Welcome to the Laing Traditional Masonry Website - “Areas of Expertise” and “Traditional Craft Skills” Services Areas

Lime Plastering and Lime Plaster Conservation

Lime plastering provides an attractive and durable internal finish that will stand the test of time - you only need to look at examples of Roman plasterwork which have survived for over 2,000 years.

The lime plaster was originally applied on to rubble masonry ‘on the hard’, forming a protective and decorative coating that complemented the ‘breathability’ of the solid masonry construction. Timber lath was introduced into Scotland in the late 16th century, allowing plasterwork to be applied to both walls and ceilings with ease.

New techniques of application and finishing details developed over time. The rudimentary flatwork of vernacular buildings made way for sophisticated decorative craftwork of the 17th and 18th century. Lime plastering ranges from the functional application of a flat wall surface, to the flamboyant ornament, illustrating the transformation of a vernacular tradition into an art form.

LTM plasterers can undertake the full range of plastering services, from wholesale reinstatement of an ornamental plasterwork scheme to small scale patch repairs or careful consolidation of friable, but historically significant plasters. Such localised repair works can often prevent wholesale and unnecessary replacement, thereby maintaining the historic integrity of the plasterwork and ensuring cost effective conservation.

Featured Lime Plastering and Lime Plaster Conservation Case Studies

Leith Hall - Huntly - Lime Plastering and Lime Plaster Conservation
Leith Hall - Huntly

Leith Hall is a Category A Listed building located Huntly in Aberdeenshire. The first tower of Leith Hall was built by James Leith in 1650; it is now an 18th century neo-classical country mansion with elegant interiors including beautiful plaster ornamentation ...

Cromarty East Church - Inverness-shire - Lime Plastering and Lime Plaster Conservation
Cromarty East Church - Inverness-shire

Cromarty East Church is a Category A Listed building dating from the early 17th century. It has been described as “the epitome of a post-Reformation Church”. It is now in the care of the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (SCRT). The SRCT has worked hard to raise the profile of the ...


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