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What is Shikkui?

An all-natural lime plaster engineered in Japan that actively improves indoor air quality and has been used in building materials, finished materials and home goods.

Shikkui is an all-natural lime plaster that has been used in Japan as a building material for centuries. As increased concerns surrounding indoor air pollution rise, advancements in Shikkui have led to the creation of Shikkui Paint, and smaller scale air deodorizers like LumieCube and Deodo Tile. Shikkui’s all-natural makeup allows it to effectively provide a multitude of home and health benefits, verified by independent tests according to ISO, JIS and ASTM standards.

Key Benefits

Humidity Regulating

Shikkui is made of a highly porous and absorbent mineral which allows it to effectively hold and release moisture. This porous nature allows moisture to be stored within the material, removing it from the air when moisture is in excess (up to 200 g of water vapor per m2 of surface) and gradually releasing it back when the air becomes too dry, creating a comfortable humidity level of 40-60%, recommended level by ASHRAE. Its ability to regulate humidity makes it an ideal wall coating for interiors as it also helps reduce the wear and tear on HVAC systems.

Available as a paint and a plaster, Shikkui can easily be applied to interior and exterior walls. As an architectural coating of choice for humidity regulation, Shikkui is used in many rooms from basements to bedrooms.

Disinfects the Air

Shikkui naturally disinfects the air due to the slaked lime that contributes to its high pH (12pH). As the porous surface of Shikkui absorbs bacteria, viruses, mold and other toxins, its high alkali properties naturally disinfect and create an inhospitable surface for viruses and bacteria to grow.

In addition to disinfecting the air, Shikkui also creates an anti-static surface which prevents dust accumulation and reduces common allergies brought on by a buildup of dust mites, dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria and pet dander.

This has made Shikkui an ideal paint and lime plaster to apply in areas with high foot traffic such as hospitals, hotels, factories and other commercial buildings.

  • Anti-fungal: ASTM D3273/74
  • Anti-viral: ISO 21702
  • Antibacterial: JIS Z 2801

Absorbs VOCs, Odours & CO2

As Shikkui’s porous surface absorbs humidity, bacteria, viruses and mold, it also absorbs VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), odours and CO2. VOCs are produced by a large group of chemicals that are commonly found in building and finishing materials like composite wood, paint, varnishes, and carpet, and everyday products like furniture, clothing, air fresheners, cleaning products and cosmetics. These VOCs are known to “off-gas” and impact air quality. Shikkui’s photocatalytic capabilities allow it to actively target VOC gases, breaking them down into harmless compounds.

This is why Shikkui paint & plaster are highly recommended wall coatings to apply to interior spaces as they reduce the presence of VOCs which are found in homes and buildings, and actively improve indoor air quality.

All-Natural

Shikkui is made from all-natural materials and in a combination that makes it non-toxic. Its ingredients include up to 50% up-cycled eggshell aggregate - a rapidly renewable, pre-consumer source of high-grade calcium carbonate, and upcycled plant fibres.

  • Shikkui has zero-VOCs: ASTM D3960

Durable

The durability of Shikkui has made it a chosen material for centuries. The calcium carbonate present in the materials that make up Shikkui is turned into slaked lime to create a paint or plaster by adding water. Once the paint or plaster dries the slaked lime is turned into calcium carbonate through the process of carbonation, creating a durable and crack-resistant surface designed to last.

  • Shore Durometer Hardness: ASTM D2240

Fire Resistant

The slaked lime that makes up Shikkui lime plaster lends itself to many of the health & home benefits concerned with air quality and also provides fire-resistant properties.

