Traditional Portuguese techniques for application and maintenance of historic renders

Abstract

The Portuguese architectonic heritage is mostly composed of old buildings needing intervention, especially on exterior renders, plasters and finishes. Preventive and conservative interventions are preferred in order to avoid the extraction of historical elements that are representative of the artistic and the inventive character of past generations. Subsequently it is necessary to use efficient, compatible and viable repair methodologies which are adapted to the situation. In order to adapt such methodologies to the historic renders and masonries and to improve the compatibility of conservation actions and to increase the link between modern conservation work and traditional techniques and communities, it is fundamental to gather and analyze traditional techniques, tools and materials for render application, decoration and protection. A review of traditional application and maintenance techniques, materials and tools that have been used to produce, protect and decorate historic renders are presented and their importance and viability are discussed, in order to contribute to the development of a methodology for conservative intervention on historic renders.