Practical Lime Plastering & Pointing
Tywi Centre
MARCH 25th- 26th 2026/ APRIL 29th- 30th 2026
£195Two day hands on course
Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise with traditional lime materials, or seeking to deliver quality repairs on heritage buildings, this immersive two-day course at the Tywi Centre will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to do the job right.
Through expert-led demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to prepare, mix and apply lime plasters, renders and mortars across a variety of surfaces .
Why Work with Lime?
Lime has been at the heart of traditional construction for centuries. Its flexibility, breathability and compatibility with historic materials make it the ideal choice for conserving and repairing older buildings.
This course will help you understand how lime works, why it matters, and how to achieve durable, high-quality results on site.
What You’ll Learn:
Understanding Your Building
We’ll start by exploring the beautiful variety of traditional buildings—what they’re made from, how they work, and why lime is the best choice for keeping them in good condition.
Avoiding Common Failures
Find out what causes problems in heritage buildings — from trapped moisture to hard cement mortars — and how good practice in preparation, application and curing prevents these issues.
Lime Types and Mixes
We’ll dive into the lime cycle, different types of lime, choosing the right aggregates and additives and how to stay safe while working with these materials. Mixing methods and materials.
Hands-On Plastering
We will discuss the range of background that you might apply lime plaster to and the preparation needed before application. We will also practice building up the coats from base to float to finish for both external and internal work.
Mixing & Applying Pointing Mortars
Gain confidence in mixing and applying lime mortars for pointing—essential for repairing and protecting your stone or brickwork.
Rendering and Limewashing
Learn the techniques for external renders, including base coats, floated coats, and harled finishes. Then finish it all off with traditional limewashing.
Who Is This Course For?
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Contractors & Builders looking to expand their knowledge of heritage materials and techniques.
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Homeowners & DIYers with a passion for old buildings who want to carry out repairs and maintenance themselves.
No previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and get involved.
What You’ll Leave With:
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Practical, hands-on experience with lime plastering, pointing, and rendering.
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A better understanding of your traditional building and how to care for it.
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The confidence to carry out repairs—or speak knowledgeably to professionals who will.
Meet the Tutor – Joe Moriarty
If you want to learn lime plastering from someone who truly knows their craft inside and out, Joe Moriarty is the tutor for you.
Joe began his career as a plasterer, working hands-on with traditional materials long before conservation became his full-time focus. Over the years, he’s built up a huge depth of knowledge by working on some of the most prestigious historic buildings in Wales and England, moving from builder to site supervisor, project manager, and now heritage professional. Along the way, he’s never stopped learning—completing an MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation and gaining specialist qualifications in the repair and energy efficiency of traditional buildings.
Today, Joe works as a Built Heritage Monitoring and Enforcement Officer, helping protect listed buildings and historic parks and gardens. But what really sets him apart is his passion for teaching. At the Tywi Centre, Joe brings lime plastering to life—sharing not just the how, but the why. He’ll teach you how to work with lime in a way that respects both the material and the building, drawing on real-life examples and decades of practical experience.
Joe’s sessions are full of insight, encouragement, and good humour. He’s approachable, down-to-earth, and always keen to help others gain confidence with traditional techniques. Whether you’re new to lime or looking to refine your skills, you’ll come away with not just knowledge, but real hands-on ability.
With Joe, you’re not just learning lime plastering—you’re learning it from someone who lives and breathes heritage conservation.