Lime and cocciopesto
Natural plaster is a type of protective and decorative coating that has the purpose of reinforcing walls, especially those built with stones and bricks. However, we advise you not to remove the old plaster otherwise you will weaken the existing walls.
To make lime and cocciopesto plaster you need to have: pozzolanic lime, cocciopesto powder and sand.
Lime plaster
The natural lime and cocciopesto plaster is obtained from various types of rocks.
Based on the composition of the carbonate rocks (lime) a product can be obtained that is considered more or less valuable. Lime mortar when worked as plaster solidifies over time and during the solidification process it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is a process that is called “carbonation” and generates a sort of crystallization that acts as a binder and makes the plaster solid and water-repellent.
This type of mortar was already used by the Phoenicians and the Romans who used it extensively in their large constructions, incredible for the time.
A tradition that has continued for centuries thanks to artisans who believe in the use of natural materials and green building.
Cocciopesto plaster
Natural plaster is a healthy as well as ecological solution compared to cement-based plasters. Cocciopesto plaster uses materials and materials that are often “recycled”, such as the grinding of defective stones or stones cooked at too high temperatures. The coloring is simple because the yellow/red typical of these materials is given by the natural color of the powder.
Usually this plaster has a first base layer and a second upper plaster which defines and protects the lower layer. Lime and cocciopesto mortar is usually 1 to 3 centimeters thick, while plaster has a smaller thickness.
The natural color of cocciopesto is precisely one of the reasons why this ancient technique has been re-evaluated, even if it is current and valuable, both for its naturalness and its aesthetic effect.