Pinjar biscuit Fremantle past - Stone mortar pointing

And here we have one of Fremantle's formal early pieces with its non-hydaulic pieces uncovered to show what I discussed earlier where darker stone is revealed and possibly the evidence for darker lime washes we saw in the vernacular of Fremantle.

Here we see two colours. Both construction mortar and a lighter facing mortar. First stone buildings may also have had conch lime in the facing mix to increase strength.

While we now have penetrating sealers which harden stone exterior and prevent stone losing its colour to mold, evidence is present of a hydraulic Portland bag over the top.

This stone would have been chosen darker, slightly softer for facing.

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Whitewash for lighthouses

A formula used by the U.S. Government in making whitewash for lighthouses and other public buildings.

Unslaked lime.........2 pecks
common salt...........1peck
rice flour............3pounds
spanish whiting.......half pound
Glue..................1 pound
water.................a sufficient quantity

Please not that this style of wash will not breath like a standard lime wash.   Any wash that may have moisture drawn in from behind through capillary action etc may cause a water resistant product to bubble. Glue being one of the main reasons for the water resistance which also breaks down with constant moisture exposure. 

Breathable washes allow moisture to evaporate away preventing bubbling.  I have made renders with water resistant products in them.  Even though these mixes are resistant not waterproof to moisture they prevent water ingress but breath enough to allow any retained moisture to evaporate.

Lime wash strength is its ability to shed water, ongoing coats required to some degree but in a situation where a wall may stay wet, less maintenance than standard paints.

Lime washes also can give natural flat look that in some architecture looks fantastic.  I love a natural flat look.