Slaked lime for use in whitewashing. Is it worth whitewashing trees for the winter, how to slak the lime and what whitewash to choose? Types of lime by slaking rate

It is obtained by burning mountain limestone in specially equipped kilns. As a result of the thermal process, lumps of lime are obtained at the output different sizes, maintaining their strength in the air. Lime has been used in construction for quite a long time; extinguishing lumps with water allows them to dissolve, resulting in a solution white.

Lime is one of the most inexpensive materials for cosmetic repairs premises. Use a lime solution as for whitewashing interior spaces at home and for outbuildings.

The benefits of using lime include:

Low cost, experts rate the price of lime in lumps as five points, cheaper and at the same time quality material for finishing it is quite difficult to find.
Lime has antimicrobial properties, that is, bacteria that get on its surface die. These properties of the raw material successfully make it possible to whitewash with lime in rooms for pets and outdoor toilets.
Lime is moisture resistant and does not crack due to temperature changes. Walls treated with slaked lime are not afraid of fungus and mold; these microorganisms simply do not settle on this raw material.
The natural material is safe for health, it does not have a strong odor and does not emit substances harmful to breathing; on the contrary, after using lime, the room is partially disinfected.
This material can be applied both to old whitewash and to new walls.

During the whitewashing process, after the layer of lime dries, a special film is formed on its surface, which prevents fading and increases the resistance of the walls to abrasion.

Another feature of slaked lime is its good miscibility with dyes, that is, as a result of diluting the raw material with paint, any shade can be obtained.

How to properly slak lime at home

It is best to purchase lime for planned repairs in the form of lumps. Such raw materials are preserved for quite a long time, and they can be prepared for use in short term. In order for the dilution to result in a solution that is satisfactory in terms of concentration and homogeneity, you need to know the basic rules for preparing it and be sure to follow safety precautions when working.

Rules for extinguishing lumps of lime at home:

For whitewashing walls and ceilings, so-called lime milk is used. It is easy to prepare - you will need one part lime and about three parts cold water.
Large lumps of lime should be crushed, but not into crumbs, and placed in a metal container.
Water is poured into a container with lime; the solution must be stirred.
After contact with water, a dissolution reaction occurs during which the lime may bubble and splash. Therefore, in the first 10-20 minutes, the container must be closed or moved to a safe distance. It is a good idea to use safety glasses and gloves, as splashes of the solution can cause burns.
The prepared lime should sit for at least 6 hours, during which time it will completely dissolve.
After preparation, the solution is filtered through a sieve. Thus, all undissolved elements and small debris are removed.
Lime milk is completely ready for use. To increase strength and to prevent lime on the walls from staining clothes in the future, experts advise adding ordinary salt and drying oil to the solution. The amount of drying oil and salt is chosen from the volume of the resulting solution; 100 grams of both are sufficient for 10 liters.

If the solution turns out to be thick, then it can be diluted with water to the required proportions. Tint dyes are introduced in dissolved form; in order to give the lime an exceptionally snow-white appearance, it is recommended to add a little blue.

Slaking lime is not a labor-intensive process, but not safe. When slaking lime, you must follow safety precautions. Extinguish on outdoors, in a free space, always wearing glasses, gloves and special clothing:

Whitewashing equipment

Whitewashing can be carried out different ways. Previously, there was only one way to distribute lime over surfaces - using brushes. Modern technologies allow you to reduce the time spent on renovations using lime milk; the brush is now most often used if you need to whiten small surfaces.

You can make your work easier using the following devices:

The spray gun can be manual, electric or pneumatic. If you are not going to process large surfaces, then the most economical option would be to buy manual view spray gun. The principle of operation of the devices is similar: one hose of the device is immersed in the solution, through it the lime is taken and fed through the accumulator into the other hose. At the end of this hose there is a nozzle, it is through it that the lime is released. The size and speed of the jet can be adjusted. You can buy a manual spray gun from about one and a half thousand rubles; electric versions of the device cost an order of magnitude more. Using a spray gun makes it easier Painting works, whitewashing with its help is carried out much faster, while the supplied jet easily penetrates into hard-to-reach places.
The lime whitening machine is used to treat large surfaces. Its operating principle is the same as that of a spray gun; its capacity can be up to 100 liters.
A spray bottle for whitewashing can be used the same one that is used for spraying plants. Only its capacity should be in the range from 5 to 15 liters.

