Lime plaster

[stock709]

Hi all,





I’m currently plastering my kitchen and could use some advice from anyone experienced with lime work and old stone walls.





My plan was to fix timber studs in front external walls, then screw on wood wool boards and finish with lime plaster. However, my local lime supplier says I should just plaster directly onto the stone instead — but the walls are pretty uneven and all over the place.





Has anyone done either approach and can share some real-world pros and cons?





Here’s what I’m thinking:

• The stud-and-board route would give me straighter walls and space for insulation or services, but I’m worried about trapping moisture behind the frame.
• Direct lime plaster on the stone keeps it breathable, but the surface is rough and would need a lot of dubbing out.

The walls are solid stone (old farmhouse type) and not perfectly dry but not soaking either.





Any practical advice or examples from those who’ve done this before would be really appreciated — especially around how to avoid damp or condensation problems if I go with the stud and board option.





Thanks in advance!

 

[Sam333]

The stud and board option is not really for lime - that’s for plasterboard, gypsum plaster and PIR insulation.

If you wanted to go for the breathable option then you should be looking at something like this:

STEICO Internal Wall Insulation (IWI)

The STEICO internal wall insulation (IWI) system is a highly effective solution that eliminates the moisture risk associated with IWI.

mikewye.co.uk

Are those walls external? What is on the outside? Ideally you want lime pointing, lime render/limewash externally and a natural breathable insulation and lime plaster internally

This is the best solution for old stone buildings

 

[Sam333]

If those walls are internal, I would say it’s not as important for them to be breathable and I’d go for timber stud and gypsum

 

[Sam333]

Those walls look to be relatively flat already and if you went the lime /wood fibre route, it would be not too difficult to get a flat finish, just more time consuming (and expensive)

 

[stock709]

The stud and board option is not really for lime - that’s for plasterboard, gypsum plaster and PIR insulation.

If you wanted to go for the breathable option then you should be looking at something like this:

STEICO Internal Wall Insulation (IWI)

The STEICO internal wall insulation (IWI) system is a highly effective solution that eliminates the moisture risk associated with IWI.

mikewye.co.uk

Are those walls external? What is on the outside? Ideally you want lime pointing, lime render/limewash externally and a natural breathable insulation and lime plaster internally

This is the best solution for old stone buildings

 

[stock709]

If I use the boards it may be more expensive in materials but I can do the stud and boards myself
Then surely less expensive for a plasterer

The stud and board option is not really for lime - that’s for plasterboard, gypsum plaster and PIR insulation.

If you wanted to go for the breathable option then you should be looking at something like this:

STEICO Internal Wall Insulation (IWI)

The STEICO internal wall insulation (IWI) system is a highly effective solution that eliminates the moisture risk associated with IWI.

mikewye.co.uk

Are those walls external? What is on the outside? Ideally you want lime pointing, lime render/limewash externally and a natural breathable insulation and lime plaster internally

This is the best solution for old stone buildings

yes it’s internal and new lime pointing outside

 

[stock709]

Those walls look to be relatively flat already and if you went the lime /wood fibre route, it would be not too difficult to get a flat finish, just more time consuming (and expensive)

Parts are stuck out 40mm

 

[Sam333]

View attachment 18543

Oh good solution- what would you use for insulation ?

 

[stock709]

Oh good solution- what would you use for insulation ?

Don’t know have u any suggestions

 

[Sam333]

I’m not sure what would be recommended for use with those boards tbh. I was in your situation and went with wood fibre insulation that’s directly attached to the walls, but like you say, harder to get a completely flat finish

 

[larry]

If I use the boards it may be more expensive in materials but I can do the stud and boards myself
Then surely less expensive for a plasterer

yes it’s internal and new lime pointing outside

Given what you have said, do you mean an internal wall, or just a photo of the inside of an external wall?

If an internal wall then no need to worry about insulation

If an external wall then absolutely think about insulation, it will make an enormous difference to comfort. Even some 40mm wood fibre boards instead of the ones you're showing would be a big improvement.

 

[larry]

Sorry. Spotted the window in the left. So external wall, all along?