Lime plaster has a signature natural glow from way light responds to it. Lime plaster is made from limestone which is filled with calcite crystals. When light rays meet calcite's unique crystalline structure, they bi-refract. This means that a single ray of light will refract two light rays of light! This optical property is called birefringence or birefraction.

All Earthaus Finishes are lime-based and will have birefringence but it's impact will vary depending on lighting and pigment saturation:

• Birefringence will be milder in low-lit areas and with darker colored finishes with high pigment saturation.

• Birefringence will be stronger in brighter lit areas and with lighter colored finishes with lower pigment saturation.

Sheen is the shininess and lustre of a plaster finish. Sheen levels vary between finishes depending on if the finish is unsealed or sealed and if techniques to intentionally increase sheen are used.
• Olive Oil Soap Sealed finishes have low sheen

• Olive Oil Soap Sealed Finishes can be polished, burnished, and buffed to create high sheen

• Unsealed finishes are matte with no sheen

The texture of a lime plaster finish is how it feels to the touch. Finish textures vary depending on the unique formulation of the plaster as well as the quality of the finish application techniques.

• Smooth: no granularity

• Polished : ultra smooth

• Coarse: high granularity

Also known as movement and mottling, the tonal variation of a lime plaster finish is the presence of different depths of color in a finish. The potential for and depth of tonal variation varies by:

1. Finish technique: smooth and even base and finish coat application can minimize the potential for unwanted tonal variation.

2. Color and pigment saturation:

• Lighter colors: lowest potential for tonal variation

• Semi-light colors: medium potential for tonal variation

• Darker colors: hightest potential for tonal variation       

3. Finish formula: 

Each Earthaus Plaster Finish varies in required materials, application steps, and skills needed.

• Tools: Hawk & Trowel

• Technique: Ability to apply plaster evenly. Specific plastering techniques vary between finishes

• Timing: Knowledge and understanding of when to execute steps based on drying and ambient conditions

**The skills needed for timing intensive applications should be acquired through practice and experience before beginning a project.