Any devices for mechanizing the whitewashing process can reduce repair time and ensure uniformity of lime layers. The labor intensity when using them is minimal, any person can understand the structure of the device and its principle, and the possibility of painting arises high ceilings without using a stepladder.

When using spray guns, lime consumption is also reduced, since large drops do not fall on the floor and furniture. The only condition is to use a high-quality solution without impurities or lumps, otherwise the device may clog and fail.

This is what the equipment listed above looks like

Manual spray gun Electric spray gun Spray gun for whitewashing Apparatus for whitewashing

Do-it-yourself whitewashing rules

To process the desired surfaces with lime, no special skills are required; even using this material for the first time, you can easily learn during the work process. But it is still necessary to take into account some nuances and then the repair will be fast, safe and of sufficient quality.

Whitewashing the walls

Walls can be whitewashed with lime both indoors and outdoors. Whitewashing the outside of a house is most quickly done with a spray gun. In order for the lime to adhere well, not change its color and not swell, it is necessary to first prepare the walls.

Rust stains, dirt, and greasy areas are removed from surfaces. If there are cracks, they need to be treated with a primer; good adhesion of the lime to the walls is ensured by their treatment wire brush. Lime does not adhere to paint, so the layer of old paint must be removed.

Whitewashing is best done in cloudy weather, bright Sun rays distort perception and prevent you from achieving even strokes. When using a spray gun, you need to hold it at an angle of 90 degrees to the wall, this will ensure less consumption of the solution and evenness of its application.

The video shows how you can whitewash walls with lime using a spray gun:

Whitewashing the cellar

The use of lime to treat all surfaces in a cellar intended for storing food is considered the most the best option. Lime destroys all microorganisms, disinfects the room, prevents the appearance of fungus, due to these factors the shelf life of products increases, vegetables do not rot. Lime is resistant to moisture, so it protects the walls of the cellar from moisture.

The cellar is whitewashed with a fairly thick solution of lime; you can use both spray guns and brushes. Spraying devices are usually used in large areas, but when using them, safety precautions must be observed.

The spray gun creates clouds of tiny lime particles, closed space, which is the cellar, this cloud negatively affects the mucous tissue of the respiratory organs and eyes. To avoid harm to the body, you need to wear glasses and a respirator that fit tightly to your face.

If the cellar is being whitewashed for the first time, then it is advisable to apply a second coat after applying the first layer and drying it.

Whitewashing the stove

Some private houses, dressing rooms and other premises have brick walls. Lime whitening is the most practical option quick repair. The surfaces of the stove quickly become dirty with soot and grease and therefore require regular updating.

Lime can be used at any time, especially since a brush can also be used for small surfaces. In order for the solution to be easy and even, the oven must be cooled and all greasy stains removed sandpaper or a scraper.

How to whitewash and decorate a stove with lime can be seen in the photo below

Oven No. 1 Oven No. 2 Oven No. 3 Oven No. 4 Oven No. 5

Whitewashing the facade

The easiest way to whitewash the facades of buildings and houses is to use spray guns. Windows, doors, decorative elements you need to close it, and you need to start whitening from the highest points, moving down. It is advisable to whitewash external walls in calm, cloudy weather.

Whitewashing the ceiling

Separately, whitewashing the ceiling with lime is carried out if the remaining walls have wallpaper or other finishing material. If you plan to change the wallpaper, you must first remove the old ones, then whitewash the ceiling and only then re-paste the walls. All old coverings need to be removed from the ceiling, cracks must be repaired, and dirt must be cleaned. Rust and mold can be easily removed with a solution of copper sulfate.

