Mike’s lime monologue focusing on quicklime and NHL.

[@angeleyes9021]

Totally agree! I had a trader who rendered stone with Portland cement + lime!! House was freezing cold.. so I removed render and repointed stone with lime render 😊 It's toasty warm now 😊. Lime render is eco friendly!! I couldn't recommend it highly enough 😃

[@atroutflycrazy8057]

A vast amount of knowledge and information there Michael, thankyou for sharing and helping us to understand the differences in limes and mortars. As a stonemason for over 20years I do wish though that the cost of limes would come down in relation to portland cement, its hard to persuade clients the superior benefits of lime when you tell them the price compared to cement. I am speaking on new build and not historic or listed restoratation work were it has to be used.

[@dismaldog]

Best explaination i have heard-thanks.Yes as a plasterer in Australia we used the old mortars over and over again to plaster the college training walls

[@doonhamer252]

That's how we trained too, before I flipped to joinery.. my uncle/boss was the plasterer.. Dad/boss Joiner , Other uncle/boss Bricky and stone mason and contractors to National Trust..

[@jbgisser951]

Awareness raised!! Well done.

[@mickeymortimer4407]

looking forward to the book and instructional dvd set mate!

[@barkleyhunt3227]

Great job Michael, appreciate your take on this...thx

[@pamwalker7823]

I’m glad you highlighted this fact of the huge amount of co2 in the cement industry. 🙏🏻 Thankyou for this information on all aspects

[@michaeljamesdesign]

The issue of cement being the major pollutant across the globe needs more than highlighting. It needs broadcasting from the roof tops.

[@pamwalker7823]

@@michaeljamesdesign couldn’t agree more with you. It’s disgusting how the blame for CO2 is blamed on you and I yet these facts are swept under the carpet like countless other fraudulent claims. Climate fraud is a new way to ween more of your money away in the name of a bullshit righteous cause. Covid is the next one. 0.5 mortality rate whilst heart disease, lung disease and dementia are put on hold so they can work out a new tax or control measure over you whilst trying to put the fear of god in you. One of the biggest pisstakes is the fact these governmental mafioso stooges try and track and trace everyone yet they don’t seem to want to track n trace paedo’s rapists and cold blooded murderers after their time spent in prison is up because it infringes on their human rights. Utter circus in England

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@pamwalker7823 Amazing, isn't it. We produce a fraction of the world's CO2 emission with our cars and lifestyle and we're made to feel guilty because of our carbon footprint yet the cement works blast all that shit out into the atmosphere and the government turn a blind eye.

[@pamwalker7823]

Indeed Micheal this is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Check out the other lies they spout on my videos. Micheal O’bernicia is taking the government to court for pandemic fraud and genocide. There is another video on 5G and microwave energy you might be surprised on and dr Brian bridle will give you information on the vaccines which you won’t hear in any US or UK news outlets. Beggars belief and most believe the tripe the government serve them up every day on the terrestrial channels.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@pamwalker7823 Will do Pam. Thanks!

[@leeannjensen2165]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!

[@michaeljamesdesign]

I haven't even started. Will be releasing more videos early next year so make sure you like and subscribe.

[@rollingsculpture2413]

A really informative video Mike; really enjoyed it. I'm 16 and am interested in perhaps taking up a career in heritage building work in the future; as I've loved helping with the restoration of our house using a combination of nhl 3.5 for the pointing and putty for the internal plaster work. Wish we'd used hot lime all the way now after watching your videos; ha ha! After using cold limewash for most of the house I'd wish we had discovered hot limewash earlier as it saves a lot of time compared to the several coats you normally have to apply. It really is so much better! Look forward to your next KZbin, Louis.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Yes but just look at how much you've leant and how much you're able to already compare and contrast. Choose whether you're going into white or blue collar work. Study and prepare accordingly. Make a plan of action and get ready to fail. This is just part of it but it's always good to have something in place - the best laid plans etc etc. Always remember that practical, hands on, vocational work pays well in satisfaction whereas predominantly desk related work pays well in kudos. Because that's the way of the world. Try to imagine how you'd like to see yourself by the time you hit my age and remember that at some point you probably will. Base your career around that. And always bear in mind that you can chop and change and forge your own path but it's tough in comparison to a career path. There's no reason anyone should ever get bored in heritage restoration and if they do then they need to diversify.

