Limewash can be reversed, but it depends on how deep the lime has penetrated your bricks. This means five coats of limewash will be harder to remove than if you had only applied one coat. Older brick walls with limewash will also prove more challenging to reverse.
A well made and applied limewash that is well carbonated is hard to remove, but white vinegar helps to break it down.
One beauty of limewash is it's removable, within a few days, if you change your mind. Every time limewash is applied it's going to look differently depending on who is applying and how it is washed off to create the antique effect.
Preferred PRO Tip: If your brick is quickly absorbing the limewash, add 50% cleaning vinegar to the water to help with limewash removal.
Lime wash will be very hard to remove from brick because brick is porous. Washing or sanding will get it off the surface but the small crevices will be difficult to rid of limewash.
Limewash can be reversed, but it depends on how deep the lime has penetrated your bricks. This means five coats of limewash will be harder to remove than if you had only applied one coat. Older brick walls with limewash will also prove more challenging to reverse.
While very durable, Classico Limewash has a lifespan and doesn't last forever. The weather in your area will impact the number of years before you need to repaint. Mild winters and warm, calm summer weather are why limewash is commonly used in the Mediterranean.
Perhaps you've moved into an older home with limewashed walls or are restoring a historic building and are faced with the challenge of updating its appearance. The good news is that you can paint over limewash, but it requires a specific technique to ensure that the finish is long-lasting.
The best way to get rid of stubborn limescale deposits is by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar. Some fixtures may be harder to clean than others, so we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you achieve scale-free taps, showerheads and plugholes.
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).
Simply wipe the wall with a damp cloth. Do not scrub, as this will take the Limewash off the wall. Simply touch up with more Bauwerk Limewash Paint. Brush back any powdery areas and do a quick reapplication of limewash straight over previously painted layers... the surface will just get better with age.
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.
Limewash can be removed soon after it has been applied or when there are fewer coats. Old limewash that has soaked into the brick is more difficult to remove. Two methods that may help: Acidic cleaners; Brush on an acidic cleaner and let it sit for the recommended time, then wash with a garden hose.
Lime application is typically intended to have a residual effect, gradually adjusting soil pH over time. However, intense rainfall can accelerate the leaching process, diminishing the residual effect of lime and necessitating more frequent reapplication to maintain desired pH levels.
Maintenance and Touch-Ups: Due to the porous nature of limewash paint, it requires regular maintenance and occasional touch-ups. Over time, natural weathering or heavy rainfall can cause the paint to fade or wash away if applied to an exterior application, especially in areas exposed to the elements.
Like cement mortars, it can be very slowly dissolved with an acidic cleaner like Aciclean but the process is extremely time-consuming, as the product has to be continually re-applied. Removal is therefore only practicable if the limewash is very thin.
Don't Worry, It's Reversible!
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.
Removing limewash paint can be challenging due to its porous nature and the way it penetrates into the surface. One method involves using a pressure washer with a mild detergent to gently wash away the paint. Alternatively, scraping or sanding may be necessary for thicker layers of limewash paint.
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.
Limewash penetrates the surface of walls, leading to a longer-lasting application that does not peel or chip easily, unlike regular paint. While regular paint may need to be reapplied every 10 years, limewash can last over 20 years if properly applied.
If it's a smooth surface an abrasive could do. One you've got most of it off you should be able to remove the rest with an acid wash. A strong vinegar solution might do the trick. I used vinegar to get lime scale off my tea kettle.
Limewash is making a huge comeback as organic and natural home design takes center stage. The art of limewashing has become more DIY-friendly, but it can be tricky.
'Roman clay can be very forgiving, easy to maintain, and ideal for smooth walls. We love that it delivers a smoother, less chalky finish than limewash with a slight sheen that can reflect the light beautifully.