Lime milk applies most easily and evenly to a wetted surface, so it is advisable to moisten the ceiling. After preparing the ceiling, you need to cover the floor, furniture, and windows with waterproof materials, since lime splashes well and is difficult to wipe off when dried.

The ceiling is whitewashed in two layers. The first layer begins to be applied from the window, making strokes perpendicular to the light. The second layer is applied to the still wet first, strokes are made parallel to the sun's rays. This whitewashing technology ensures the adhesion strength of the lime and the absence of streaks.

Repair lessons or how to whitewash a ceiling with your own hands:

Tree processing

Whitewashing tree trunks with lime solves several problems at once and is carried out in spring and autumn period. Treating trees in the spring protects the wood from pests and prevents the sun's rays from burning the bark. In autumn, lime is used to reduce the impact of temperature changes in winter.

Grown trees are whitewashed; young plants are not treated, since lime clogs the pores of the bark and thereby disrupts the growth processes. Before processing, you need to remove all dried parts and clean areas with rotting bark.

For whitewashing, lime is used in combination with copper sulfate. Two kilograms of lime are diluted with 10 liters of water, after preparation, 400 grams of vitriol are added to the solution.

Chicken coop treatment

Whitewashing the chicken coop allows you to disinfect the room. It’s even better if the lime slaking is carried out in the chicken coop itself, naturally without its inhabitants. The vapors released when lumps of lime are dissolved penetrate well into all cracks and destroy bedbugs, ants and other small insects.

In summer, it is advisable to whitewash the walls in the chicken coop at least twice, this will interrupt the breeding chain of many insects. Additionally, before whitewashing, walls can be treated with a weak bleach solution. The practicality of using lime for treating animal premises is rated 5 points; it is an inexpensive material, environmentally friendly and has the most optimal disinfection properties.

Consumption for whitewashing

Lime milk is usually used to whitewash walls and ceilings in a house. The consumption of lime for every 2.5 square meters is approximately 0.5 kg of lumps of lime, diluted in the appropriate proportion with water.

Features of painting and putty on lime

If you apply lime milk directly to the layer water-based paint, then it may happen that the quality of the repair will not satisfy you.

The lime adheres to the paint and runs with it, and once it dries, it is likely to cause blistering.

To prevent this, you must first wash the surfaces with paint with soap and water and a brush and then treat them with a stiff brush for better adhesion of the compounds.

Putty is used during repairs to good alignment surfaces. If you plan to putty on walls covered with lime, you must first remove the old layer. Alternatively, you can remove all swollen areas with a scraper and apply a primer, after which the lime can be easily removed.

How to remove lime from floors and walls

During the process of whitewashing surfaces with lime, stains inevitably remain on all surfaces. The easiest way to remove them is while they are still fresh; this will require water and a sponge; treatment with water is carried out several times, this allows you to remove all the white stains.

If a layer of old lime needs to be removed to apply other materials during repairs, then the following points must be adhered to:

Wet all desired surfaces with water using a brush or spray gun.
Wait until thoroughly wet, then remove the lime with a hard, metal sponge or scraper. If there are several layers of lime, you will have to wet it several times and also use paper clips several times.
If you are not afraid of dust in the room, then the process can be speeded up by using an angle grinder with a special attachment.
It is imperative to use goggles and a respirator, since dust during work can negatively affect the eyes and the condition of the respiratory tract.

The removal of old lime can be facilitated by the use of special liquid products, under the influence of which the whitewash layer dissolves and easily comes off from surfaces.

These include:

Guard Industry product
Decap' Sols Plus Guard.
Tool Space.

All products contain acid, so you need to protect your hands and eyes. Some people also use diluted hydrochloric acid, but since it is hazardous to health, it is not recommended for use.

Prices for whitewashing

The use of whitewash is considered the most inexpensive option repair. Minimum amounts are charged for whitewashing and construction crews. Typically, whitewashing walls with an area of one square meter and using one layer starts from 50 rubles.

Naturally, the cost varies greatly and depends on many factors - surface contamination, cleaning application, application of lime in several layers. If you know your square footage, then it will not be difficult for you to calculate the approximate cost of all the work.