[@rollingsculpture2413]

@@michaeljamesdesign Thanks for the advice and taking the time to get back to me.

[@doonhamer252]

​​@@michaeljamesdesigngreat advice, I took it for granted and served my indentured apprenticship.. bailed as soon as it finished and joined the army in 1975..but after a decade I returned to my trade ..

[@bendavison8779]

Great video sir. Very interesting and informative as always. Keep them coming please.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Thanks Ben. Much appreciated. I'll see if I can't come up with another fireside rant at some point in the near future.

[@terencequinn2682]

Your doing great work Michael.

[@matte999me]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Michael. Always an interesting listen. You'll soon be up there with Nigel leading the way on the real lime revival!! Interested to hear how you fair with the trial you mentioned (CL80)

[@michaeljamesdesign]

My pleasure. Thanks for the comment Matte.

[@MrDziuka]

Great video, thanks for your efforts. I do rope access and have done fair bit of pointing of the ropes whilst leaving in London. It was all using cement. Now I live in Scottish Borders and got local job of repointing stone walls of old farm steading. I had no idea about all those types of mortar, luckily lady who owns the farm has done some research and I got more into the subject. It is very fascinating to me I must admit. I am also climber and we climbers love stone 🙂. She decided to go with lime putty and we also going to put sand and some brick dust to it. We have ordered putty and brick dust from company Celtic Sustainables. I hope they are decent company. Only starter to prepare bit of wall and already can see that it will be very challenging. A lot of loose stones , pinnings falling out, earth mortar falling out and I don't know at what point I need to stop digging! I am learning completely new thing to me but already can see some really bad job in the area with lots of cement pointing on stone walls that looks horrible and lots of stone damaged. Please, wish me luck and thank you for your video. You have new subscriber. Regards

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Good. But just make sure you only use the putty during fine weather. No damp areas and never in winter. Ever. Specially in the Scottish Border country. Traditionally putty was only ever used internally for plaster top coats. So wait 'til next year before you use it otherwise you'll be in trouble.

[@MrDziuka]

@@michaeljamesdesign thank you very much for your advice, I've hoped that by adding pozzolan will help with cold and wet weather. How about hot lime, would it be better for cold conditions? Thank you in advance.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@MrDziuka Yes

[@MrDziuka]

@@michaeljamesdesign thank you Sir

[@mickeymortimer4407]

what a gem of a lecture

[@tyremanguitars]

very interesting, I am really getting very interested in lime since reading copsey's book.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Try and catch him in person some time, he has more to say. Which isn't surprising, if you know Nigel.

[@RandomRestore]

Thank you!

[@lisebarrieau111]

Thank you for the wonderful information. Want to build a 625 square feet cottage within the next two years. I’ve done drywall in the past, and have fallen in love with lime since starting to learn about it. I want to learn all I can till then as I want it for my finishes

[@michaeljamesdesign]

In which case you need to read Nigel Copsey's book on traditional lime. You can find it here: www.amazon.co.uk/Hot-Mixed-Lime-Traditional-Mortars-ebook/dp/B07NHF221C

[@lisebarrieau111]

@@michaeljamesdesign thank you!

[@MrAlexshellard]

Just bought a place (1900 ish terrace), loads of damp work done before we got here unfortunately but looks like the roof and rear flooding was the main issue, fingers crossed. Expecting a few years of fixing the front and rear that's been covered as well at all the inside walls, wish me luck! Going to have to watch this a couple of times to fully absorb it. Love to know your thought's on insulating with lime plaster and the additives.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Good luck Alex. Buy Nigel Copsey's book on lime. It'll give you further insights.