  • ASTM Ratings: Fire Rating (ASTM E84)

Humidity Regulating
Disinfects the Air
Absorbs VOCs, Odours & CO2
All-Natural
Durable
Fire Resistant

Verified by Third Parties

VOC content

ASTM D3960

Zero-VOC finishes
(0.0-0.7 gr/L or 0.0-0.0 lbs/gal)

Anti-fungal

ASTM D3273/74

Rating 10

(no fungal growth)

Sore D Hardness

ASTM D2240

61-85

(depending on product)

Anti-Viral

ISO 21702

99.4% elimination of Feline Coronavirus in 2 hours

Antibacterial

JIS Z 2801

Complete elimination of Escherichia coli in 24 hours

Fire Resistant

ASTM E84

Class A

(Type I in other codes)

Our Accreditations

Silver Level

L E A D E R S H I P I N E N E R G Y & E N V I R O N M E N T A L D E S I G N LEED

11 LEED

credits

Monozukuri Award

(2007)

Good Design Award

(2007)

LAB TESTED FOR CORONAVIRUS

Shikkui products

Shikkui is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of household products, from paint and plaster for interior and exterior surfaces to everyday items like air and shoe deodorizers, and DIY modeling kits.

Shikkui vs. Others

Compare the unique benefits of SHIKKUI with other materials to see why it's the superior choice for healthier, sustainable living.
VOC emissions
Absorbs VOCs & odours
Absorbs CO2
Humidity Regulating
Anti-fungal
Anti-bacterial/Anti-viral
Anti-allergic
Fire Resistant
Maintenance
Decorative Textures
Application
Colours
Cost
Longevity

What is Shikkui made from?

A Closer Look at Shikkui’s Versatility

The history of Shikkui

From its origins in 6th-century Japan as a natural lime plaster to its role in shaping castles, homes, and modern spaces, Shikkui has a fascinating story to tell. Discover how this ancient material evolved into a cutting-edge solution for healthier, sustainable living. Dive into the timeline below to explore Shikkui’s journey through history and innovation.

Timeline Image

Birth of Japanese Shikkui

6th Century

(Asuka period)

Lime plasters were first introduced to Japan from mainland Asia in the 6th century, following the spread of Buddhism. During this time, lime plasters in Japan continued to develop and evolve independently based on locally available resources, eventually bringing to life Shikkui – today’s Japanese lime plaster.

Shikkui as a Luxury Material

17th Century

(Edo period)

As Japan unified and entered its cultural transformation period, known as the Edo period renaissance, Shikkui became a symbol of luxury. Applied to castle walls, Shikkui was layered over earthen plasters and reserved for nobles and upper samurai society. Most common housing structures were made of wood and earthen plaster during this time.

Great Fire of Meireki

1657

The high concentration of wooden housing in Edo (now Tokyo) made the city prone to devastating fires, including the infamous Great Fire of Meireki, which destroyed 60–70% of the capital and claimed over 100,000 lives. In response, the Tokugawa Shogunate permitted the widespread use of Shikkui, valued for its fire-resistant properties. Once reserved for the elite, Shikkui became a key material for both residential and commercial construction, particularly in merchant warehouses where thicker layers protected commodities.

New Shikkui Aesthetics

18th–19th Century

(Late Edo period) 

Advancements in craftsmanship during the late Edo period led to the development of new Shikkui finishes, application techniques, and tools. Exterior Shikkui applications became known for durability, fire protection, and aesthetic appeal, while interior Shikkui coatings enhanced air quality with humidity-regulating and antibacterial properties.

Main Finish Coating

19th Century

(Meiji period)

During the modernization of Japan in the Meiji period, Shikkui finishes were applied to Western-style brick constructions, establishing its status as Japan’s main finish coating. Many cultural buildings from this era, now recognized as national and world heritage sites, were finished with Shikkui.

New Shikkui Innovations

2010’s

Modern Shikkui finishes have expanded to include decorative artisan products, sprayable and roller-applied plaster, enhanced humidity-regulating coatings, and DIY-friendly options.

Continued Shikkui Developments

2020’s

With increased concerns about air quality, innovations in Shikkui technology continue to focus on respiratory health and environmental sustainability. These advancements include the development of more easily applicable Shikkui Paint.