advocates the use of Newton cavity plaster lathe material for installation onto very damp walls and in below ground level situations where :-

• Damp defects are not curable
• The wall is heavily affected by salts.
• The ground levels cannot be reduced.
• Allowing for one month for an inch of masonry to dry it is not practical to cure the problems and leave the walls to dry out.
• Where expensive finishes are required and the risk of damp returning through lime finishes is not acceptable.
 

The plaster lathe has to be installed so as moisture vapour can escape and allow the walls behind can “breathe”.
If properly installed and plastered over with lime the cavity lathes totally damp proof the plaster finishes without altering the state of the wall or driving moisture elsewhere.

Plastering over Newton cavity with lime mortar can be carried out in two or three coats.
Traditionally internal lime plastering is three coat work.
Hair can be mixed with the mortar to give additional strength

Called a scratch coat or pricking up coat. Apply 10-12 mm Building Lime Company NHL 3.5 lime mixed 2½ to 1 with washed sharp sand and mixed as per Building Lime Company instructions.
Press firmly through the mesh of the lathe and leave till firm before scratching to form a key.
Inspect the following day and push back or rub out any cracks with a plastic or wooden float.
Leave for a minimum of 7 days till firm and dry.

Called the float coat.
Thoroughly dampen down the first coat. Apply 10-12 mm Building Lime Company NHL 3.5 lime mixed 2½ to 1 with washed sharp sand and mixed as per Building Lime Company instructions.
When the mortar has pulled in, rule off to the desired finish and rub up with a wood or plastic float or sponge to a textured finish.
If a smooth finish coat is required lightly scratch the surface of the ruled of render and leave for about 4 days till firm.

The finish coat.
Thoroughly dampen down the2nd coat.
Apply 3-5 mm Building Lime Company NHL 3.5 lime mixed 2 to 1 with fine washed sand and mixed as per Building Lime Company instructions.
When the mortar is pulling in trowel to a smooth finish with a steel trowel. A small amount can be sprayed over to help the trowelling process but this should be kept to a minimum.