Join us for a one-day course where you will gain a practical introduction to rendering and plastering with lime, including which materials to use, application and finishing methods and aftercare with Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley and our own Phil Brown.
£150.00
Are you looking to get started with lime rendering or plastering? Lime mortars and plasters were fundamental in the traditional construction of solid-walled buildings and today play an essential role in building conservation. As a traditional building skill growing in popularity, now is an excellent time to gain the knowledge and see the skills required to make a start.
This one-day course consists of two parts, theory and practical. Hosted by our own Phil Brown and Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley, we begin the day with an introduction to the theory behind lime, providing a solid foundation for understanding how lime works, its applications and the benefits it can provide for solid wall construction.
The second part of the day will include practical demonstrations and hands-on training, including guidance on background preparation, application and finishing, plus tips from Sean and Phil’s experience working with lime. There will be plenty of time for Q&A throughout the day, and open discussion is encouraged.
This course is ideal for contractors, building professionals, specifiers or homeowners and DIYers looking to get started with lime rendering and plastering. For a more general introduction to lime and its applications, see our Introduction to Lime Course.
If you have a current or ongoing project, feel free to ask any questions you have—we’ll be happy to offer general guidance where we can.
This course welcomes students aged 16 and above who are enthusiastic about getting started with lime-based products. We encourage everyone joining us to approach the course ready to learn, ask questions and get hands-on with the materials and tools.
Location & Time
This course is held onsite at Cornish Lime, Old Callywith Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2DZ, from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Please arrive ten minutes early to check in. Limited spaces are available, with a maximum of 10 participants per course. Multiple dates are available for booking online throughout the year.
Clothing & Footwear
Attendees should wear practical clothing and footwear that covers the skin and is suitable for hands-on work. Warmer layers are recommended for spring, autumn, and winter courses. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.
Lunch & Refreshments
Lunch and refreshments will be served; please note any dietary requirements as needed when signing up.
Course Instructor – Sean Wheatley
Sean Wheatley has worked as a plasterer for over 40 years, becoming a Master Plasterer with the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers in 2022. Sean and his team have worked on prestigious buildings across the country. Sean also teaches our popular Decorative Plaster & Running Mould Masterclass for plasterers keen to expand their skill set. Learn more about Sean Wheatley.
Course Instructor – Phil Brown
Phil Brown is the founder and Managing Director of Cornish Lime, with over 50 years of experience and expertise in the construction industry and the use of lime-based materials. Learn more about Phil Brown.
Most of our courses are designed to be inclusive and beneficial for a broad audience, including contractors, building professionals, specifiers or homeowners. Keep an eye on the course details for specific recommendations for each course.
No, you do not need to bring anything specific. All PPE, tools and materials are provided. However, we recommend wearing suitable clothing and footwear, including warmer layers for spring, autumn and winter courses.
Of course! You can purchase a course online, get in touch via email at justine@cornishlime.co.uk or call us if you’d like to purchase a course on behalf of someone else.
The Premier Inn Bodmin (Launceston Rd, Bodmin PL31 2RW) and the Westberry Hotel & Restaurant (Rhind St, Bodmin PL31 2EL) are both nearby and practical options. If you want to experience some local history, we recommend the Bodmin Jail Hotel, a local landmark and historical site, a project we were proud to be a part of.
Working with lime or lime-based products can initially seem intimidating; however, your skill and confidence will grow with a solid understanding of how and why lime works, patience, and persistence.
Like any other skill, practice makes perfect. While we can provide a solid introduction to practical lime plastering and rendering techniques, refining those skills will take purposeful practice well beyond this initial course.
Enjoyed the day
Graham Elliott (verified owner) –
Lime rendering and plastering course
Sara Tuckey –
A superb course and excellent value for money
This course, which was well run, friendly, balanced and really informative, took us through the way lime can be beneficial to many buildings/ situations where more modern materials may not be. There was a really well-balanced degree of technical information without being off-putting but the instructors were always happy to help answer more detailed or specific use-case questions from the group. The practical session was also well run with everyone picking up the basic techniques very quickly and successfully.
The food at lunchtime was also excellent and plentiful it has to be said! All in all, the course far exceeded (my already high) expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about this amazing and timeless building material.
Chris Wood –