Lime and Chalk Plaster

Q Has anyone had experience of using this mix for platering over oak laths? I recently came across this on 1 day lime course and the material was beautiful to work with – is also very light (in weight) when it dries. A lot more hair is required than with sand apparently. Can this mix be limewashed in the usual manner?

A I have been working with chalky plaster for a few years. An article was published in the 2003 BLF Journal (available to members as a back issue, see BLF Publications). It will stick very well to oak lath. I know of someone using it over plasterboard successfully. Not a recommended conservation technique! It has all the advantages you mention. There are many examples of work carried out with this material in Suffolk.