[Strawbale] Natural Hydraulic lime vs. Hydrated lime?

[Derek Roff]

> What is the correct  wordage -
> Natural hydraulic lime?  or Hydrated lime?

As others have mentioned, lime terminology can be confusing.  Many 
people don't fully understand all the terms (including some people who 
sell and/or use lime materials).  Even those who do understand all of 
lime's variations, can easily get their mental wires crossed, and use 
the wrong term now and then, in speech or in writing, as observed in 
the previously posted link.

>> You want Natural Hydraulic Lime.

Maybe you will choose hydraulic lime, and maybe you will choose type-S 
hydrated lime.  If you live in the United States, these will probably 
be the two most suitable choices for plastering a strawbale house with 
lime.  In other countries, you may have other options.

As I write, no one has explained the differences between hydraulic lime 
and hydrated lime.  I don't claim to be an authority.  One difference 
is very significant for the owner-builder.  After mixing, hydraulic 
limes will set up in a fairly short time, whether you use them or not. 
Unused hydraulic lime will harden in the mixer, in the bucket, on the 
trowel, and anywhere else.  The reaction can not be stopped.  Hydrated 
limes can be stored indefinitely (for years) in a sealed container, or 
under a layer of water (preferably both).

For an inexperienced plasterer like myself, a big plus is that I can 
store unused plaster overnight or as needed, and use that plaster when 
I next get time to work.  This is not true for hydraulic lime.

derelict

Derek Roff
Language Learning Center
Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
Internet: derek at unm.edu