More properly known as calcium hydroxide, lime putty is used as the base material for a number of different applications in building construction. The process for creating it involves the combination of lime chalk or limestone fragments with water to produce a variety of different products. This product, also called quicklime, can be employed as a binding agent, a covering coat on a structure, or as one component in the creation of walkways or mosaics.
The basic recipe for lime putty requires taking raw lime chalk and adding in a specified amount of liquid, most commonly water. This creates a product that is normally referred to as hydrated lime. Once the water and lime agent are thoroughly mixed, the product is heated to a high temperature that helps the mixture to thicken. Once the product has reached the proper consistency, the putty is often allowed to settle and mature over a period of several months. In order to keep it from drying out, a thin layer of water is applied to the top level, and the container is sealed.
Calcium hydroxide can be used in a thick composition for plastering and grouts. This makes the medium ideal for use in the assembly of a mosaic, a walkway, or as part of the design for a piece of art. While working with lime putty, workers should spray down the construction with a little water and cover the piece with plastic when not actively working on the project. These simple steps will prevent the putty from drying out before the final configuration is complete.
It is also possibly to use this material as the base for a plastering technique. One advantage of a lime plaster is that the product is ideal for use in humid climates. When applied as a plaster, it will still allow the walls to absorb condensation and accelerate the evaporation of the damp. The same effect can also be accomplished with limewashing, although the lime wash is much less effective.