The Natural Philosopher coughed up some electrons that declared:

Tim S wrote:
One more (ta in advance and all that)

I have to render the inside of a fireplace, in order that a wood/coal
burning iron stove can go in later.

What would be the recommended mix for that? Something with lime maybe?

On an aside - I'd like to "paint" it white. Paint's not going to like the
heat - so I thought of whitewash/distemper - basically something white,
paintable and lime based. Is that something I could make starting with a
bag of lime? Google's not being helpful with regard to just
buying "whitewash" and "distemper" is more of a doggie disease(!)

Nearest I could find was this:


http://www.wow-wow.co.uk/shop/eco-bu...ash-paint.htma

Are whitewash, limewash and distemper all the same thing?

Ta

Tim
Do a smooth render with white cement and washed playpit/silver sand.

Don't bother painting,


Some timely feedback is due I think.

I followed your suggestion, using a 1:1:5 of snowcrete (white portland
cement), lime and playsand.

I wirebrushed the crap off the fireplace (wasn't too sooty save for a few
spots) and primed with a wet cement slurry.

I made the render fairy sloppy (the lime certainly helps hold it togther)
then applied.

It worked pretty well. It dried to a very light beige and looks quite
natural. Job done - thanks for the inspiration!

Cheers

Tim