In conclusion, we suggest watching the video - useful tips Professor Chainikov during whitewashing:

The whitewashing process involves applying lime to certain surfaces. Most often these are walls and ceilings, but the treatment of the same plants with this material is also very common. Depending on the purpose, different types of solutions are prepared.

First of all, simplicity attracts attention. The solution of this material is prepared very simply, and even a person who is very, very far from repairing can cope with its application. Indeed, for most people, the question of how to make whitewash from lime is not even worth it, because any special knowledge is completely unnecessary.

Lime is famous for its disinfecting properties, so that mold and mildew do not appear on the treated surface. In addition, the surface painted in this way is not subject to abrasion, so its repair can not be carried out for a long time. Finally, lime is very cheap, and finishing the same walls with it becomes very in a budget way update the interior.

How to dilute slaked lime for whitewashing

In the process of preparing a solution, proportions play a huge role. If the amount of lime is insufficient, the coating will turn out translucent, but if this material in the solution exceeds the necessary norm, then after drying, bubbles will swell on the wall and the coating will fall off.

Proportions must be selected based on the area of the surface to be treated. For every 2.5 square meters of the same wall you will need approximately half a kilogram of lime and 0.75 liters of water. You can also add 5 grams of salt and a third of a tablespoon of drying oil to the solution. Such manipulations will help to obtain the most stable solution that will last for a long time.

You can cover more than just walls with lime. For example, fluff lime is used very widely for whitewashing rabbit enclosures. In this case, a 1 to 1 dilution is ideal to create an effective solution.

Whitewashing trees

We already talked about versatility of this material. Its properties make it possible to protect the bark from natural influences, protect it from pests, and even repel rodents if certain aromatic additives are added. And therefore, many people ask the question of how to dilute quicklime for whitewashing trees.

The proportions in the preparation of this solution are very different, but in general it is made quite unsaturated. So, for 6-10 liters of water use 2-2.5 kilograms of slaked lime. Ingredients such as chalk, copper sulfate, clay and even milk. By the way, trees can also be whitewashed with slaked lime.

Lime is applied in a variety of ways. These can be rollers, brushes, or a spray device. The latter is especially effective if you need to cover a large surface. When working with the latter, you need to take care to protect your body and face, as you can get burns.

Before applying lime, the surface must be completely cleaned of old whitewash, grease, efflorescence, dirt and rust. If necessary, the surface is plastered and primed, cracks and irregularities are covered, and everything that should not be treated, for example, radiators, is covered.

Lime is usually applied in several layers. Moreover, it is much better to apply the next layer if the previous one has not yet completely dried - after one and a half to two hours. This will give you better grip. It is recommended to wet the surface itself before applying the first layer.

An excellent building material with excellent characteristics, it became popular many years ago - lime, or as it is also called limestone. To this day, she whitewashes the house: ceilings, walls and other surfaces. Lime is the most accessible cheap building material intended for repairs. However, you can’t just take it and start working with lime; first of all, you need to extinguish it... It is on this action that the entire further process depends.

The basis for making whitewash can be different breeds stone, such as limestone or chalk. Disinfecting ability - unique feature limestone whitewash. Use of limestone in construction. Limestone is an excellent binder that gives limestone mortar its plasticity. Lime whitewash made a good reputation for whitewashing premises various types, these include rooms in a private house, garages, sheds, outdoor toilets, chicken coops and so on. It’s nice to see when the places you visit are white and clean. Lime whitewash helps us with this.

Don’t forget that even curbs and trees are whitewashed with this miracle product. By the way, it spreads perfectly on the surface; if, for example, it rained after the whitewashing process, it was thereby able to level out the layers of chalk. In order for the film to have the property of moisture on the surface, you need to know how to how to dilute lime for whitewashing. This process is very important, since without it bubbles, stains and all kinds of spots will appear on the whitened area.

