FAQ Education 

Can Fat Lime Finishing make me a sculptural space? 

Yes! Fat Lime Finish can engineer substrates and custom plasters from raw materials to meet any structural or aesthetic need or desire. Fat Lime Finishing independently engineered all the materials and substrate systems for AND/ORE Restaurant's below ground space. 

Our solid plastering technique does not rely on foam with a thin coating; we create a space which feels, sounds and behaves like solid stone while simultaneously being able to embed lighting, mirrors, audio and hvac seamlessly into the structure. Solid plastering typically exceeds all firecode requirements.

What are the different types of plaster? I see names like Marmorino, Intonachino, Stucco, Venetian Plaster and so on?

A lot of the names we see are simply different names for plaster. Intonachino, for instance, is simply a common Italian word for plaster and Stucco is traced through from High German  and subsequently made its way throughout the Mediterranean. A lot of these words really come down to one word we all know. Marketing. 

It's all plaster in one form or another and from Fat Lime Finishing’s point of view there is no need for such confusion and we are more than happy to simplify the process to meet your function and aesthetic. We can create any of these traditional finishes.

Does waterproof plaster require regular maintenance? 

For the traditional waterproof plasters (often known as Tadelakt), yes, it will need to be soaped a few times a year. This in itself is incredibly simple as we will provide you with either raw soap and instructions on how to dilute it or, alternatively, a pre-diluted mixture and all that needs to be done is to rub the plaster with the solution and this conditions and seals the plaster.

Can I have polished plaster on the outside of my home or business? 

Yes! Traditional “Venetian” plaster was used to waterproof the exterior of homes in Venice where there is a lot of water and floods happen. Fat Lime Finishing can apply gorgeous polished plaster to the outside of any structure.

What is solid plaster? 

Solid plastering is a re-emerging traditional technique that allows the plasterer to build thin, lightweight partitions. These systems can be as little as 2” thick for partition walls and exceed firecode and have excellent sound dampening. In addition the partition may be contoured in all axes to the extent that a wall can easily be made sinuous, shaped like blowing cloth, crumpled paper, stone, marble sculpture or whatever is desired. We use solid plastering techniques to create walls, stair railings, range hood covers, fireplace surrounds, showers with built in benches, heated outdoor seating, and any surface. The possibilities are endless.

Does Fat Lime Finishing build or just overcoat? 

Both, with the caveats that we cannot warranty another company's substrate work and that substandard substrates tend to produce substandard results.

Do you drywall? 

We can drywall and often prefer to do the board work ourselves to ensure consistent quality. We can also forgo drywall and solid plaster any wall, fireplace, railing, room divider.

Do you create sculptural wall installations? 

Yes, we can cast or freehand sculptural elements on any scale. From fluting to florals and well beyond. Fat Lime Finishing can bring your ideas to fruition. 

What is Scagliola? 

Scagliola is the combination of gypsum, pigments and glue to create an imitation stone. Fat Lime Finishing can use scagliola to fabricate anything from art to furniture, countertops, columns, plinths and more. 

Why should I use Fat Lime Finishing to install wallpaper? 

We will repair and flatten your walls rather than install over imperfections. The end result is a perfect professional wall.  

Who does Fat Lime Finishing work with? 

Home and business owners, designers, architects, project managers, contractors. We have experience effectively communicating with individuals at all levels of involvement in a project. 

Are all the pictures on this site actual projects you have worked on? 

Yes. There are no AI images or stock photos on any of our socials or website. Unlike many of our competitors, Fat Lime Finishing’s website is filled with actual site photos of our own work.

Who is Fat Lime Finishing? 

Grant started it all and does most of the artisanal and design work. Aleksandra brings her experience from art consultancy to the management side of things. Collectively they bring creativity, attention to detail and a strong work ethic to every project they undertake. They have been together for 20 years and have been growing Fat Lime Finishing for the past seven. For larger projects we use a roster of artisans and labourers who are over seen by ourselves to ensure the highest quality.

How is Fat Lime Finishing different from others in the market? 

We believe in honesty, straightforward communication and detail oriented, high quality work. We work smart and hard to create unique finishes and solutions. We formulate all of the products that we use in small batches custom for each application. After many years of extensive research and development and on-site formulation we have developed our own set of recipes for the finishes and techniques we use in our work. Fat Lime Finishing produces a wide variety of plasters and limewashes. Fat Lime Finishing materials adhere to historical standards proven by time: minerals, lime putty, marble dust. Our finishes are VOC free, you can have all the polish and depth with none of the toxicity of standard wall finishes so your space is healthy and timeless. Fat Lime Finishing hand mixes each colour by eye to match specifications. We source the vast majority of our raw materials from within North America. No need to wait for products to be imported at extra time and expense.

How much does custom plaster cost?

Pricing is determined by the desired finish, number of layers required, level of texture or polish, number of colours, square footage and site conditions. Fat Lime Finishing is based in Toronto, we are happy to, and do travel for special opportunities. Please contact us with your specifications to discuss pricing.

Do you provide prices over the phone?

For new builds and renovations we can provide a price through email with floor plans and elevations which include accurate measurements. For restoration work we prefer to visit the site in person to assess the conditions of the site in order to be able to give an accurate estimate. Each site is unique and each finish we provide is unique to fit.

How far in advance should I contact Fat Lime Finishing?

As early as possible to allow for sampling, design approvals and availability. Contact us for pricing. We will do our utmost to accommodate your schedule.

Do you make samples?  

We always create samples for approval for each project. As each project is unique we do not maintain a standard sample catalogue. Each finish we create is tailor made to the project with colour, texture, movement, depth and sheen to match the design palette, architecture, surrounding finishes, and furniture of each unique space. Please allow for a minimum of 3 days for production of a sample.

Does Fat Lime Finishing create art panels? 

Yes! On a commission basis we can create plaster or scagliola panels in any size, colour and texture. For a large scale example see our Junction Point Lobby Installation on the commercial page, for small scale examples please see our shop page.

Does Fat Lime Finishing manufacture materials for use by other professionals?

Yes, we produce a wide variety of plasters and limewashes for use by trained professionals. Contact us to find out specific availability.

Can you train a homeowner to limewash? 

Yes, we can help you prepare your walls and teach you how to correctly apply limewash for lasting finish.  

Are Fat Lime Finishing products VOC free? 

Yes! For those with chemical sensitivities or allergies or just people who want to breathe clean air in their own home or workplace, we have you covered.

How much lime is in your limewash? 

Did you know that a product only has to have 3% lime in it to be considered a limewash or lime plaster? Fat Lime Finishing’s limewash has over 50% lime by volume. No other material manufacturer can make that claim. The result is a more luminous authentic finish.

What does Fat Lime Finishing mean anyway? 

Fat Lime is made by burning limestone and slaking with water. This dry material (calcium hydroxide) is the base binder used for concrete and is used in water treatment, steel manufacture, food processing and a myriad of materials and processes that are foundational for any large scale human civilization. As a name it encompasses everything we do.