Lime paints
User recommendations and technical data
Vibrant and beautiful, the Saint-Astier® lime paint range is the perfect complement to lime plaster, render and harling and is suitable for most backgrounds. Discover our colours.
Background
Remove any loose or flaking paints and repair defective plasters or renders. Test the background for suction by lightly flicking clean water from a brush on to the surface of the wall. Rapid suction into the background means that dampening with clean water will be required. In this case it may also be necessary to thin the first coat with 30% additional water. If thinning is required, mix as normal then take out with a measured container the quantity you require to be thinned, place it in a separate container and add the extra water. A low suction background does not require pre-wetting or additional thinning for the first coat. Very smooth or polished surfaces offering little or no suction might require sanding down with sand paper to create the necessary suction.
Ensure that background is dry, clean and sound. Do not use lime paint in areas subjected to abnormal condensation such as a kitchen or bathrooms, unless sufficient ventilation is available to prevent condensation. Lime paints are not film-forming materials that will hide the background condition therefore salts and dampness will show through. Some surfaces may have variations in background materials (i.e.: brick, stone, cement, etc) and therefore care is required in controlling differing suction levels.
Extremely smooth gypsum plasters offering no suction need to be lightly sanded down to provide a suitable surface before applying lime paint.
Wallpaper joints are often smeared with adhesive during hanging. Make sure that the adhesive paste used is water-soluble. Clean the joint before applying lime paint, as excess adhesive residues on the face of the paper will cause the lime paint to dry out a different colour.
Always try on a small test area.
Excluded backgrounds:
Not to be used on backgrounds with no suction or containing waterproofing agents, oil paints, grease, distempers or cement paints which have water repellent agents.
Mixing
The general ratio is 1 volume of powder to 2 volumes of clean water. Further dilution might be necessary on porous backgrounds. The lime paint is supplied in tubs as a powder for mixing on site with water. The tub has a fill line for normal use. Proper mixing is essential. When mixed it should be completely free of lumps or fine particles. Check the bottom and sides of the mixing tub to ensure all the powder is fully diluted.
Application
Do not work in temperatures below 8°C or above 30°C or in a humid environment. Protect painted areas from direct sun, drying wind and rain for 3 to 4 days (longer in damp weather conditions). Do not use warm air dryers. All new rendered or plastered surfaces should be properly dry before applying lime paints. Apply with a good quality long hair brush in short strokes. Spread the lime paint on the surface evenly and thinly, working into any small hollows or cracks. Do not overload the brush, use only the bottom third of the bristles, do not apply unevenly. Stir regularly during application. Generally 2 coats are sufficient. Wait 12–24 hours between coats. On large areas of work, always keep the working edge damp, do not allow the lime paint to dry out and form a dry joint. Inadequate protection of the working area will affect drying. Maintain a dampened background in advance of application with a light mist spray if necessary. Sufficient personnel should be used to complete large areas without forming dry joints. Always finish whole walls or elevations into details, angles, corners, down pipes or the like in one operation to avoid colour banding.
For spraying application, please consult your Saint-Astier® distributors.
Climate conditions
Do not use below 8° C or above 30° C. Avoid working in foggy/ damp weather.
Protect from rain, strong direct sunlight and drying winds for at least 24 hours or longer if required.
Technical data
Made from pure, high calcium hydrated lime.
Acrylic addition: max. 5%.
Pigments: mineral or earth oxides.
Normal dilution ratio: powder/water 1:2.
Shelf life and guarantee
Powders: 12 months from purchase date if kept sealed in original container.
Once mixed with water: 12 months if kept sealed in airtight container.
Health and safety
Irritant to the eyes and skin. Wash affected areas abundantly with clean water (do not use soap). Do not ingest or inhale dust. Wear adequate protection (mask/goggles/gloves) during handling and mixing.