Features of limestone, so often used in repairs:

1. Capable of imparting toughness and strength to already finished walls premises.

2. Increases the resistance of concrete to moisture.

3. The low price of lime allows it to be used in various rooms, both at home and on the street.

4. It is a good antibacterial agent in the cellar, chicken coop and other livestock habitats.

5. Protects trees from the burning rays of the sun.

Reasons why it is necessary to extinguish whitewash.

How to dilute lime for whitewashing? Why turn it off? And is it necessary to do this at all? - these questions, which are often asked by inexperienced home owners, after a while they understand the meaning of all these actions. Limestone can be slaked in several ways. The main thing is to do everything slowly, thinking about every action, then the lime will be extinguished correctly. However, first you need to understand the meaning of the concepts themselves: slaked lime and quicklime. After all, from the second solution a variety of substances are obtained, which differ in their composition and purpose. Often, when we come to the store, we purchase rather large pieces of burnt stone - limestone.

This stone has not yet completed its chemical reactions, so at this stage it is quicklime, but not lime. If you add water to a stone, a new chemical reaction will occur and carbon dioxide, which will be accompanied by a considerable amount of heat. It will not cause a big fire or a small fire, but be careful as there may be burns. Follow the measures one hundred percent fire safety. Construction can use fluff and limestone dough, also called milk.

Lime slaking algorithm according to the rules:

1. Prepare a wide, washed pan. We place a large amount of cold water nearby. To obtain fluff, pour limestone into a container and pour sufficient quantity water. A chemical reaction will occur - the mixture will begin to bubble, splash and become very hot. This is exactly the moment when your accuracy and safety must come first so that you do not get burned. An excellent way out of this situation would be to immediately put glasses on your eyes and protect your hands with gloves. In total, this process can last more than 30 minutes. After which this substance will calm down, and it can be safely mixed with a specially prepared wooden stick.

2. Slaked lime has a special formula in which it is left untouched for several weeks in a cold room. During this period of time, it significantly increases its properties, and subsequently fits perfectly onto the desired surface.

3. According to its preparation algorithm, milk made from lime is no different from fluff milk. However, the most important thing is to choose the right proportions for mixing. In this case, it is necessary to use about 40% water for 1 part of lime from the stone. Its quantity is much less than in the 1st option. Water needs to be poured in slowly, but the main thing is that the extinguishing does not end.

Types of lime by slaking rate

Varieties of lime are divided into 3 groups. The period is calculated from the process of combining with water until the temperature subsides. Kinds :

1. Extinguishing at a fast pace - 5-12 minutes.

2. Extinguishing at an average pace - 13-22 minutes.

3. Extinguishing at a slow pace - more than 25 minutes.

Correct work with each variety separately.

1. Extinguishing at a fast pace. Fill half a pan with limestone and fill it with water to the very edges. When steam appears, the lumps will begin to dissolve. The resulting substance must be mixed with an already prepared special wooden stick and add a little more water. When the quenching process is complete, continue to dilute the substance with water until smooth. Afterwards, pour everything into a previously prepared large saucepan or another large container.

2. Extinguishing at an average rate. The process is identical to the first grade in a one to one ratio. The pieces will also begin to dissolve, but do not stop the process, continue slaking until a homogeneous condition is obtained.

3. Extinguishing at a slow pace. Fill a little more than half of the pan with limestone stone, and slowly fill it with water. After a long process of cracking the stones, add water as well. in small portions. The result is limestone milk, which needs to be mixed carefully. Unfortunately, not all parts of limestone will dissolve in the total mass; some will remain, the best way out will - throw them out. During this action, it is necessary to ensure that there are no calcium and magnesium oxides left in the substance, since their presence will significantly reduce the quality of the whitewash. With direct whitewashing, the result will not be a homogeneous mass, but a mass with pieces, which as a result will worsen the whole picture.

Lime in the field of protecting trees from sunlight.Lime whitewash is not just a product for indoor use; it is used in another interesting area. It serves as a protective substance for the bark various trees from burns caused by the sun in the early spring period. As you know, whitewash is white, and it completely reflects the sun’s rays, no matter whether it is on the north or south side of the trunk.

