Previously painted surfaces should be primed first for best results. Limewash can be applied on smooth or textured walls, but we decided it was worth it to skim coat our textured walls first to create a smooth and even canvas.
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.
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.
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.
STEP 3: Do you need primer? Drywall: If you are painting new or previously painted drywall you MUST apply a mineral primer to provide a porous base for the Limewash. Use Keim Interior Mineral Primer, which covers about 300 square feet per gallon. Apply primer by brush or roller and let dry 4 hours or overnight.
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.
Keep in mind that limewash becomes much lighter as it dries. It's up to 10 times darker when it's wet; so it's important to test colors. The opacity depends on the number of coats that are applied; typically up to three coats are recommended.
The alkalinity deters wood-boring beetles and helps sterilise walls. Furthermore, limewash is inexpensive and solvent-free. The disadvantages are that much care is needed for the best results, matching coloured limewash batches is difficult, and limewashing is less successful in very fast-drying conditions.
If your brick is already painted, you can still achieve a whitewashed look. The prep process is the same as the project above. You'll need to repair and clean brick as needed. Inspect your mortar and make sure there are no gaps or cracks.
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.
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.
Salt was often added to exterior limewash to make it more durable and dry slower, producing a better finish. Salt probably came from local salt works. Limewash could also be colored if the opaque white lime color was not desirable.
If applied properly, it will not come off in rain. However, it is important to note that limewash will weather and patina over time. If it's looking particularly weathered, a fresh coat of limewash may be all the surface needs to look great again.
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.
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.
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.
On the other hand, limewash is a type of paint that is made from slaked lime, water, and pigments. Unlike whitewash, which only creates a translucent finish, limewash can create a translucent or opaque finish that allows the texture of the underlying surface to show through.
Limewash pigments come in a variety of organic colors. The colors we use most often are earthy neutrals like white, taupe, grey and charcoal. Of course, when looking to make a statement, colors like emerald, cobalt, black, terracotta or blush are perfect choice.
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 ...
Do not use a roller. It will look like you've painted squares. The biggest trick to lime washing is to keep the wall wet so that the lime wash remains workable. If you let the wall dry too much, you can have a harder time getting rid of the brush strokes.