Description
One of our unique products is RINZAFFO MGN, a plaster developed in 1980 in Venice to the problem of capillary rising damp, penetrating damp and salts, however its origins stretch back to ancient Roman times.
It is a breathable salt resistant lime scratch coat, which protects subsequent plaster layers from the destructive effect of salts. Because it is both waterproof and breathable in the same time, it is suitable for a number of specialist applications such as:
- A base coat in any building subject to rising or penetrating damp
- A render against driving rain
- A plaster against the damp patches, discoloration or the crystallization of salts (sulphates) around old fireplaces and chimney stacks, a frequent problem in old buildings
- A lime-based "tanking slurry" to make basements or cellars waterproof
- As a waterproof (but breathable) floor screed to prevent flooding in high water-table or pressure water situations
- A plaster against splash water for rebuildings plinths
The RINZAFFO MGN system, due to its unique pore structure, prevents the crystallization of salts inside its pore structure. By regulating the evaporation of humidity it keeps salts residing inside the capillaries in a dissolved state thus prevents the rapid crystallization of salts often resulting in the detachment of plaster and deterioration of masonry.
With Rinzaffo MGN the surface of the plaster stays dry and healthy, and the appearance of the interior remains aesthetically pleasing.
The life expectancy of the plaster is very long even in "heavy-duty" damp and salty environments, if applied correctly, it can last over 40 years.


Application Examples
Here are some application examples of the Rinzaffo MGN salt-resistant lime plaster.
Click on any of the images to open the photo gallery.

































































Videos
Application of the Plaster
Here is tutorial about how to apply the Rinzaffo MGN plaster correctly, demonstrated by Mr. Naldo Busato - Venetian Building Restoration Master.
Most important points are summarized below:
- 00:00 - Start
- 00:04 - Introduction
- 00:37 - Mixing the plaster
- 01:06 - Preparing the wall surface
- 01:37 - Wetting the walls
- 02:39 - Leave no holes or gaps during application
- 03:19 - Compact the surface
- 03:33 - Do not overthin it
- 04:44 - Fibreglass mesh
- 05:12 - Give it a light key
- 05:38 - Dark spots indicate insufficient thickness
- 06:22 - Condensation while drying
- 07:40 - Plastering machine application
- 08:27 - Finishing near floor level
- 09:49 - Cutouts for sockets
- 10:26 - Wall anchors
- 10:53 - Summarizing the key points...
- 11:50 - Performance testing
Performance Testing
The Rinzaffo MGN mortar has been subject to a series of very demanding tests, both in the lab and on real buildings such as being constantly submerged in the high tides of Venice.
Here is a short summary on some of the tests performed:
- 00:36 Salts resistance test: resistant to all salts, including chlorites, nitrates, sulphates. Extensive history: 22 years of lab testing, nearly 40 years of field testing
- 02:00 Water resistance test: it's waterproof
- 02:47 Sideways pressure resistance
See the video below for more details on how well the plaster performs in very damp and saline environments.
Technical Data
Here are some key technical data. PDF Technical sheets can also be downloaded below.
Granulation | 0 - 3 mm |
Consumption (kg / m² / cm thickness) | 16 |
Fire rating | Class A1 (what this means) |
Weight (kg / m³) | 1,744 |
Vapour diffusion resistance (μ) | 15 |
Thermal conductivity (λ) | 0.96 |
Adhesion (N / m²) | 0.4 |
Water absorption | W0 |
Water intake (litre / bag) | 4.5 - 5.5 |
pH | 10.5 |
Bag weight (kg) | 25 |
Presence of harmful substances | Absent |
Composition
- Natural volcanic ashes and sands (natural pozzolans)
- NHL 3.5 Natural hydraulic lime
- Marble powder
- Washed sand, free of salts and impurities
- Natural organic additives to improve workability
Recommended for
Rising damp, Penetrating damp, Wind driven rain, Basement tanking, Chimneys, Salts, Flooding
Colour
Dark brown
Certifications
- Certified according to UNI EN 998-1:2016 as Renovating Plaster For Interior/Exterior Use
- Certified according to UNI EN 998-2:2016 as a Mortar with Guaranteed Performance - For External Use in Elements Subject to Structural Requirements.
- System 2+ Certified By TÜV Italy