The shops building materials sell ready mixture, which is famous for its bad property when used with wood. After the bark of a tree is whitened with this substance, it is protected for a short period, because after heavy rains it is completely washed off. Therefore, people who care for trees strive to make this solution themselves next time.

For this process it is necessary to prepare lime stone and cold water. The extinguishing should be carried out a couple of hours before the whitewashing. Do not forget to pass the substance through a fine sieve before starting whitewashing. If you use an unstrained mixture, the sprayer will clog almost the first time. But if you use an ordinary brush, there is no need to strain it. In addition to limestone itself, white clay can also be added to the solution. Lime whitewash will be able to further protect the bark from the sun in the spring. In the case of whitewashing with milk, you can add a spray gun to it, but this is not at all necessary, so if you don’t have it, you shouldn’t run to the store. It is not for nothing that lime is the most popular material for repairs; it has also found its use in gardening. The miracle substance is added to various mixtures to increase their properties. Wood trunks are lubricated with milk, protecting them from harmful insects.

Lime is a material widely used for whitewashing wall surfaces with disinfecting properties and is resistant to the formation of mold and mildew. It is a mixture, the components of which are obtained by burning limestone rocks.

As a rule, there are two types of lime on sale: slaked fluff and quicklime lump mixture. To whitewash with lime, it is necessary not only to properly prepare the base, but also to dilute the mixture. Otherwise, the work done will not bring the desired result, and all efforts will be reduced to zero.

Benefits of lime

The material is not highly decorative, but it has many positive qualities, which contributed to its wide spread:

Hygiene. Any microorganisms that enter the lime die. No other type of finish can boast of this property. Fungal and moldy formations do not appear on lime-coated surfaces.
Moisture resistance and high strength. When the whitened surface dries, a special film is formed on it, which is resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion.
Cheapness. Unlike other materials, lime is one of the most cost-effective finishing methods.

All these advantages are main reason the fact that lime has not lost its relevance with the advent of more modern finishes.

Where is lime whitening used?

The antiseptic properties of the material made it most popular for use in kindergartens and medical institutions, and its strength - in public buildings with high traffic. The moisture resistance of lime allows the mixture to be used for finishing walls in swimming pools, baths, and showers. Low cost makes lime profitable solution for areas such as garages, closets, basements and so on.

Whitewashing remains relevant not only for public places. It is actively used for inexpensive cosmetic repairs in office premises, commercial properties, city apartments, private houses and country houses. It is used wherever inexpensive and high quality finish walls

Disadvantages of lime

The mixture not only has positive characteristics, but also disadvantages. Lime is a caustic material. This imposes certain requirements on safety measures both during the preparation and application processes. It is best to work in old clothes, which you can simply throw away later. It is necessary to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, respiratory tract, skin of the face and hands - wear gloves, special glasses, and a respirator.

If you do not observe the proportions in preparing whitewash, or do the mixing incorrectly, then stripes, bubbles, and stains will appear on the surface being treated. A solution that is too thick will not only bubble during drying, but also fall off, while a solution that is too thin will not allow you to obtain the desired shade on the wall. To avoid poor-quality whitewashing, you need to dilute lime in strict proportions, follow the instructions and recommendations.

Lime consumption and proportions

The slaked mixture is diluted in proportions of 1 to 3. Take 1 kilogram of powder or batter for 3 liters of water. The solution mixed in this way allows you to get approximately 8 kilograms of whitewash. This amount is enough to cover an area of 12 square meters.

Exists alternative way calculating the initial proportion. It depends on the quadrature. The wall is calmed down, divided into “sections” of 2.5 square meters, for each of which 750 ml of water and 500 grams of lime are taken.

Lime consumption depends on the material from which the surface is made. If it whitens brickwork, then a similar volume of solution will be enough for no more than 10 square meters. How much material will be spent depends on the quality of surface preparation, as well as the tools used to apply whitewash.