[@ТатьянаСарана-е2ф]

Hello dear Mike! my name is Vsevolod. I build frame cottages using Timber Frame technology from 200x200 mm timber. I want to fill the space between the beams for forming walls and insulation with a mixture of hemp fiber and lime. Which lime do you recommend using NHL or quicklime? I ask you to give recommendations on how to prepare the lime and the mixture itself (aggregate), in what order and in what proportions? Thank you. Best wishes..!

[@inp1509]

With the lime putty, the layer of water that can be found on top is there to stop carbonation it effectively seals the putty from the atmosphere.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

You don't need a layer of water when you've got an airtight lid.

[@inp1509]

@@michaeljamesdesign Fair comment but you didnt have one :) peace and love

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@inp1509 How do you think it gets delivered! Without a lid?

[@MissMeganBeckett]

37:07 I didn’t quite understand what was wrong with adding linseed oil on to of lime wash?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Adding linseed oil to limewash will reduce its capillarity.

[@archangel6415]

Hi and thank you for the video & information. I’m about to quick lime wash my internal basement walls. The ceiling of the basement I’ve just skim coated with plaster. Can I apply a quick lime wash on the plaster ceiling also as I’ll be using it on the brick walls anyway? Many thanks for your help!

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Of course you can. Don't forget that lime wash has to be burnished.

[@janegrandena302]

Mike hi, we have a barn to renovate and I will be repointing the complete barn exposing the beautiful stone work what mix would I need as it's over 300 square metres. KR Jane

[@michaeljamesdesign]

That’s very difficult to say as I don’t know your stone, location, local vernacular, weather, type of local sand etc. You’d be best off talking to Chalk Down Lime and asking them.

[@swinkeymo]

In the states we have agricultural lime which is supposedly calcium carbonate. Is that good to use for plaster?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Should be. But I can't say for definite until I see it. Try it, see how you get on.

[@conormcdade6021]

What’s the best way to clean the stonework on the fireplace wall like yours, sandblasting?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

If you sand blast stone then the grains of sand will follow the path of least resistance through it. This stonework didn't need cleaning. But if you wish to clean stone or brick then you can always use CleanFilm.

[@patrickcarroll960]

Hia , someone accidentally talking sense , my question is , i am in the process of purchasing a cottage in ireland , no foundations , built onto soil , and i am looking to repoint the outside , point inside and plaster most walls , wanting to allow the best insulation i can , please could you advise on the external pointing lime , and the best inside plastering lime also for the floor , best practice for insulating , thermal hold , thank you forvyour advice regards patrick

[@michaeljamesdesign]

1:4 quicklime but with the addition of 90% of a gauge for internal hemp plastering mortar. You could swap out a couple of the sand for pumice to up your U.

[@patrickcarroll960]

@@michaeljamesdesign thank you

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@patrickcarroll960 And plenty of hair or fibres for your plaster. Again, about a gauge.

[@ianm4]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Where can one buy Otterbein quicklime CL80 in the UK?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

It's very difficult but try Cornish Lime. Apparently they've been talking about getting some. If you do get to use it consider the fact that water has to be added slowly otherwise you'll drown the lime. If you've no experience then get some with a CL90 first.

[@ianm4]

@@michaeljamesdesign Thanks for the tip about water. I'm a relatively newcomer and so far I've only ever used Calbux 90 as it seems to be the only one that is readily available but I've recently found out where I can buy Lhoist (UK) quicklime CL90 in 25kg bag. I've been told that this brand doesn't shrink as much as Calbux. Have you ever tried Lhoist? Up in north (South Yorkshire) there's not much choice for sands either. In builder's merchants like B&Q there's only Tarmac sharp sand and my nearest lime supplier is Womerlsey's in Wakefield but their sand selection is very limited like Nosterfield and Leighton Buzzard. Not sure about B&Q Tarmac or Leighton, but the Nosterfield is a "manufactured" washed river sand - crushed by their plant's impacter to 13% 4mm Down 12% 2mm Down 75% 1mm Down It seems to me that the most authentic aggregate is quarry sand (sandstone for my house) but I don't know how to prepare it as they come in quite large gravels. Plus they have clay on them.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@ianm4 If it's the Tarmac sharp sand around

[@ianm4]

@@michaeljamesdesign For what reason the Leighton Buzzard sand is the bench mark? Just curious.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@ianm4 The benchmark for plastering. It’s the only one which will make full contact with the wall and it makes a nice workable mortar. You ought to work out your own blend of sands. Design your signature mix.

