Services · Finish
Lime Base Stucco.
Lime-based stucco bodies — the breathable substrate behind every authentic lime wash and Marmorino finish.
What it is
Lime base is the cementitious-free body coat that supports our lime wash and Marmorino finishes. Built from hydrated lime and sand, it carbonates slowly and remains vapor-open, which is what allows the topcoat finishes to behave as designed.
We use lime base on restoration projects and on new construction where the entire wall system is intentionally mineral.
Our process
From the first site visit to the final coat.
Every project follows a sequence — refined over thirty years and adapted to the substrate, climate, and finish system.
- 01
Lath or masonry prep
Mineral substrates only — no acrylic primers.
- 02
Body coats
Two lime body coats, gauged and slowly cured.
- 03
Topcoat handoff
Surface left ready for lime wash, Marmorino, or natural finish.
Common questions
Lime Base Stucco — frequently asked.
Why use lime base instead of conventional cementitious base?
Because the topcoat decides. Lime wash and Marmorino need to bond to a mineral substrate that breathes; cementitious bases trap moisture and shorten the topcoat's life.
Related work
See related services.
Finish
Lime Wash
Hand-applied lime wash on stucco, brick, and stone — a breathable, mineral coating that develops a cloud-soft patina over decades.
Learn moreInterior
Marmorino Plaster
Marmorino — a coarser-grained Italian lime plaster. Soft, mineral, and luminous without the high polish of Venetian.
Learn moreExterior
Natural Stucco
Lime- and clay-based natural stucco exteriors — the original European technique. Breathable, mineral, and patina-rich.
Learn more
Portfolio
See lime base stucco in our gallery
Ready to talk through your lime base stucco project?
Tell us about the project and we'll walk through it with you and put together a proposal.