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.
This is one of the most asked questions: it is possible to paint limewash paint over an existing painted surface. The short answer is YES - with the right preparation you can enjoy a wonderful lime wash finish over gypsum plaster and plaster board surfaces.
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.
White Base Primer is the best option for most applications. Clear Base Primer allows the natural color of your substrate material to show through. We recommend one coat of Lime-Prep primer and two coats of limewash paint for most applications.
Make the paint mixture. I found 1 part baking powder to 3 parts paint to be the ideal consistency for me and the look I was going for, but feel free to play around to reach a consistency you like. You can also use plaster of paris instead of baking soda.
Whether you're using it indoors on walls or ceilings, a mineral primer is necessary for the limewash to adhere to non-absorbent surfaces. “A more traditional surface, such as plaster and absorbent masonry surfaces, will not require a mineral primer application,” Dunn says.
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.
The key is to go with a mineral-based primer–such as an acrylic primer (used often under latex paints)–that creates a surface the limewash can bond to. Above: Limewashed walls and concrete floors pair well in this Daytrip Studio-designed sitting room.
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.
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. We then used Color Atelier's Mineral Primer, per their recommendation.
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.
From there, both van Os and Davis suggest using a four to six-inch block or stain brush for defining the perfect texture. It's also important to note that you can't apply limewash paint with a roller or spray.
Each person paints limewash paint slightly differently. After the first coat is dry and beginning to cure (overnight is best, but not required), apply a second coat. The second layer typically will use more limewash paint than the first layer, even as you spread the paint thinly over the surface.
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.
Often when applying Lime Paint the surface texture may be rough, such as that of a brick, stone or stucco. A good brush for Lime Paint should be made of a high quality, durable natural bristle. What would be the most distinctive difference is the size.
Silicate paints work in the same way as a limewash, in that they soak into the substrate. They don't create a film over the surface of the substrate but instead chemically bond to it in a process called silification.
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.
Brick is made to last, durable, and low maintenance. That said, limewash is a great way to update your home's exterior. Limewash has been around for years, but is now becoming more and more popular and rightfully so.
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 paint does not need to be sealed, as it is a naturally breathable material.