Home exteriors are a popular place for applying limewash, but there are other common areas of a house that do well with a chalky finish. Not only is it fairly easy to apply, but it's a simple way to produce texture on walls or a fixture without excessive effort or expensive products.
For starters, limewash paint is known for its chalky, nuanced texture that creates a romantic old-world feel. It's made from crushed limestone that's fired at very high temperatures, mixed with water, and colored with natural pigments. Though trendy, it's not new.
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.
To add the most texture to your interior or exterior walls, apply the second coat of limewash paint in smallcrisscross X patterns with a block brush to create an extra cloudy appearance.
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.
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.
Unlike paint, limewash soaks into the surface applied; therefore it won't chip or peel. It takes on the properties of the brick itself. This makes it excellent for masonry surfaces like stone, brick, and concrete.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
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.
The common reasons for limewash rubbing off are a bad application technique, poor quality limewash, and drying too quickly. It is essential to ensure that the surface is prepared correctly, with adequate moisture control and proper drying and carbonation processes.
Troubleshooting Guide - Limewash washing off
Additives to limewash such as tallow and linseed oil reduce its porosity and hence can reduce the bond of subsequent coats of limewash. Surface dusting of previous coats of limewash will not provide a consolidated surface for the new application to key into.
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.
Limewash prevents rot and allows buildings to breathe.
Limewash prevents rot in structural timbers and erosion to the masonry, which might occur due to trapped moisture or severe weathering. Limewash helps protect against weathering by forming a durable physical barrier against rain, wind and sun.
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.
Once applied, limewash provides protection for your brick as it is made of minerals that strengthen the brick. This protective layer creates resistance against damaging bugs, water, and fungal growth that can lead to deterioration of the brick, peeling of traditional paints or sealants, and additional wear and damage.
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.
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.
If you apply Classico Limewash paint that day and it dries for 3 – 4 hours, normal rainstorms should not affect your paint finish. In fact, Classico Limewash paint is an authentic slaked-lime paint that will continue to get harder over time as it gets wet and dries.
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.
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.
A pro of limewash is that it will not peel off like normal paint since it penetrates the brick. This means less maintenance than painted brick. It also lets the brick breathe. And speaking of less maintenance, since limewashed brick creates a worn and weathered look, natural wearing and aging will be less noticeable.
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.
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.