Lime Plastering Under Winder Staircase & Cornice Restoration – Sheffield, South Yorkshire

At Swart Plaster Mouldings, we recently completed a traditional lime plastering project in a 150-year-old property located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The original plaster beneath the winder staircase had deteriorated badly over time. Cracks had spread throughout the surface due to a lack of horsehair reinforcement and the use of only two coats instead of the proper three-coat lime plaster system.

What We Did:

We began by carefully removing the failing plaster and original laths. The area was then re-lathed using sawn oak laths, a traditional and breathable solution ideal for heritage homes.

We applied a fibred lime scratch coat, allowing it to carbonate naturally over a three-week period. This critical curing step ensures long-lasting durability and flexibility. Once the scratch coat was ready, we returned to apply the floating coat—meticulously shaping it to follow the curve of the staircase. This ensured a smooth surface for the final lime skim coat, which we applied a week later.

The finished result is both beautiful and historically accurate. Traditional lime plaster provides breathability, longevity, and unmatched character, making it perfect for period properties.

Cornice (Coving) Restoration:

In addition to the staircase area, we also reinstated the plaster cornice (coving) in the hallway. This helped restore the home’s original character, enhancing its architectural detail.

Why Choose Traditional Lime Plaster?

Lime plaster is ideal for listed and historic buildings. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing damp issues, and it moves with the structure, reducing future cracking. When done right, nothing compares to the look and feel of authentic lime plasterwork.