I’m going to be rendering the alcove in which our wood-burning stove will live. Lime (1:3 with sharp sand?) seems like the way to go. I have a large bag of hydrated lime in a shed which is pretty waterproof, but it does get a little damp from time to time. The bag has been in there for about a year. Is this lime going to be OK? Would the fact it’s older affect the ratio at all? It seems the same sort of consistency as when I bought it.
Also, I’ve not worked with lime before, but I’ve plastered with gypsum with reasonably good results. (certainly good enough for the inside of this alcove). Apart from ensuring the wall is soaking, the mixture is reasonably dry when applying, and the wall up as well as I can, is there any different technique I need to use? I’ve heard it’s easier as you have more time to work it?
Also, I’ve not worked with lime before, but I’ve plastered with gypsum with reasonably good results. (certainly good enough for the inside of this alcove). Apart from ensuring the wall is soaking, the mixture is reasonably dry when applying, and the wall up as well as I can, is there any different technique I need to use? I’ve heard it’s easier as you have more time to work it?