[@finchy3394]

I would absolutly love to work with you. The northwest need more tradesmen like you. I am despirate to learn more about lime. Im fascinated by it.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Have you read any books?

[@finchy3394]

@@michaeljamesdesign which would you recommend. I watch a lot on it. I work cement pointing on newer properties and building, but I would love to get into lime. But most around the northwest just seem to use nhl 3.5 only. Very few builders merchant around here sell nhl and the ones that do like CW berry only sell hanson.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@finchy3394 Hanson's OK. Lime products aren't usually found in builder's merchants. Try Copsey's book.

[@finchy3394]

Thankyou​@@michaeljamesdesign

[@nurinache8614]

Hi Mike, I bought a nice Victorian house solid brick and I want to render with lime after I take down all the gypsum plaster. I want to insulate the house with a bretheble insulation like cork. My question it is, can I use as adhesive lime mortar? or what tipe of lime I can use to fix the cork boards on the wall? Because in this way I allow the walls to breathe.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Nuri, you need to address your question to the supplier of your cork boards/eco materials.

[@tablettwentytwo1750]

Ah.....Michael; the man, the myth! Refreshing to see you on screen with some good in - depth titbits. Wee query. I was pointing an external wall with 3.5 St Astier. 1:2 ratio. If I up the sharp sand to 3 parts, would this would this reduce the compressive strength of the mix, and bring the 3.5 lime more in line with a St Astier 2? Cheers. Les

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Hello brother Les. Increasing or decreasing the sand ratio dramatically alters the compressive strength. So yes, going 1:3 would reduce the compressive strength. But it would also reduce the lime content of the mortar. So it's swings and roundabouts. What you need to consider is capillarity. This is the salient point. You could always compromise and go 1:2.5. May the lime be with you.

[@kuxkiri]

Lots of builders plasticize cement with hydrated lime and are labelling it as "lime mortar" which is obviously wrong!! A video about this sort of mix, and what Hydrated lime actually is, would be really good to educate builders and homeowners alike

[@michaeljamesdesign]

I shall wait in eager anticipation.

[@thomaselston4680]

hi mate can you tell me what line you use outside for rendering them

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Personally I prefer NHL as there are far few issues with cracks.

[@TOMMYTURBOTREASURES]

Hi mike, firstly an offender of repointing my whole last property gable end with sand&cement…lol Naivety…yes, not ignorance. I have sat and watched all your videos for hours and indeed you have educated me no end, fantastic videos and education on your channel… I’m just about to get the keys to my new house(a 1900s bay window stone house, your bog standard stone house) i’m going to repoint the back, then the front when i’m happy with my lime skills(of which i have a lot to learn still) I have looked for and sourced the st astier, i was thinking nhl 3.5 for the repoint(me being a beginner and a good place to start) but i must say i’m lost with what sand to use? Given your explanation of the builders sand and not being washed, the traditional being river bed sand (very angular) what sand if any at a builders merchant would i ask for that would work with nhl 3.5 st astier? Or indeed, should i find a better substitute online? I don’t mind the cost as long as i have a good mix thats sympathetic to the building, unlike my last efforts on my last house, of which i noticed a deformity to the truancy of the gable after taking its flexibility away via a sharpe sand cement mix that i greatly regret… purely as i had no idea of lime mortars, now that i have learnt so much via your channel(the only youtube channel that gives sound advice, not the other one that recommends nhl 5 for pointing…mr dread locks🤣)

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Speak to Cornish Lime. They do some nice sands.

[@andrewgillingham6541]

Hi Michael using a 1:3 ratio of 3.5 to sharp sand, on average what would a tonne cover pointing stone simular to the ones in this video ? Many thanks

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Dunno. Quite a bit though.

