Modernised Traditional Lime Plasters for Modern Historic Living of Built Heritage:Case Studies from Germany and Reflection for China

Traditional plasters were generally produced until about the middle of the 20^(th) century.Among traditional plasters,lime plaster in Europe occupies a position of outstanding importance.Plasters play a key role as a protective and decorative outer layer in the care and rehabilitation of the built heritage.To meet the needs for protecting masonry and living in historic buildings in the modern age,traditional lime plasters can be modified to fulfill technical and aesthetic functions.This paper makes an assessment of the use of traditional and modern lime plasters in Germany.The rediscovery of lime plaster as a material for use in cultural heritage conservation has led to the application of traditional and modern plasters along with advanced guidelines and standards for their production and application.In China,a kind of lime-system has recently been developed that is historically and technically compatible with the types used historically;the new types lend itself well to use in modern conservation.