Do not use a roller for application. It is recommended to apply the solution with a special brush. When whitewashing is carried out on a brick surface, the bristles of the tool should be natural. Maximum savings mixture allows you to get a spray gun. It is more convenient to use hand-held devices with a long hose rather than electric ones.

How to dilute slaked lime correctly?

The process of preparing whitewash is not complicated, but requires following certain recommendations:

You need to mix the lime in small portions. At a time, you need to dilute no more than 2 kg of powder or batter per 1 liter of water.
It is better to pour the mixture cold water, because as a result of what is happening chemical reaction Heat is generated when mixed.
The first portion is thoroughly mixed, poured with a liter of water, and stirred again. Repeat this step until the required amount of water has been used.
The resulting solution is left for a day.

After 24 hours, the whitewash is completely ready for application.

Alternative cooking method

After the whitewash dries on the walls, it leaves marks on hands and clothes. To avoid this, you should add to the mixture brine, prepared by completely dissolving 2 kilograms of salt in 1 liter of water. Using this method of mixing whitewash, the preparation procedure is not limited to infusion for 24 hours.

A day later, a saline solution is introduced into the lime. Mix everything thoroughly. If it turns out too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. The mixture is stirred again and left for 24 hours again. Main feature This method is that the salt solution must be prepared before direct mixing. Otherwise, the salt in the water will precipitate.

If whitewashing is planned to be carried out in a closet or other place, then you can limit yourself to ordinary kneading. When work is carried out in high-traffic areas, it is better to immediately prepare a mixture with a saline solution, which will prevent white lime marks from leaving on clothes.

Quicklime

Used as a binder for cement mortars, various types of plasters. It increases adhesion between coatings and the treated base, gives plasticity to the materials, but is absolutely not suitable for whitewashing wall surfaces. If for some reason there is no ready-made fluff in the form of dough or powder, the lime is slaked.

IN industrial scale The lime is slaked in large special pits, where the mixture is poured and water is poured. You can carry out the extinguishing procedure at home. The amount of water is calculated depending on what consistency the material needs to be obtained - thick or milky. Both in small ways and in large quantities The extinguishing process takes 36 hours. You can reduce it to a day, but this will affect the quality of the resulting whitewash.

The lime boils during the slaking process and is sprayed into different sides, but requires constant stirring. The mixture exhibits activity from 5 to 30 minutes, during which it must be stirred. To prevent the caustic solution from getting on the skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to use personal protection and a long stirring tool.

How to slak lime correctly?

It is recommended to dilute the powder in a metal container. It must be clean and free of rust. Its dimensions depend on the volume of whitewashing required for the work. The amount of water and quicklime is taken in a ratio of 1 to 1, that is, a kilogram of powder is placed per liter of water. It should be taken into account that the heat generated during the extinguishing process reaches temperatures of up to +150 degrees Celsius.

Stop stirring the mixture when it stops boiling and splashing. But it is still impossible to work with such material. The container with slaked lime is covered and stored in a dark place for two or three weeks. If whitewashing is not urgently required, it is better to wait 28 days. The longer the holding period, the better solution lies on the surface.

Unlike ready-made batter or powder, the recipe for making whitewash - diluting lime after slaking with water - is somewhat different. To be more precise, the proportions are chosen completely arbitrarily. Water is poured in until a white dense mark remains on the wooden stick used for mixing.

When using quicklime, it should be borne in mind that the approximate yield from one kilogram of the mixture is about ten liters of a solution ready for whitewashing.

"Upgrading" of lime

To whitewashed walls looked impressive and beautiful, especially when work is carried out in rooms, hallways, on the veranda and other places where decorativeness is important; various additives are added to the diluted lime before application. Along with blue, which gives the walls a bluish tint in the light, they use soap, egg whites, glue, salt, liquid glass, flour.

Whitewash can have absolutely any color. To achieve the desired shade, a pre-selected color is introduced into the prepared solution. Introduction to composition linseed oil allows lime to be given increased adhesion to surfaces with poor adhesion levels paint and varnish materials. Thus, lime can be used where other types of finishing are not suitable.