[@shervinmokthari1251]

Thanks for your mind & for sharing your knowledge with us ❤ I live in the north east (Newcastle), my house is a large and historically valueable to my town (red head the famous shipper). Recently a large flat roof was ripped off and we had flooding for 1 month till we got fixed up with a roof. Luckily it's a solid house with lime plaster. They've put dehumidifiera in but I think they want to plaster board and skim it with gypsum. But doing my research I see lime is the way. Sorry about this message being illegible the dark mode on my phone doesn't agree with KZbin's app. I can't see what I type 😅 Could I maybe email you please sir?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Now then. It could possibly be that your best option would be to speak to Conserv as they're in Middlesbrough. They may even be able to put some contractors your way.

[@shervinmokthari1251]

@@michaeljamesdesign awesome thank you boss ❤️😎

[@martd1352]

What would you suggest to being the best mortar for pointing Accrington brick please?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

More information: age of house? Cavity or solid? Original construction material?

[@martd1352]

@@michaeljamesdesign 1930's build cavity ex council so was gypsum on upgrades originally lathe ceiling and internal walls thankyou

[@michaeljamesdesign]

I'd find myself some nice NHL3.5 and some washed building sand. Mix it 1:3. No need for anything softer as those Accrington's are bullet hard. @@martd1352

[@martd1352]

@@michaeljamesdesign thankyou very much. Will do!

[@michaeljamesdesign]

No worries. Don't make a sloppy mix. Make it dryish. Just push it in with a finger pointer and scrape back. Then give it a brush. Washed sand though. Not that shite from the builder's merchants. Otherwise all the impurities will come out and you'll get a crap finish. @@martd1352

[@j-lizgriffith6391]

If I’m building a new house with exterior stone and I want to use a non-cement mortar, would you recommend NHL3.5 or NHL5?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

It's not really a question of what I recommend. It's what building control will allow. They know building regs and will with the specification. I'd happily advise you to use 3.5 all day long but it's a bit of a moot point as I have no idea about your drawings, your location, your budget, type of stone, sand, insulation and so on and so on. It's really an architect to whom you need to address this type of question. And also a builder. Not all of them will be interested in building with lime. And if you do go ahead and build a house then you must know building regulations as well.

[@j-lizgriffith6391]

Actually it’s a bit of the “wildwest” here in the USA. Each state is different and building codes only apply if you are within city limits (which I am not). Also, I want to build a solid stone wall (slipform method). Architects and builders won’t do that in America - they’ll only build a “stone veneer”. But I love the solid nature of European homes. I plan on using NHL3.5 to build with. I was thinking NHL5 at first - but I think it’s too hard for the stones here in the Ozarks. Here in America, concrete is king unfortunately. Anyway - I really appreciate your explanations in this video.

[@trevorcoe8579]

After years of using nhl for external rendering I've decided to change to hot lime bit nervous but will have a go, love the videos keep it up.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

You may like to give the Otterbein quicklime a go. You could always use a CL90 but make sure you add a pozzolan. 10% to binder content. If you're going to render with it then watch out for cracking because it will. These need wood floating back in the same way you would with NHL or putty.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Just a PS concerning the Otterbein: make sure you get plenty of experience with a CL90 (Calbux is always a good start) before you give the Otterbein a go. And one more thing: Declan has some Tradical quicklime in and at a good price. Might be a bit slower to slake though.

[@User123-b7x]

I’m a point on a house, in-lime mortar what mix should I use?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

What lime have you got?

[@User123-b7x]

I haven’t picked one yet, it built out of Millstone grit

[@User123-b7x]

Was thinking of saint astier NHL 3.5

[@patrickcarroll960]

Appologies i mentioned accidentally i ment actually talki g sense

[@ruthgilpin9774]

Hi Michael Last summer and this spring I got a pier and cock and hen capped wall rebuilt from scratch on old foundations on a rural property in Co Armagh using mostly reclaimed lime and fieldstone from the site. Lime used was Round Tower NHL 3.5. I also limewashed using the same with a few drops of raw linseed. I hadn't come across you at this point alas. What should I do, would you recommend removing the limewash and how? It's a rather grey creamy shade.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

It's not the end of the world. It's the difference between Bisto and chef's best pan gravy. I know which one I'd rather have but it is what it is.

