Re: SB: Great Lakes mix

[Charmaine R Taylor <tms@northcoast.com>]

Michael:  I have been told that this whole plaster issue can be resolved
without slaking lime in 55 gal drums for 2 months by just buying ready
mixed plasters (or stucco).

Hi Michael, I will only address this one concern. First YOU will not be
slaking the lime, only soaking it. Slaking is done by the mfg. to
produce the dry hydrate lime powder you can buy for $7.00 a bag-50lbs.

Second soaking the lime in water for 48 hours  to months is always a
good idea, time is your friend in this area, and also "maturing" the
sand and lime putty together for 60-90 days is recommended by the
experts in Scotland/UK as giving the lime:sand a chance to mellow
together and properly let all grains be coated.   Many European  lime
mortars are aged for years in sealed buckets...they know something.

Since natural building is an art and an act ( usually) of love, then
rushing to slap water, lime and sand in a drum,  wait an hour, stir
twice and  throw on the wall...nah...not a good way to  finish the walls
you so  tenderly worked on.

Start soaking lime in drums now, just clean water and hydrated lime,
water to cover the mix, cover and let mellow.  I have drums of lime that
have been soaking for 2.6 years and am slowly using them up.  All the
books and info I find advise letting time aid you in making a better
plaster.  So far I am pleased with he results I get by letting time work
for me.

Charmaine<..tapping her foot while a lime plaster matures for 40 more
days

Ms. Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com
http://www.papercrete.com
PO Box 375, Cutten CA 95534
books@dirtcheapbuilder.com
707-441-1632



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