An Introduction to Lime Basics
A specialist, hands-on masterclass focusing on traditional lime types, material application, mix selection, and defect troubleshooting.
A collaborative training day focused on traditional lime methods.
Delivered as a joint venture by BEST Training with the Heritage Skills Development Group and proudly sponsored by Anglia Lime, this intensive course provides a complete foundational overview of traditional lime mortars, renders, and plasters.
Throughout this dynamic training day, we will demystify the Lime Cycle, analyse distinct lime classifications, and provide clear guides on proper mix selection for heritage buildings. This interactive event combines professional instructional overviews, master demonstrations, structural troubleshooting, and an invaluable practical afternoon workshop.
Delegates will explore practical do's and don'ts, identify common material defects, and discover why failures happen—gaining the technical insights required to avoid typical site issues. We will cover substrate preparation, installation of timber laths, core application methods for basecoats and topcoats, and specialist conservation repair methods.
In addition to structural application techniques, a dedicated afternoon block will focus on building professional practice, specifically targeting specification writing, structural remediation issues, and contract configurations for historic properties.
Schedule & Timings
Arrival and delegate registration with morning refreshments.
Introductory technical talk and structural orientation.
Master demonstrations including lime pointing, internal lime plastering, and traditional render treatments across varied structural backgrounds (masonry, laths, and clay lump). Sessions incorporate technical studies on the Lime Cycle, binder variations, and application guidelines.
Catered lunch and a guided historic tour of the neighbouring local church.
Practical session: your chance to handle the tools! The delegation will divide into three practical subgroups to experience applying lime compounds across different scenarios under expert guidance.
Technical roundtable examining typical historic defects, professional specification writing, and contract requirements.
Interactive Q&A forum covering delegate case studies and specific project queries.
Final summary and formal departure.
Fees & Inclusions
The course booking fee includes a provided lunch, refreshments throughout the course, the guided church tour, and all building materials utilised during the practical sessions.
Supporting Heritage: All surplus profits from this session are directly split to fund Rosie's Roof Fund (allocated to the preservation of the historic Tithe Barn roof) and the general BEST Training educational bursary scheme.
Health & Safety (PPE)
Because lime is a caustic mineral compound, **all delegates must supply and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**.
Mandatory kit requirements include close-fitting protective eyewear (goggles), general body protection (a robust work apron or overalls), and durable gloves. Sturdy footwear is required for the workshop environment; specialised steel-toecap boots are optional but welcomed.
Please note that delegates attend at their own risk within an active barn training environment containing specialist trade materials and hand tools.
Access & Facilities
题材Visitor parking is available directly adjacent to the property and within Church Lane. Toilet facilities are located on site.
The historic Tithe Barn provides level step-free access from Church Lane into the main area. However, interior movement spaces are naturally constrained, floors are characteristic of an unpolished agricultural build, and a step is present when accessing the toilet facility.
CPD & Inquiries
This professional course provides 6 structured CPD hours. Verified digital CPD certificates will be distributed electronically to delegates upon request following the close of the course.
We welcome specific technical problems. If you have active conservation projects or unique specifications you wish to analyse, please email details ahead of time.
Hosted at the Tithe Barn, Snailwell.
Tithe Barn, Church Farmhouse, Church Lane, Snailwell, CB8 7LZ