Inspiration and trends
Lime based finishes: an ancient technique for beautiful, healthy, green walls

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Between past and present. Lime-based finishes have ancient roots in human history, but continue to this day to inspire designers, interior decorators, and architects worldwide. They possess a timeless beauty that unites tradition, sustainability, and looks on a single wall.

Travertine, lime based finishes

A journey through the history of lime

Lime’s history is truly ancient, thousands of years old. It is one of the first binding materials used by humans. For example, the oldest artifact found in 1985 and created with concrete dates back to 7000 BC and is a pavement in Yiftah, southern Galilee (Israel). The Phoenicians and Greeks used it for their constructions, while the Romans mastered it in buildings that still stand the test of time today. Just think of the treatise ‘De architectura’ by the Roman writer Vitruvius (1 BC), in which he explains in great detail the lime production technique starting from the firing of white stones. In the Middle Ages, lime was used to build cathedrals and castles, but it was during the Renaissance that the art of lime really flourished, with the creation of extremely refined stuccoes and plasters. A curiosity? In the 19th century, it was also used in the colossal hydraulic works of the Palace of Versailles, in France.

Lime making is a precious artisanal tradition passed down through the centuries to today; indeed, in recent years, it’s increasingly associated with current and urgent issues like sustainability.

marmorino hydro hydraulic lime based marmorino decorative
Marmorin Hydro

Lime-based finishes: sustainable and healthy for green walls

Indeed, today lime-based finishes are highly sought after for their eco-friendly aspect. Lime requires less energy for production and, being a natural material, it is particularly healthy for domestic environments. Moreover, resistance to thermal fluctuations and the ability to regulate humidity is another important advantage of lime-based finishes, which have anti-humidity, antibacterial, and sanitizing properties.

Marmorin with Marmorino for walls with chiaroscuro effect
Marmorin with Marmorino

Elegance and style for a timeless classic

Additionally, lime-based plaster is a decorative mineral finish with excellent aesthetic results, offering a highly natural final effect. Made from limestone fired at very high temperatures and then crumbled, sand, and marble dust, it is remarkably easy to work with.

The link between artisanal tradition and modern design makes lime a perfect choice to give an authentic and refined touch to living spaces, turning walls into a true furnishing element. The range of aesthetic options for lime-based products is truly wide. They are available in various textures and colours and can be customized to suit different styles, from classic (e.g., prestigious buildings within historical centres) to contemporary. Lime allows for smooth or textured surfaces with effects ranging from glossy to matte, giving the space a unique character.

Some examples? Here are the lime-based products from Viero Decoratives, waiting to be discovered.

Vixalit 500

Explore the world of Viero Decoratives lime-based products

Discover the lime-based products of Viero Decoratives one by one. Our experts are available to advise you on the most suitable solutions for your design needs, offering support, from consultation to post-sale. Contact us to learn more.

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