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.
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.
Yes! You can apply lime wash on smooth or textured walls. Limewash doesn't fill bumps and grooves in the walls though. If you want a completely smooth surface before applying, I'd recommend painting a skim coat to the wall before adding your primer.
Limewash paint is a liquid product, so it'll not cover the rough texture underneath; it would require a plaster product or some drywall work to smoothen the surface. And if you choose to smoothen the walls beforehand, the limewash finish results will have a more refined look similar to a plaster aesthetic.
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.
Preparing for Lime-Washing
Before starting the lime-washing process, ensure your solid wood floors are thoroughly clean and free of dust, dirt, and grime. If your floors have a previous finish, you'll need to sand them down. This ensures the limewash adheres properly.
If you're not in love with the color of your brick but are opposed to painting, then limewash can be a great option. It can brighten the color of your home, like in this example, and cover imperfections in the masonry.
Skim coating is a technique used to create a smooth surface on textured walls. It involves applying multiple thin layers of joint compound or drywall mud to fill in the texture, followed by sanding and priming to achieve a flat finish.
It should not rub off when applied well. If you do find it rubs off, it's probably due to bad preparation with your ordinary lime, or perhaps that it has been applied too thickly. Also, without adequate dampening down before limewashing can mean the limewash dries out too fast.
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 penetrates the surface of your wall, creating a mottled matte appearance with variegated colors (resembling the look of a plastered wall). This DIY version has the same effect, but involves thinning paint by mixing it with water, then applying it to the wall in circular motions using a cloth instead of a brush.
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.
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.
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.
Generally limewash should be applied thinly and be allowed to dry out slowly. Our limewash is prepared from the finest quality lime putty slaked from quicklime. It will develop a fine finish over several coats; we recommend a minimum of 3-4 coats on new render and plaster.
There are also a lot of reasons not use a textured drywall finish in a modern home, but maybe the most significant of all is the overall appearance. If you want a very clean, minimalist, simple aesthetic, or wall coverings (paper or textile), you will want to have a smooth Level 4 or Level 5 drywall finish.
This wall texture feels more refined and luxurious, and it is also the most expensive option because creating a smooth wall texture requires additional labor and skill. Extra skim coats are applied, and more attention must be placed on floating drywall to ensure every wall is even.
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.
One of the biggest cons of limewash is that it can erode over time, especially if exposed to harsh weather conditions. This means it may require more frequent maintenance than other paint or finishes. You may need to reapply external limewash every two to seven years to keep your walls looking their best.
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.
The putty is aged and then thinned with water and colored with natural pigments. Limewash creates surfaces that are mottled and matte with a chalky texture something like suede. It lends a depth and luminosity to flat walls. Above: Limewash creates a textured, shadowy effect.
When properly applied, limewash can withstand rain and protect the surface it has been applied to. However, limewash will weather and patina over time, creating a beautiful aged look. So while it won't necessarily wash off in the rain, it may eventually wear away over many years.
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.