Lime mortar lime putty when mixed at a 1 to 3 ratio, fill these voids to create a compact mortar. Analysis of mortar samples from historic buildings typically indicates a higher ratio of around 1 part lime to 2 part aggregate/sand was commonly used. A traditional coarse plaster mix also had horse hair added for reinforcing and control of shrinkage, important when plastering to wooden laths and for base (or dubbing) coats onto uneven surfaces such as stone walls where the mortar is often applied in thicker coats to compensate for the irregular surface levels. If shrinkage and cracking of the lime
Lime mortar as calcium-based limestone, dolomitic limes can be produced which are based on calcium magnesium carbonate. A frequent source of confusion regarding lime mortar stems from the similarity of the terms hydraulic and hydrated. If the quicklime is slaked with an excess of water then putty or slurry is produced. If just the right quantity of water is used, the result is a dry material (any excess water escaping as steam during heating). This is ground to make hydrated lime powder. Hydrated, non-hydraulic lime powder can be mixed with water to form lime putty. Before use putty is usually left in