Where to Buy Quicklime – A Complete Guide to Sourcing and Using This Versatile Chemical

Quicklime also known as burnt lime or calcium oxide (CaO) is an alkaline chemical compound with many industrial and construction uses. However, it can be difficult to find places to buy quicklime these days compared to in the past. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore where you can source quicklime and how to use it effectively.

What is Quicklime Used For?

Before we discuss where to get it let’s look at the versatility of quicklime

• Stabilizing soils – It’s mixed into clay soils to improve strength and workability. This is called lime stabilization.

• Mortar and plaster – Quicklime is used to make traditional lime mortar and plasters for brickwork and renders. It slowly reacts with air to provide strength over time.

• Waste treatment – It’s added during sewage sludge treatment to reduce odors and microbes.

• Steel production – Quicklime removes impurities like silica from iron ore in steel manufacturing.

• Flue gas treatment – It captures sulfur dioxide from power plant flue gas.

• Tanning leather – Combining quicklime and water makes calcium hydroxide or slaked lime used in leather processing.

• Refining sugar – During juice purification, quicklime is added to precipitate impurities.

As you can see, quicklime has many uses across various industries. Next, let’s look at where you can buy it.

Where to Purchase Quicklime

Unfortunately, quicklime is harder to source than in the past. Here are some options for where to buy it:

• Online – You can find quicklime for sale online at retailers like Amazon in smaller quantities. Expect to pay premium prices upwards of $100 for a 50 lb bag.

• Farm supply or feed stores – Some agricultural retailers carry quicklime in bags for soil stabilization. Selection is often limited.

• Masonry supply companies – Stores catering to masons may stock quicklime for historic mortar making. Availability varies regionally.

• Chemical supply companies – Industrial chemical suppliers are one of the few consistent sources for pure quicklime. Pricing is very high unless buying full pallet quantities.

• Direct from manufacturers – Larger regional lime producers may be willing to sell quicklime direct to consumers if you can arrange local pickup. Check for kilns near you.

Unless you need industrial bulk quantities, sourcing small bags is challenging. Be prepared to pay a premium or buy full pallets online for the best value.

Using Quicklime Effectively and Safely

Once you secure a supply of quicklime, proper handling is crucial for both results and safety:

• Wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, dust mask and coveralls when handling. The chemical reaction with moisture can cause burns.

• Hydrate and slake quicklime fully before use by adding water very slowly and carefully. The resulting slaked lime paste is safer to work with.

• Only use stainless or plastic mixing tools. The chemical reaction corrodes most metals.

• Work in small batches mixing just what you need. Leftover quicklime is hazardous as it remains caustic.

• Follow recommended application rates carefully to avoid using excess. More is rarely better with caustic chemicals.

While quicklime takes experience and care to use, when handled safely it offers many benefits not easily achievable with other products. Just be sure to protect yourself and manage it responsibly.

FAQs About Purchasing and Using Quicklime

Here are answers to some common questions about buying and using quicklime:

Is quicklime the same as hydrated lime?

No. Quicklime or burnt lime is calcium oxide (CaO). Hydrated lime is calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) which is created by combining quicklime with water.

Is agricultural lime the same as quicklime?

No. Ag lime or garden lime is usually ground limestone or calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It does not have the same properties as purified quicklime.

Where can I buy small bags of quicklime?

Online retailers offer the most options for buying smaller bags for non-industrial uses. Try stores like Amazon or search for local masonry suppliers.

What’s the difference between quicklime and slaked lime?

Slaked lime is quicklime combined with water, so it is hydrated calcium oxide while quicklime remains in non-hydrated oxide form until water is added.

How much water should be used per pound of quicklime?

Use approximately 0.4 gallons of water per 1 lb of quicklime. Always add powder to water slowly to prevent dangerous splashing and reactions.

Can I make my own quicklime by burning limestone?

It’s possible but challenging. Heating limestone between 900°C and 1000°C can produce quicklime but this is difficult to achieve outside industrial kilns. It’s easier and safer to buy premade.