Heritage & Restoration

Simplicity are experts at restoring old plaster to its former glory using original materials and seamlessly blending new areas and features into heritage buildings. We provide services in Lath Plastering and Lime Plastering. Lath Plaster is primarily used on flat areas such as walls and ceilings and contains animal hair in the mix. Historically horsehair was used in Lath plaster, and now goat hair and other animal hairs can be used to get the correct mixes. Lime plaster typically uses Lime and sand for the aggregate in the plaster mix and it tends to be used on turn of the century properties, 1800s and 1900s.

Lime plaster is used for in situ running of Cornice/ ceiling mouldings, dado rails, picture rails, circular ceiling roses & skirting/ architraves.

Why choose Simplicity for your heritage & restoration work?

Simplicity has been working in heritage restoration since 1986. We use our extensive experience to make mixes that accurately match the composition of the plaster used in the original works. In some cases, we send samples away to be analysed so we can generate the exact match in composition in the new elements we make. We are passionate in maintaining beautiful intricate designs and ensuring that they are restored to full effect to such a high standard that you wouldn’t even know we were there.

Heritage & Restoration Process

To make sure we deliver the best possible restoration to our clients we go through a rigorous process. We do this to ensure that we do not undertake any unnecessary works and deliver the best possible end result.

Plaster Survey

When surveying plaster, we check for a variety of things. We look for visual and physical imperfections such as cracks, chips, dents or drops. We have an audio and tactile test to check if the existing plaster is all of the correct density or if it needs repair. We use these tests to determine how much of the existing plaster has deteriorated because we prefer where possible, to maintain original plaster work.

Stabilise Existing Plaster

Our approach is to repair the existing plaster instead of replacing to maintain as much of the original features as possible. We think this minimally invasive approach is important for preserving the historical integrity of the plaster work. Additionally, it is often quicker, easier and more cost effective to stabilise which is generally better for the client. Stabilisation techniques include reattachment of any cornice or mouldings and any filling/ making good work that is needed to deliver the flawless finish expected from Simplicity.

Repair/ Replace Plaster

When stabilisation is not possible, we conduct a full repair. There are multiple ways to repair lime plaster; pre-formed off site or running in situ.

If we are pre-forming off site, we take a section of the existing moulding be that a cornice, a dado rail, or an architrave back to our workshop and use it to make a mould. We then use that mould to manufacture the necessary pieces. The new pieces are quality checked at the workshop and then delivered back to the site. We then carefully install the new elements, taking care to ensure they blend seamlessly with the existing plasterwork so you would never know a repair was done.

Lime plaster can also be installed in situ, depending on the age of the property and what plaster compound is being matched, we make a mould from zinc oxide. Our expert craftsmen the build up the new moulding on the site. Using the right compound mix, they apply it to the ceiling and run the mould over it to get the right shape. This is built up in layers until it is ready for the final coat. We then cover in a lime putty and casting plaster to give the ideal look, a smooth finish and a long-lasting installation using period products.

Heritage & Restoration Services

To make sure we deliver the best possible restoration to our clients we go through a rigorous process. We do this to ensure that we do not undertake any unnecessary works and deliver the best possible end result.

  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Mouldings
  • Castings
  • Cornices & Covings
  • Pillars & Pilasters
  • Ceiling Roses
  • Railings