[@amyntas97jones29]

Hi Mike, I live in Pembrokeshire. I have looked online, but cannot find where I can buy Otterbein cl80. Can you tell me I might buy this?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Masons Mortar.

[@amyntas97jones29]

@@michaeljamesdesign Many thanks.

[@daleburns7110]

Have you tried any lime from conserv? Would you recommend ? Thanks

[@michaeljamesdesign]

I've never had anything to do with conserve. They tend to do a lot of premixed products (which I don't use) and most of what they sell tends to cost more than anyone else. I remember asking them to sell me something slightly out of their remit - can't remember what it was - and they weren't interested.

[@rosslukeshay]

Hi Michael , I’ve been told that you have to be careful using hotline on sandstone & is not recommended! Is this true Thanks

[@michaeljamesdesign]

What do you mean?

[@rosslukeshay]

@@michaeljamesdesign That, the hot lime might have some sort of reaction & damage the stone .

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@rosslukeshay How so?

[@litotes7778]

You said on one of your videos that Roundtower 3.5 has a freelime content of 18%. I have researched this and spoken to Roundtower. It appears that their NHL 5 is 18% freelime, and their 3.5 is 25%.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Thanks for this. I've just checked myself and can see they also do a product called "white" which is an NHL3.5 and contains around 37% available lime. I'd be more than happy to use this.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Last time I checked the White was 28% so maybe they've improved. However, the compressive strength on the white is over 5 mpa after only 28 days and that's pretty strong. Makes you wonder what it'll be like in 10 years with those ongoing strength gains.

[@metallitech]

I would only use lime putty for making limewash, as it's bound to have high purity and therefore very pure white. With powder quicklime I see no reason to use putty for plaster or mortar. Quicklime + sand practically mixes itself, which is nice.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

What the fuck are you talkin about lad.

[@kookia213]

You mean.. lime putty for the final coat instead of using white paint?

[@metallitech]

​@@kookia213Yes, but I only use quicklime to make limewash anyway. The use of putty really came about due to some false information early in the lime revival in the UK.

[@metallitech]

I'm sorry, which part was unclear?@@michaeljamesdesign

[@Scribe3168]

Can you mix a NHL 3.5 with a NHL 5 to make a NHL 4.25?

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Yes. But whether you'd get a 4.25 is debatable. And there'd be no need.

[@andyobrien5696]

I struggle to get lime products apart from 3.5. Unless I order them online. I did find some putty locally but at 42 for a 25kg tub I felt violated. Good video MJD.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

£42 is crazy. I have to lose a morning's work and a couple of gallons of DERV if I want to go and collect gear. I shouldn't need to as this is Oxfordshire and every other house is made of Cotswold stone. You'd think this would be the lime capital of England.

[@andyobrien5696]

@@michaeljamesdesign same here, I'm in Norfolk, apparently famed for its lime. I can get putty for about £20ish online after postage if I buy a few. Callbux 90 is about the same.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@andyobrien5696 I've heard rumours that there's some nice sand in Norfolk.

[@andyobrien5696]

@@michaeljamesdesign it's awesome, I get fine washed and course washed sharp from the quarry not even 2mins up the road. Its ridiculously cheap too. Beats any sand I've ever used with lime.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

@@andyobrien5696 I now have sand envy. You'd think that in Oxfordshire we'd have marvellous sand but to be honest it's shite. I have to import mine from all over the place to get a decent blend.

[@coventryrestoration2818]

I agree that St Astier products should be a lot more freely available

[@michaeljamesdesign]

Yup. As people are using a lot of NHL they might as well crack on with something decent.

[@xenym]

Didn't want a lecture on the man-made climate change nonsense.

[@michaeljamesdesign]

"Nonsense".