, and healthy plasters that were used for covering interior and exterior walls of their homes and public buildings. In places like Pompeii, we can still see the impressive colors and durability of these plasters and natural mineral pigments, which are now receiving welcome appreciation as consumers look for materials that will reduce operating expenses, protect their health, and offer a breathtaking decorative aesthetic. Pure lime plasters became less of a mainstay in the late 1800's with the invention of Portland cement. Recently, the use of authentic lime plasters has revived as part of the restoration movement of famous buildings and historic residences in Europe and the United States. Lime Plasters from Italy are most generally referred to as "Venetian". In the Middle Ages, Venetian architects placed real marble slabs on buildings only to find that they increased the settling (yes, they knew the city of Venice was sinking in the 14th century), so they applied a stucco veneer of thin layers of lime plaster over brick or wood walls to reduce weight. The application techniques they perfected created a lustrous finish that looks like marble or travertine stone. Once dry, the limestone veneer can last for hundreds of years. It is easily repairable and offers a high gloss marble finish. Lime plasters have been used since the Sumerians first discovered them in 4,000 B.C., and are found in major cultures around the world. However, the finest lime plasters come from Italy. That's because the Italian peninsula juts into the Mediterranean Sea and its rich limestone deposits underlie the entire country. The process for making pure slaked lime plasters hasn't changed since ancient times and may take up to two years to properly slake and purify the raw lime into a finish plaster that may be applied on the interior or exterior walls of your home. To produce it, limestone is dug out from the small family-run quarries (many have been under the same ownership for hundreds of years) and is burned at 2,300 degrees to remove impurities. The resulting lime powder is placed in large vats that have holes in their sides, then immersed in water. (The Romans would bury their earthenware pots filled with cooked crushed lime near streams, which facilitated the slaking of the lime, a process where water slowly seeps into the powdered limestone converting it into a stabilized lime putty). Once slaked, the resulting lime putty is placed in airtight containers ready to be color tinted with natural earth pigments. Today's homeowner can use an Italian plaster in virtually every room and surface; floors, columns, walls, ceilings, and counters. Venetian plasters with the finest grains of marble are used on walls. By adding marble grains with increasingly larger microns to the lime putty, a variety of interesting designs and textures can be achieved. Grassello is used to create fanciful flourishes and uses a fine grade of marble powder, while Travertino, with its large grains of marble provides a rustic finish on walls and counters. Tadelakt, the smooth Moroccan plastering technique is used to create an organic look for tubs, showers, walls, ceilings, floors, fountains, and furniture. it is waterproof (after waxing) and is still used throughout Morrocco today. The cost of natural products like lime plasters is competetive with other coatings while conmtributing to savings in energy and upkeep. Limeplasters may be used to help qualify a structure for "Green" certification under the LEED system established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Architects and builders can earn up to four points for using these plasters. In addition to beautiful finishes, the remarkably durable surfaces actually "breathe", expelling moisture throughout their lifetime. They are mold and mildew resitant and have no VOC's so they are safe during application and for the lifetime of the surfaces to which they are applied.
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