Study of the Influence of Limewash on the Conservation of Islamic Plasterworks through Weathering Tests

Accelerated weathering tests reveal that limewash applied to Islamic plasterworks in Seville's Real Alcázar offers limited protective benefits, particularly against capillary absorption, while showing significant detachment during immersion tests—a behavior not observed in the original structures. The study suggests capillarity tests more accurately simulate real-world conditions for these ornamental elements. Researchers prepared gypsum plaster specimens with compositions mirroring those of the Alcázar's plasterworks, applying limewash layers and subjecting them to cycles of water absorption (via capillarity and immersion) and drying. Despite minimal durability improvements, limewash demonstrated a protective effect in samples with higher water/plaster ratios, highlighting its potential for targeted conservation strategies.

Alejandre, F. J., Blasco-López, F. J., Flores-Alés, V., Villegas, R., & Freire, M. T. (2019). Study of the Influence of Limewash on the Conservation of Islamic Plasterworks through Weathering Tests. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 15(4), 580–592. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2019.1632393