An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering

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Join us for a practical introduction to traditional lime plaster and plastering techniques.

This course is fully booked, but you can book now for the next one: Plain Lime Plastering, 11 - 12 October 2024

Join us for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. See the full programme below.

The SPAB is an IHBC recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request. 

Although we cannot guarantee it, previous course participants have had success in gaining a CITB short course grant towards the cost of this course fee. Please visit the CITB website for further information.

Want to learn more about plastering at the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre? Check out our other courses there on Pargeting, 8 June 2024, and Ornamental Lime Plastering, 20 - 21 September 2024. 

Who is this course for?

  • This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to working in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.
  • We also welcome anyone interested in learning about plain lime plastering for their home or old buildings under their care.

Programme 

This is a two-day course. Refreshments and lunch are provided. Accommodation is not included.

This programme is subject to minor changes.

Day One

9am  

Registration

9.15am  

Welcome and Health and Safety briefing

9.30am  

Introduction to lime: slaking, mixing and sand selection

10.30am  

Refreshment break

10.45am  

Practical session – group split into two:

 

  • Group A: Fixing laths and alternative substrates

  • Group B: Mixing plasters

11.40am  

Practical session  – group split into two:

 

  • Group A: Mixing plasters

  • Group B: Fixing laths and alternative substrates

12.40pm  

Lunch

1.15pm  

Introduction to applying base coats, spatter coat on masonry and pricking up coats

1.45pm  

Practical session: applying base coats and pricking up coats

3pm  

Preparation for Day Two

3.15pm  

Presentation of projects

4.30pm  

End of Day One

Day Two

9am  

Registration

9.15am  

Practical session: applying float coats

10.30am  

Refreshment break

10.45am  

Practical session: applying setting coats

12pm  

Introduction to plastering on alternative surfaces

12.20pm  

Presentation on insulation and hydraulic limes

1pm  

Lunch

1.45pm  

Introduction to running a cornice in-situ

2.35pm  

Limewashing and further practise on coats

3.30pm  

Clear up

4pm  

End of course

You will need

  • Please wear warm, comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty or damaged. We recommend you bring overalls or coveralls to wear if you can.
  • You will need to wear sturdy (flat and closed) footwear, ideally steel-toe capped boots.
  • If you have them, please bring your own set of plastering tools – hawk, trowel and water brush (labelled).
  • We strongly recommend that you bring your own gloves, goggles and masks. We will have spares of everything, just in case.

Tutors

Sean Wheatley, traditional plasterer

Sean is a Master Plasterer of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers and has four decades' experience as a plasterer. Has has concentrated on traditional methods, materials and decorative plasterwork for the last 30 years. Sean is a SPAB Guardian on the Education and Training Committee.

Michal Wolf, plasterer and conservator in lime

Michal is a Master Plasterer of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers and a founder of All Things Lime, a company which helps people look after their historic buildings. He is interested in traditional methods of working and keeping the craft alive by researching and using different lime plasters, such as chalk lime and hot lime.

At this course we will also be joined by Marianne Suhr, a chartered building surveyor, writer and broadcaster specialising in the repair of historic buildings. Marianne is co-author of the SPAB's Old House Handbook and Old House Eco Handbook

Accessibility

This is a practical course held in a workshop environment, which can be dusty, cold and noisy. There are some uneven surfaces, such as cobbles, due to the historic nature of the building.  

Please bear in mind that the workshop demonstrations and activities will require standing. 

Accessible parking spaces are marked in the car park. Accessible toilets are available.  

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk


Booking Terms & Conditions

Image credits: © Rachel Stoplar

This event is in association with the National Trust.

When
26th April 2024 9:00 AM to 27th April 2024 4:00 PM
Location
Heritage & Rural Skills Centre
Buscot and Coleshill Estate
Swindon, SN6 7PT
United Kingdom
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Course Fee
Full Price £499.00