I want to begin by saying that I am very happy to have found this forum, it's really wonderful!

To begin with I have a arts background in painting, pottery and drawing. I studied recently in Florence and learned the technique of fresco making. I would really like to do this on a large scale. Since my drawings always tend to get big. I was taught in Italy to make the frescoes on a small scale, on pre-fab plaster boards. From there we removed them and glued them to 1/2 inch wooden boards that are easy to carry. I also dabbled a bit overthere on restoration of frescos.

I have in mind a project that I would like to make on a exterior wall, that is not in the sun or receive rain. The wall is concrete with exterior paint. What is the best application I can give this wall to do the fresco on?
1-Do I have to build some sort of frame around the door where the fresco will be?
2-If the frame is up, preparing the wall with lime and sand is that enough?

In Italy, we used lime that is 5 years old. The lime that is sold here is not. Is there something I should do to prepare the lime that is sold here?

I've read about the sand posts: do you think soaking the sand i water for days will remove the salt? I live in Miami and everything here is salty and humid, not the ideal for fresco making but I think I can do it.

I purchased all of my pigments in Italy so I have that, my problem is just getting started, preparing the wall, and the technique of plastering. After that I should be alright. If someone can please help me with this, i would be most appreciative.

Thank You Very Much,
Victoria Clemente in Miami