Limewash can be used on smooth or textured walls.
Yes! You can apply lime wash on smooth or textured walls. Limewash doesn't fill bumps and grooves in the walls though. If you want a completely smooth surface before applying, I'd recommend painting a skim coat to the wall before adding your primer.
Limewash paint is a liquid product, so it'll not cover the rough texture underneath; it would require a plaster product or some drywall work to smoothen the surface. And if you choose to smoothen the walls beforehand, the limewash finish results will have a more refined look similar to a plaster aesthetic.
Safe use of limewash can generally be expected on traditional materials such as lime, stone, soft brick, plaster, stucco, render and earth. Likewise, limewash can adhere to and be compatible with glass, but not plastic.
Limewash paint can be applied directly over breathable surfaces such as brick, cement, stucco and plaster. Previously painted surfaces should be primed first for best results.
Preparing for Lime-Washing
Before starting the lime-washing process, ensure your solid wood floors are thoroughly clean and free of dust, dirt, and grime. If your floors have a previous finish, you'll need to sand them down. This ensures the limewash adheres properly.
Although many people love limewash paint, it does create a mottled look that is hard to control and may not be for everyone. Some projects may require several coats of paint to achieve the desired effect. In addition, the high pH means the paint can irritate skin and must be handled carefully.
Good quality limewash applied properly to a suitable substrate should not rub off readily onto clothes. Reasons for poor adhesion can be preparation with ordinary bagged lime, coats being applied excessively thickly, inadequate dampening down before limewashing, or too rapid drying out.
Unlike artificial paints, Limewash will not need to be removed and only retouched every five to seven years. Most Suitable for Masonry Surfaces: Old buildings with masonry surfaces like stone, concrete, and brick are perfect fits for lime wash coating.
You can paint over the texture using a thick-nap roller or apply wallpaper designed for textured surfaces to give a new look to the walls.
Troubleshooting Guide - Limewash washing off
Additives to limewash such as tallow and linseed oil reduce its porosity and hence can reduce the bond of subsequent coats of limewash. Surface dusting of previous coats of limewash will not provide a consolidated surface for the new application to key into.
Remember that limewash will weather and patina over time, creating a beautiful aged look. So while it may not wash off in the rain, it will likely wear away gradually over the years. A touch-up or a new coat every three to seven years is recommended.
If you're not in love with the color of your brick but are opposed to painting, then limewash can be a great option. It can brighten the color of your home, like in this example, and cover imperfections in the masonry.
Unlike paint, limewash soaks into the surface applied; therefore it won't chip or peel. It takes on the properties of the brick itself. This makes it excellent for masonry surfaces like stone, brick, and concrete.
If you're cleaning paneling and textured walls, opt for a vacuum with a bristle brush that gently agitates the surface and simultaneously collects dust. Like with drywall, work from the top downward, focusing on corners, but work horizontally to capture dust along the full length of the wall as you descend.
Make a Statement With a More Textured Finish
A common question we get asked is, “can you limewash textured walls?” The answer is yes! Limewash can be used on smooth or textured walls.
We recommend 24 hours between coats. It is very important to rewet the previous coat before applying the next coat. At least 4 coats will be needed to cover new work.
Finished limewash will gradually erode, which can produce a very attractive weathered look, but to retain the original opaque coverage, reapply the limewash every five to seven years. There is no need to remove existing limewash in order to apply renewal coats.
It can be hard to get the limewash to blend with water if you're mixing by hand. It costs more than paint. It isn't as long-lasting as whitewash – while it won't flake like paint, it still needs touch-ups regularly, and usually has to be redone every 5-7 years.
Limewash is typically cheaper than paint because it is less labor intensive and requires fewer materials. However, the cost will vary depending on the size of your project and the type of brick you have. If you are considering painting your brick, be sure to get an estimate from a professional first.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
Limewash can not be applied with a roller. We used block brushes to apply the primer, limewash paint and sealant to the wall.
If you apply Classico Limewash paint that day and it dries for 3 – 4 hours, normal rainstorms should not affect your paint finish. In fact, Classico Limewash paint is an authentic slaked-lime paint that will continue to get harder over time as it gets wet and dries.
Limewash paints can be used on a variety of surfaces. Each formulation is a little different so be sure to check with your paint's manufacturer. As a general rule, lime paints can be used on any porous masonry or concrete. They can be used over previously painted surfaces as long as you use a primer first.