For larger surface areas, a pressure washer may be used the following day to create a weathered effect. Pressure washers can damage brick surfaces so always be careful not to use too narrow of a spray pattern and test first for suitabiliy.
Classico Limewash paint is removable within the first 5 days after initial application. If the paint has fully dried and you want to fully remove it or change the look, use a pressure washer to remove the paint.
It's limewashed brick. Use pump sprayer to apply 1:1 vinegar/water mix. Let sit for 10 min. Scrub with soft bristle brush, rinse. For those dark spots, it'll probably take 2 go-rounds to get it done. No bleach, degreaser, high pressure or hot water it will take the lime wash right off.
Powerwashing will not harm a brick facade, and it is an effective way to remove grime and dirt. However, you should first check the integrity of the mortar joints between the bricks, as powerwashing will dislodge any loose pieces of mortar.
Since high pressure is not safe for cleaning brick siding, the recommended route is using a soft wash method.
Apply Detergent
Make sure you choose a detergent for cleaning brick or exterior siding. Using the incorrect kind of detergent can cause dirt to stick to your mortar. Now apply the detergent to the brick, spraying from the bottom up to the top. Allow it to work into the brick for 5-10 minutes.
How long does limewash last on brick? Once applied to your brick walls, the limewash can last 6-7 years. It will erode with time, so you must consider coating your brick every 6-7 years.
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.
The decision to seal limewash ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sealing can provide an additional level of protection, making the surface wipeable and slightly more resistant to staining. However, there are some factors to consider. Firstly, adding a sealer may increase the sheen of the finish.
Preferred PRO Tip: If your brick is quickly absorbing the limewash, add 50% cleaning vinegar to the water to help with limewash removal.
To clean limewashed walls, we recommend lightly wiping with a clean, damp cloth. Ensure that you do not scrub, use excessive water or use any soaps on the limewash, as this will damage the surface. Do not clean your limewashed wall too soon after painting.
Mimic the look of old European cottages with the German smear technique by applying white mortar to create heavy grout lines, then smearing the excess mortar across the surface of the fireplace to create the illusion of imperfectly shaped bricks. Photo by: Jennie Andrews.
There is no straightforward solution, as any form of air-abrasive (blasting) or mechanical system will be destructive to the substrate. On brickwork, try Aciclean liberally applied, brushed over every two or three minutes and pressure-washed off every fifteen minutes.
Lime Wash Myth #12: Limewash looks different when it is wet. Romabio Answer: True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint like Classico Limewash on brick and stone and it rains, the lime wash will appear translucent or slightly different.
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.
There are also 3 limitations and disadvantages of the lime-wash: The very rigid demands to weather, temperature and moisture-conditions during the application, the strict demands to experienced craftsmanship and the demands to a perfect, un-defect, dry and "cement-less" ground.
But let me tell you that limewash is insanely easy to apply! To begin, wet the brick down with your hose. I recommend wetting it down in sections as you work your way around the house so it doesn't dry before you get to it. Then, start at the top and work your way down in sections.
How to limewash brick exterior. To completely cover brick, apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray. To achieve more brick showing through start by sloppily painting lime wash into the mortar lines.
There are several reasons why limewash paint continues to be a popular choice in 2025: Natural and Eco-Friendly: Made from lime, pigments, and water, limewash is free of harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Typically, the costs are about 20-30% higher. The Limewashing procedure can be 50% higher than normal painting depending on the size of the house. The materials are more expensive, and the process is unique. The painters that complete this type of work know a craft and demand more money than regular house painters.
The average cost of limewashing brick is $2.50-$6.00 per square foot, but it may vary depending on the condition of your brick, working conditions, job site condition and access and location factors such as labor costs and delivery fees.
Too high a pressure can damage the brick itself or the grout holding it together. As a result, the bricks can become loose and make the wall unstable. It can also cause water to penetrate the wall easier, weakening the brick further. When pressure washing a brick house, start with a low-pressure setting at 500 PSI.
If you have outdoor bricks that need cleaning, one of the most effective ways is to apply warm water and a mixture of dish soap and baking soda.
Dampening bricks before laying them will give a stronger structure than using dry bricks. Should you speak to any bricklayer worth their salt, they will tell you about the benefits of dampening any absorbent bricks before laying them!