Araish is a traditional Rajasthani royal lime plaster known for its beautiful mirror-like finish, smooth texture, and timeless elegance. For centuries, this handcrafted technique has been used to decorate the walls and ceilings of palaces, mosques, havelis, and other important architectural structures across India. Today, Araish continues to bring the character of traditional craftsmanship into modern luxury interiors.
The technique involves applying carefully prepared layers of lime-based plaster, traditionally combined with finely ground marble dust and other natural ingredients. Skilled artisans gradually polish and burnish the surface using traditional methods to achieve the distinctive reflective finish. The final surface has a smooth, velvety feel and a marble-like appearance while retaining the natural depth and character of lime plaster.
Beyond its visual appeal, Araish is a durable and breathable finish. Its natural composition helps regulate moisture and provides a comfortable indoor environment. It can also withstand everyday wear and changing climatic conditions when properly applied and maintained.
At House of Lime, we manufacture and supply quality lime plaster products while also offering professional plastering services. Our experienced craftsmen use traditional techniques with careful attention to detail, helping architects, designers, hotels, resorts, and homeowners achieve authentic Araish finishes.
Lime plaster is ideally applied on rough surfaces like brick or stone masonry. If the substrate is RCC, it must be scoured to roughen the surface. A spray of lime water and jaggery solution is used to enhance the bonding of the base plaster to the wall.
The foundation of Araish is the slaking of khadi chuna (limestone lime) for at least 2-3 days. This process ensures a reactive, smooth lime putty. The base plaster mix includes slaked lime, sand, jaggery water, and sometimes 5% cement for added strength.
The base coat is applied in 25mm layers, providing a textured base for the final coat. This coat is cured with water for 7 days and left to dry for 30 days before finishing.
The finishing layer consists of three coats:
1.The first: lime putty + marble dust (prepared using a mechanical chakki)
2.The second and third: fine lime putty paste with pigments (if desired), sealed with soap water
House of Lime brought our vision to life with sensitivity and precision. The lime plaster finish gave our home a timeless feel both elegant and breathable.
House of Lime is a sustainable construction studio specializing in vernacular design, lime plaster finishes, and eco-friendly building techniques to create timeless, climate-responsive spaces.
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