Eco-friendly lime micromortars for indoor and outdoor use

Lime-based micromortar is a seamless, mineral coating with a slim build that uses lime as its principal binder. It also contains fine aggregates, additives, and mineral pigments to enhance adhesion and workability. Unlike other mortars, it stands out for its eco-friendly nature and excellent vapour permeability.

Thanks to its aesthetic versatility and high resistance to abrasion, foot traffic, and water, lime-based micromortar is an ideal decorative finish that can be applied without demolition over floors, walls, façades, swimming pools, terraces, and furniture.

There are several types of lime-based micromortar, each designed to suit different substrates and performance requirements. While they all share a mineral base and low build thickness, their formulations—and the type of lime used—affect behaviour, texture, and strength.

Main types of lime micromortar

• - Air-lime micromortar: made with fat/slaked lime, it offers very high breathability and an ultra-fine, silky finish. Ideal for interiors and for projects seeking a more artisanal aesthetic.
• - Hydraulic-lime micromortar: incorporates lime that hardens in the presence of water, delivering greater strength and durability. Perfect for exteriors, floors, and humid spaces where a more robust coating is needed.
• - Hybrid/technical micromortar: blends lime with a small proportion of other mineral binders to balance flexibility, hardness, and adhesion. Used in projects demanding high mechanical performance without sacrificing lime’s natural look.

Beyond composition, lime-based micromortars are also distinguished by the wide range of textures and finishes available—from smooth, satin surfaces to stonelike or aged effects—allowing you to fully customise the final result to your space or architectural style.

Applying lime-based micromortar calls for careful preparation and respect for drying times to ensure a durable, attractive result. While straightforward for qualified professionals, it’s important to follow a technical protocol that guarantees adhesion and system stability.

Step-by-step application process:

• - Substrate preparation: debe estar limpio, firme, seco y libre de grasas, pinturas o restos de polvo. A continuación, y en función de la porosidad del soporte, se recomienda aplicar un tipo de imprimación y, si es necesario, una malla de refuerzo.
• - Applying the lime-based micromortar: extender capas finas (el número lo prescribe cada fabricante) con llana de acero o goma, buscando buena cobertura y adherencia. Se deja secar el tiempo indicado según las condiciones ambientales.
• - Sanding and smoothing: once dry, lightly sand to remove imperfections and achieve a uniform finish.
• - Final protection: seal the lime-based micromortar with a specific sealer/varnish suited to the use case (interiors, exteriors, wet areas, or high-traffic zones). This final layer boosts mechanical and chemical resistance.

The result is a continuous surface—free of grout lines—with a mineral appearance that stands the test of time and maintains its natural beauty with minimal maintenance.

La aplicación del micromortero de cal requiere una preparación cuidada y el respeto de los tiempos de secado para garantizar un resultado duradero y estético. Aunque su ejecución es sencilla para profesionales cualificados, es importante seguir un protocolo técnico que asegure la adherencia y la estabilidad del sistema.

General care and maintenance:

• - Routine cleaning: Clean with water and a neutral pH soap, avoiding abrasive products, acids, or strong degreasers that could damage the protective layer.
• - Sealer upkeep:In high-traffic or wet areas, reapply the sealer or protective wax periodically, depending on use and exposure. This preserves its water repellency and natural sheen.
• - Spot repairs: In the event of minor knocks or scuffs, local touch-ups are possible without refinishing the entire surface, thanks to its continuity and handcrafted character.
• - Exterior maintenance: On façades or terraces, occasional cleaning and a sealer check every few years will suffice—especially in areas exposed to sun or rain.

With minimal maintenance, lime-based micromortar retains its original beauty and mineral feel.

Yes—lime-based micromortar is perfectly compatible with underfloor (radiant) heating, provided the substrate is properly executed and the start-up and commissioning protocols are followed. Its low thickness and good thermal conductivity enable excellent heat transfer, while its breathable, slightly flexible nature helps accommodate thermal expansion and manage moisture naturally.

Although both are mineral coatings, lime-based micromortar and traditional cement mortar differ significantly in composition, performance, and aesthetic outcome.

Lime-based micromortar uses natural lime as its main component, which provides greater breathability, flexibility, and adaptability to the substrate. Its porosity allows water vapor to dissipate easily, preventing condensation and supporting the hygrothermal regulation of indoor spaces. Its mineral composition and hand-applied technique also deliver a warmer, more artisanal look with natural tonal variations and subtle shading.

Cement mortar, by contrast, is characterized by higher hardness and rigidity but is less vapor-permeable, which can lead to internal stresses and cracking on certain substrates. Its appearance is more industrial and uniform and, while it offers excellent structural strength, it is less suitable as a continuous decorative finish.

In short, lime-based micromortar is more breathable, flexible, and aesthetically expressive—ideal for healthy, decorative wall and floor finishes—whereas cement mortar is chosen when maximum structural strength is the priority and aesthetics are secondary.

Lime-based micromortar can be applied to a wide range of substrates, provided they are sound, level, and free of moisture or surface contamination. Its high adhesion and low thickness make it possible to refurbish existing surfaces without demolition, delivering a continuous, long-lasting finish. Common compatible substrates include: concrete and cement mortars; gypsum plaster and plasterboard (drywall); ceramic, gres, and porcelain tiles; self-levelling compounds and mineral screeds; terrazzo and marble; and other wall and floor tiles.