Glue similar saline solution makes the whitewashed wall surface completely non-marking. To eliminate all the shortcomings, which often lead to the fact that whitewash is rarely used in bedrooms, living rooms, and the kitchen, components such as color, salt or glue are introduced into the lime.

Lime is the collective name for the products of firing, as well as the subsequent processing of chalk, limestone and other carbonate rocks. It can be quenched (Ca(OH) 2), quicklime (CaO) and soda (a mixture of Ca(OH) 2 with NaOH).

It was not for nothing that our ancestors used lime as a whitewash; this material has disinfecting properties, which makes it impossible for fungus and mold to appear on finished surfaces. Until now, almost each of us is faced with this type of whitewashing in our own entrances.

Whitewashing walls with lime in public places allows you to avoid repeated repairs for as long as possible, because During the drying process, this whitewash forms a special film that is resistant to abrasion.

In addition, whitewashing the ceiling with lime in bathhouses, bathrooms, swimming pools and showers will protect it from moisture, because... This material has good moisture resistance and strength. Lime coating is also used in finishing closets, basements, garages, etc. The main factor influencing the choice of this material is its low cost and environmental friendliness compared to other analogues.

TO shortcomings This coating includes the possibility of the appearance of stripes, stains, streaks and bubbles when using a solution formulated without compliance required proportions. If the prepared bleaching lime is sufficiently liquid, then the color of the surface to be painted will be unsaturated, and if the composition is oversaturated, the coating will bubble and fall off when drying.

In addition, the quality of the original lime also affects the properties of the coating. The disadvantages of this material include its causticity. Therefore, when applying the composition to the surface, you need to be extremely careful, and better, before diluting the lime for whitewashing, dress in old clothes and protect your hands and face with gloves and a respirator, hide your eyes behind special glasses.

How to whiten with lime – choosing an approach

Before deciding how to whitewash a ceiling with lime and how to prepare lime for whitewashing, it is necessary to properly prepare the base for applying such a coating. For processing, the base must be strong and clean. It is unacceptable to apply this coating on surfaces with rust, efflorescence, as well as bitumen and grease stains.

If there are cracks on the base, they must be expanded, primed, then puttied and smoothed. Old whitewash clean with a brush. We will plaster and prime the entire surface. Immediately before whitewashing, radiators, platbands, skirting boards, and floors are carefully closed. All sockets and switches are sealed with tape.

For application, you can use brushes, rollers, a spray gun, or a regular vacuum cleaner. Applying this whitewash with a brush is the simplest and most cheap way. It is usually used when it is necessary to treat small surfaces with lime.

Please note that the quality of the layer will largely depend on the condition of the fly brushes. It is advisable, before whitening with lime, to soak the brushes in water for a couple of hours to prevent the appearance of brush hairs on the surface being treated.

If the surface is large enough, then a more acceptable option would be to use a special sprayer. Such a sprayer must be kept at a distance of about 30 cm from the surface and at a right angle, so that the consumption of lime during whitewashing is minimal.

An ordinary vacuum cleaner can also be used as a sprayer. Necessary equipment usually included with this device.

How to dilute lime for whitewashing - it’s quite simple

Very often, novice home craftsmen do not know how to dilute lime the required proportion to get maximum results. Experts advise for every 2.5 m² of surface to be treated, take 0.5 kg of lime and 0.75 liters of water.

To give the whitewash additional durability, you can add a third of a tablespoon of drying oil and about 5 g table salt. The entire solution is thoroughly mixed and filtered through a sieve to remove lumps, grains and impurities.

To give the whitewash a light bluish tint, which will look advantageous on the ceiling in natural light, you can add 20 g of regular blue to the resulting mixture.

Before treating the surface, it is necessary to thoroughly moisten the base. This whitewash is usually applied in two layers. Experts recommend applying the second layer while the previous one is still slightly damp, because this allows for greater strength.

For finishing works It’s better to choose a cloudy day or evening, because... lime does not like dry, hot weather, or direct sunlight.