With easy-to-apply layers of limewash, you can completely transform the appearance of your interior and exterior surfaces, including drywall, plaster, stucco, brick, stone, slate, concrete, previously painted surfaces, etc.
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.
Paint acts as a layer of plastic that the lime wash won't adhere to, so you have to prep the surface with this primer that has the right chemical makeup to allow that to happen. It's the same thought process when sanding a surface you are making over.
Unlike most house paints that sit atop surfaces, limewash sinks in, so it's best applied to porous surfaces, such as plaster, stone, and brick. That said, limewash (especially premade, modern varieties that may already have mineral-binding additives) can be applied to drywall as long as an appropriate primer is used.
The only issue with limewash is that it doesn't work over latex paint, but it seemed like you could put down a primer to give the limewash something to adhere to. I ordered the limewash and primer along with a large brush recommended for applying.
Porous Surfaces: Priming is unnecessary for clean, porous surfaces like lime plaster or untreated brick. Non-porous Surfaces: Surfaces like painted brick or stone require a primer to ensure proper adhesion of the limewash. Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry before applying the primer.
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.
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.
Limewash is a very durable finish and can last for many years with proper care. It is best to reapply every three to five years to maintain the original look. To clean limewash, simply use a soft brush and mild soap. You can also pressure wash it if necessary.
Slow-Drying Process: Limewashing coats take a considerable amount of time to dry. Erosion: Limewashing will erode over time, meaning it will need to be retouched every five to seven years. Not Applicable for Painted Brick: Since Limewash penetrates the brick, it can't do so if the surface has already been painted.
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.
It penetrates the surface of your wall, creating a mottled matte appearance with variegated colors (resembling the look of a plastered wall). This DIY version has the same effect, but involves thinning paint by mixing it with water, then applying it to the wall in circular motions using a cloth instead of a brush.
Limewash is best applied by using a flat brush or masonry paintbrush. Stir the limewash well before and during application, apply working the wash well into the surface. The limewash should be applied in several thin coats. Avoid runs or drips running down the face of the work.
Generally limewash should be applied thinly and be allowed to dry out slowly. Our limewash is prepared from the finest quality lime putty slaked from quicklime. It will develop a fine finish over several coats; we recommend a minimum of 3-4 coats on new render and plaster.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
Limewash brick is a great choice for a vintage home look on new bricks. On the other hand, whitewashing bricks is recommended for those searching for a solution that is more permanent. Because whitewashing is mixed with paint, it can be used on previously painted brick.
And though limewash is bacteria- and mold-resistant, thanks to the high pH level of the lime, Helene van Os, brand manager for Pure and Original, says, "If you're going to use limewash paint in a humid or high-trafficked area, make sure you protect it with a sealer, as lime is porous and more vulnerable to dirt and ...
A pro of limewash is that it will not peel off like normal paint since it penetrates the brick. This means less maintenance than painted brick. It also lets the brick breathe. And speaking of less maintenance, since limewashed brick creates a worn and weathered look, natural wearing and aging will be less noticeable.
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.