Lime-based micromortar stands out because it combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in a single seamless system with a well-balanced performance. Its uniquely mineral, handcrafted texture—together with impressive strength—makes it ideal for virtually any space and substrate. Below we break down the key properties that make lime-based micromortar a unique finish for your projects.

Key benefits:

Lime-based micromortar is an ideal solution for both new builds and refurbishments—especially when you want a seamless, durable coating with a natural aesthetic. Its mineral composition and slim build make it a highly practical option for renewing surfaces without demolition, giving spaces a fresh, uniform look.

Common uses

• - interior wall cladding: adds texture, colour, and a handcrafted appearance—perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and circulation areas.
• - Interior floors: creates continuous surfaces that are resistant to foot traffic and pleasant underfoot.
• - Retail and contract spaces: widely used in shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, and shopping centres for its resistance to intensive use, easy maintenance, and contemporary, natural look.
• - Facades and exterior wall surfaces: its breathability lets the substrate “breathe,” preventing moisture issues while preserving the natural lime aesthetic.
• - Bathrooms, showers and kitchens: with the right system and sealers, it can be applied in wet areas, offering a seamless, easy-to-clean finish.
• - Terraces and patios: its weather resistance makes it suitable outdoors, providing visual continuity between interior and exterior.
• - Furniture and decorative elements: used to coat basins, fireplaces, or benches, unifying materials and creating a cohesive look.

In short, lime-based micromortar is recommended for any project seeking a natural surface without grout lines and with long-lasting durability—combining design, comfort, and sustainability.

Lime-based micromortar is defined by its low build. Thanks to its composition, it should be applied in very thin coats without compromising strength or durability. Depending on the finish the master applicator wants to achieve, our lime-based micromortars are applied at a total system thickness of approximately 2–3 mm up to 5–6 mm.

The price of lime-based micromortar depends on the substrate, the system used, the decorative finish, and the site conditions. As a guideline, it ranges from €100 to €150/m². This is a handcrafted, technical coating whose value lies in the quality of the material, the master applicator’s manual process, and the durability of the final result.

Factors that influence the price of lime-based micromortar:

• - Condition and nature of the substrate (new build or refurbishment).
• - Space complexity and the number of coats required.
• - Type of texture, colour, and finish selected.
• - Specialised labour and application times.

Although its initial cost is higher than a conventional coating, lime-based micromortar pays for itself over time thanks to its high resistance, low maintenance, and timeless aesthetic value. Its mineral finish and hand application make it an exclusive, long-lasting solution for both interiors and exteriors.

Yes—lime micromortar is a natural, environmentally friendly material. Its composition is based on air or hydraulic lime, mineral aggregates, and natural pigments, with no synthetic resins or toxic components. During curing, the lime absorbs some CO₂ from the air, helping to partially offset the emissions generated during manufacture.

Beyond its low environmental impact, it supports healthier interiors: it’s breathable, regulates humidity, and helps maintain a balanced environment free from condensation and mold. Its long service life and low maintenance also reduce resource consumption over time.

For all these reasons, lime-based micromortar is considered a sustainable, healthy, and long-lasting option—especially suitable for projects that prioritize energy efficiency and natural materials.

The issue lies with some manufacturers who market their lime micromortars as sustainable when they contain as little as 3–4% lime.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer: both lime-based micromortar and microcement are excellent seamless coatings, but their composition and performance differ, so the right choice depends on the project and the result you’re after.

Lime-based micromortar offers a more handcrafted, natural aesthetic, with soft mineral tones and a matte texture. It’s breathable, eco-friendly, and helps regulate indoor humidity, making it ideal for interiors, restorations, healthy homes, and sustainable projects. It can also be used in wet areas when the appropriate sealing system is applied.

Microcement, by contrast, is formulated with cement, polymers, and resins. It delivers higher surface hardness and greater chemical and mechanical resistance, which makes it suitable for high-traffic floors, kitchens, commercial premises, or other demanding surfaces. Its finish tends to be more uniform, polished, and contemporary—more technical than artisanal.

Luttum Concept’s lime-based micromortar delivers performance superior to many conventional microcements. It combines a mineral, handcrafted look with high mechanical and chemical resistance, while maintaining low thickness and a continuous finish.

Lime, proven over centuries in architectural heritage, provides unique durability and mineral aesthetics that appear unalterable over time. Brought into micromortar, that strength delivers a coating just as beautiful as microcement—but sustainably, and with far greater longevity.

Our lime micromortar minimizes the risk of cracking. It also offers greater elasticity and abrasion resistance, ensuring superior finishes in more demanding spaces.

Architects and interior designers have long fallen for the charms of both, and the verdict is crystal clear: the era of microcement has ended; lime-based micromortars now reign.

Its high breathability responds better to moisture issues, and its water resistance helps you avoid customer complaints in wet areas such as bathrooms and pools.

And the best for last: in a climate crisis, you can’t look the other way—and neither do we. That’s why our lime-based micromortar is eco-friendly.