How to Apply Colored Lime Plaster Like a Pro

How to Apply Colored Lime Plaster Like a Pro

Applying colored lime plaster requires skill but follows a reliable progression. Substrate preparation is critical—masonry, lime-rendered drywall, or traditional three-coat plaster must be misted damp before application. First coat (rough scratch) establishes grip; second coat fills and levels; final polished layers (often marmorino or intonachino) are compressed with Japanese or stainless trowels to create the signature sheen. Pros work wet-on-wet, burnishing at 45-degree angles under halogen lights to reveal depth. Pigments are added during mixing or as tinted washes between coats for watercolor-like effects. Compression is key—more pressure equals higher polish and durability. Final wax or soap sealing enhances water resistance while maintaining breathability. Mastering colored lime plaster application produces museum-quality finishes that improve with age.

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