James Alexander Limewash is a thin enough coating that when properly applied, will not create any significant built-up texture on the walls. That is a good thing if you may need to repaint with standard wall paint in the future! So yes, you can repaint over limewash or lime-paint.
"A coat of special primer is needed before painting over it with regular paint, or you can paint over it with chalk-based paint and skip the primer," says van Os.
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.
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.
Classico Limewash can be applied directly on top of existing lime wash applications, allowing you to revitalize the look with minimal effort. And once you're done, Classico Limewash won't peel like traditional paints, giving you a long-lasting effect that always looks timeless.
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.
Romabio Classico Limewash can be removed with the use of a pressure washer within a few days of application. This means, if you change your mind or want to test a different color, it's possible to do!
Unlike artificial paints, Limewash will not need to be removed and only retouched every five to seven years. Most Suitable for Masonry Surfaces: Old buildings with masonry surfaces like stone, concrete, and brick are perfect fits for lime wash coating.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
Finished limewash will gradually erode, which can produce a very attractive weathered look, but to retain the original opaque coverage, reapply the limewash every five to seven years. There is no need to remove existing limewash in order to apply renewal coats.
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.
Each coat should be allowed to dry before the next coat is applied. 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.
We recommend 2 coats of a good quality water based drywall sealer primer. We don't manufacture such products, but most building merchants carry this as a standard product. Some of drywall primers come with a tint, some are clear.
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.
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.
Rubbing off: Limewash can sometimes rub off if applied incorrectly or if the surface wasn't properly prepared. Limitations: Using limewash with no additives limits its use to porous materials. It is possible to use natural additives such as casein to expand the range of surfaces limewash can be used on.
Remember that limewash will weather and patina over time, creating a beautiful aged look. So while it may not wash off in the rain, it will likely wear away gradually over the years. A touch-up or a new coat every three to seven years is recommended.
While labeling this age-old painting method as a 'trend' may seem unfitting, it is important to note that limewashed kitchens are far from a fleeting phase. Though they are currently popular, designers forecast this painted kitchen idea will stand the test of time for many seasons to come.
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.
Limewash is typically cheaper than paint because it is less labor intensive and requires fewer materials. However, the cost will vary depending on the size of your project and the type of brick you have. If you are considering painting your brick, be sure to get an estimate from a professional first.
The Natural colour of Limewash is a beautiful natural white. However you can add a splash of natural colour to your walls with the addition of a natural pigment. The pigment needs to be added to the mix before the paint is put on the walls, at a ratio of around 20:1 for most jobs.
Once Limewash is fully dry it is more stubborn to remove, but scrubbing with a little vinegar does the trick.
There are also other natural benefits to limewash paint: It's breathable, nontoxic, and eco-friendly, and the high pH level means that it's bacteria- and mold-resistant. Also, because limewash paint contains no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), its application is practically odorless.
Limewash paint does not need to be sealed, as it is a naturally breathable material.