EWI-746 Lime Render NHL 2 is part of the EWI Pro Heritage Range, designed for projects where breathability, moisture movement and compatibility with traditional building materials are essential. Formulated using natural hydraulic lime NHL 2 as the primary binder, it offers a gentler, more vapour-permeable alternative to dense cement-based materials, making it especially well suited to softer, more porous and historic masonry backgrounds. Manufactured from natural hydraulic lime, natural sands and additives, it provides good workability and consistent application performance while retaining the traditional qualities associated with lime-based materials.

Designed for use as a basecoat or scratch coat within breathable lime render systems and plaster build-ups, EWI-746 supports the natural movement of moisture through the wall structure rather than trapping it behind a harder, less permeable finish. This makes it particularly suitable for heritage, conservation and refurbishment work, as well as selected new-build projects where vapour permeability and traditional masonry compatibility matter.

Intended Uses

EWI-746 Lime Render NHL 2 is suitable for both internal and external applications, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of projects, including:

• External walls on solid brick, stone and traditional masonry
• Internal walls where breathability is required
• Heritage, conservation and refurbishment projects
• Traditional lime-based backgrounds
• Breathable render and plaster build-ups
• Situations where a lime-based basecoat or scratch coat is required before further finishing coats

It is especially appropriate for older buildings where moisture needs to be managed naturally rather than sealed in, and for softer or more porous backgrounds where a gentler lime binder is preferred.

Key Benefits

• Highly breathable, allowing moisture vapour to pass through walls
• Ideal for soft, porous and historic masonry
• Far more compatible with traditional backgrounds than dense cement-based alternatives
• Helps support long-term building health by allowing walls to dry naturally
• Suitable for both internal and external use
• Good workability and consistency for traditional lime applications
• Can be used as a basecoat or scratch coat within breathable lime systems
• Contains no Portland cement
• Class A1 reaction to fire

Compatible Products

EWI-746F Fine Finish Lime Render NHL 2
EWI-746F is specifically designed to be applied over EWI-746 where a finer, smoother traditional finish is required, while maintaining the same breathability and compatibility expected from a lime-based system.

Blue Fibreglass Mesh
Blue Fibreglass Mesh can be incorporated where specified within the build-up.

EWI-749 Lime Plaster
Where a more refined internal lime finish is required, EWI-749 Lime Plaster can be applied over EWI-746 as the second coat within a breathable lime-based build-up, helping maintain vapour permeability while creating a smoother internal finish.

EWI-707 Lime Wash
Lime Wash is a breathable finishing and sealing coat for EWI-746, helping to protect and unify the surface while still allowing moisture to evaporate naturally.

EWI-705 Lime Paint
Once EWI-746 has fully cured, Lime Paint can be applied as a decorative finish where colour consistency or a more finished appearance is required, without restricting vapour permeability.

Lime Wash and Lime Paint can also be blended together to create bespoke, heritage-style finishes where appropriate.

EWI-746 should only be used and finished within breathable lime-based systems to ensure long-term performance and proper moisture management.

Substrate Preparation

Substrates must be sound, clean and free from contaminants that could impair adhesion, including dust, dirt and loose material. Preparation should suit the condition and suction of the background. Porous surfaces should be pre-dampened with clean water before application, while denser backgrounds may require less pre-wetting. The substrate should be damp but not saturated, with no standing water present.

Any hollows, voids, recessed joints or missing pointing should be made good before rendering. Complete any dubbing out as needed to provide a suitable, even background before the main render layer is applied.

Product Preparation

Mix EWI-746 Lime Render NHL 2 exclusively with clean water at a rate of 4 to 4.5 litres per 25kg bag.

• Add water to a clean container first
• Gradually introduce the powder while mixing
• Mix for around 10 minutes
• Allow the material to stand for at least 10 minutes
• Remix thoroughly before use

Do not add admixtures or other materials. Do not increase the water content by more than 10%, as excess water can cause shrinkage and cracking. Where part bags are used, the contents should be dry blended first, as settlement can occur during storage. Use full bags wherever possible to maintain consistency.

Application

EWI-746 Lime Render NHL 2 should be applied as part of a minimum two-coat lime render system. Any uneven areas, voids or recessed joints should be dubbed out and allowed to firm up before the main application.

• Apply the scratch coat at 10 to 12mm and scratch to form a key for the next coat
• Allow it to cure for at least 7 days
• Apply the float coat at 8 to 10mm and do not exceed the thickness of the scratch coat
• Compact and rule or float to the required finish
• If a further finishing coat is to be applied, lightly texture the surface to provide a key

For visual consistency, use material from the same batch across each elevation.

Technical Data

Storage Conditions

Store in original, unopened packaging under cover, off the ground and keep dry at all times. Bags should remain unopened until use, and any opened or part-used material must be protected from moisture. For best performance, use within 6 months of manufacture.

Packaging note:

Please note: this product may be supplied in unbranded packaging.