1. Lime is extremely caustic when it is wet—protect your eyes and skin. Protect objects and people. Lime may discolor or etch metals.
2. Sand is very, very, very important for lime putty mortars. Buy our pre-mix or fully understand the correct sand needed before mixing. When mixing your own, don’t use crushed rock, (sometimes sand from masonry supply stores is crushed rock or does not have correct particle shape or size distribution). Concrete sand usually works well with lime putty mortars.
3. Thoroughly dampen the substrate starting at least 24 hours before.
4. Thoroughly mix, "knock-up" and "energize" before use and repeat often for best workability without adding water. Use mortar and stucco as dry and stiff as possible. Wet the wall, not the mortar.
5. Install with firm pressure and compression but don’t keep slicking.
6. The depth of installed mortar in masonry joints must equal twice the width of the joint. Keep stucco and plaster base coats between 3/8” and 5/8” thick with no feathering.
7. Be prepared for weather related problems and provide extra protection in hot and cold weather. Curing stops below 40° F at the temperature water stops evaporating. Do not allow to freeze before fully curing.
8. Lime putty mortar carbonates which happens as the water leaves and carbon dioxide enters in which we call "wet, dry" cycle. Allow three "wet, dry" cycles to occur. Misting the mortar at least three times will allow the carbon dioxide to enter in during the curing process. NHL must be kept continually wet for three days.
9. Monitor the Moisture. This is your main focus before, during, and after installation.
10. Use clean, chlorine-free water for misting and mixing.
Call or Text 717-207-7014 with questions on these Installation Instructions for Lime Mortar!