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There are several types of fireplace plaster. You can also use Moroccan Tadelakt. Some materials are heat resistant and will not peel or crack. Lime putty and Plaster of Paris are other popular types of fireplace plaster.
Here are some tips to choose the right one. Once the fireplace plaster is dry, you can begin painting it. Then, you can enjoy your new fireplace! But be sure to clean the surrounding area before applying the paint.
Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster
Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster is a high temperature resistant smooth finish protection. It is suitable for walls, chimney breasts, cassette stoves, and hole in the wall fires. It can be applied on top of a gypsum-based plaster or as a skim coat for a heat-resistant plasterboard. When used in combination with Vitcas Fireplace Render, it eliminates the problems of fire and flammability, including cracking and blistering.
When applied, Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster should be left to cure for 3 days before being painted. It is completely effective only after it is fully cured. Once the plaster dries, it turns a light grey colour. To make the surface more durable, minor cracks may be filled with VITCAS Heat Resistant Filler. This material forms a hard heat resistant surface that can resist up to 500°C. After applying the plaster, it should be air dried for 3 days before a fire is lit.
Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster should be applied to the rough reverse face of the Vitcas High Temperature Plasterboard. It should be sealed using neat PVA. You can use a plaster mixer attachment to mix the Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster. The mix should contain no traces of ordinary Portland cement. Use a bucket provided by the company. Once the plaster has cured, you should re-skim it with PVA.
Besides being highly heat resistant, Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster has low thermal conductivity, so you don’t have to worry about reducing electricity bills. Its availability in the market ensures that it is never out of stock. Using this plaster is fast and easy. It doesn’t require the addition of any other products to achieve the desired effect. The finished plaster has leveled walls, perfect lines and right-angled corners. Furthermore, the plaster dries to a high strength, eliminating any dead-load in the building.
Lime putty
A traditional paint made from mature lime putty is called limewash. These paints are diluted with water, and some suppliers use different concentrations of putty and water. Limewash colors can be used either internally or externally, and work best on porous surfaces. Limewash hardens by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can take weeks or months, depending on the thickness of the plaster.
The mix of lime and water is called hydrated non-hydraulic lime putty. This putty is generally stored under water. The water that is added will either result in a putty or a slurry. However, the water is diluted to a certain level to achieve the correct consistency. When heated, lime putty will create a stucco-like surface.
One of the most important things to note when applying lime putty to a fireplace is the size of the aggregates. Most plasters require aggregates with a range of grain size from 5mm down to 75 microns. Larger aggregates can also be used in mortar or pointing, but the size should not exceed a third of the joint width. Sands with a high percentage of clay should be avoided as they prevent proper contact between the lime binder and the substrate.
While modern plasters are made with cement, hydrated lime is a much more flexible substance. It can flex and shrink to meet varying building needs, eliminating the need for expansion joints. The underlying material is also protected from flexing due to the flexibility of hydrated lime plaster. The result is a more durable and long-lasting fireplace finish. Once again, hydrated lime is the way to go for fireplace plaster.
There are two types of lime putty: slaked and non-hydraulic. Hydraulic lime contains more calcium than non-hydraulic lime. The two are basically the same chemically. But, when it comes to the end product, the former is more suitable because it has smaller particles and a smoother buttery texture. Alternatively, you can choose between hydraulic and dolomitic limes.
Plaster of Paris
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to transform your fireplace, you might be considering using Plaster of Paris as a replacement material. However, this material is not as durable as other options. While it is possible to use it to repair cracks and add a decorative element, you should remember that this material should be applied only after it has set. To make sure that you don’t ruin your project by using it improperly, read on for more information.
The main advantages of plaster of Paris for fireplaces include their fireproof and heat-insulating properties. The substance is also noncombustible and has low chemical reactivity. However, if plaster of Paris is heated up to a high temperature, it decomposes and emits toxic sulfur oxides. If you are worried that your plaster of Paris for fireplace might burn, make sure that the plaster is properly dry before using it.
Plaster of Paris is also used for other purposes. Aside from fireplaces, this substance can be used as an art medium. Children and adults alike can use this material to create pictures and make other decorative items. But if you plan to use it on your fireplace, remember to use gloves and a face mask, since the material may be dangerous if you’re not careful. Moreover, you should not dispose of the material down the drain because it can cause clogs.
Moroccan Tadelakt
The real Tadelakt lime comes from the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It has a high percentage of clay and small infiltrations of amorphous silica, making it slightly hydraulic. The limestone has natural waterproofing properties and was used for fireplace plasters, small drinking vessels, and public bath houses. The traditional application methods of Tadelakt fireplace plasters still persist today. Moroccans use Tadelakt limestone for the fireplaces of their riads and homes, as well as in public bath houses.
This plaster is labor intensive to install, but its durability is unparalleled. It can last for many years when properly cared for. The finish can be cleaned with a sponge and water. In addition, the tadelakt plaster absorbs most of the carbon emissions produced during its production. Moreover, it is recyclable and biodegradable. You can install it on a fireplace surrounded by tadelakt tiles or walls, as well as in outdoor applications.
Tadelakt fireplace plaster is an attractive, waterproof finish. Its lime content helps create its naturally resistant to mold and bacteria. It also provides a breathable quality. This material is most often used for bathrooms, but it can also be used in outdoor areas. Tadelakt is also suitable for use in wet rooms because it is water repellent and easy to clean. The finish of Tadelakt can be glass-like smooth. However, this process requires multiple applications and requires a longer time between each application.
A private residence in the Rhineland Palatinate region. The residence was designed with natural clay plaster products such as Terrafino Moroccan Tadelakt and Conluto clay plaster. The exterior features include a custom designed Hammam and a show case window. The interior design of this property included a restoration of an existing nightclub. The project involved applying AAC blocks, Venetian Plaster, and natural clay plaster. Moroccan Tadelakt was also used on the walls and floors of the SM Chamber, the Wellness area, and the Play cellar.
Before applying the second coat of Tadelakt, the fireplace should be soaked. It is best to trowel a second coat of the plaster that is a little thicker than the first coat. Don’t trowel the plaster too much, since it takes time to dry. During the olive soap stage, you can buff out the small cracks in the wall. Micro-surface cracks will not affect the waterproof properties of the plaster, but they will add to its texture, patina, and character.