[Strawbale] hydraulic lime sets up fast - wow

[Raftercat5 at aol.com]

In a message dated 01/18/2007 12:00:42 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
strawbale-request at listserv.repp.org writes:

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



Derek:  THAT is the biggest piece of information I've gotten so  far!  Now I 
know what kind of stuff to look for.  I was almost  convinced to use NHL, but 
if it sets up before you get done using it, it can't  be stored in a bucket 
like hydrated (type S or N) lime.  What happens when  the plasterer (probably 
will be mostly me, as hubby will be doing all the  electric himself) gets tired 
and there's still plaster left to spread on the  walls?  I would have to 
really push myself to finish.  How do the  professionals do it when they make a 
color coat?  Isn't it supposed to be  mixed up all in one big batch, or as much 
as you can mix at one time, to get an  even color?  It would be impossible.  I 
don't want to paint on the  color, but would rather spread it.  Latex paint 
isn't breathable.  If  a water-based natural paint were used, the brush strokes 
would overlap and make  some parts darker color.  That step is still way down 
the road for us here,  but something to think about.  Any suggestions, anyone?
- Kathy