Limewash (not to be confused with whitewash) is, once cured, a thin layer of limestone. 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.
Limewash coating can be removed with a pressure washer, or by hand, with a bucket of water and a stiff nylon scrub brush if you grow tired of the look.
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.
When it comes to limewash, you want to approach it with precision. According to The Coastal Oak, you can mildly wipe away debris and marks from your wall with a soft brush or slightly damp cloth. You might also apply some mild soap within the process without overdoing it.
Once Limewash is fully dry it is more stubborn to remove, but scrubbing with a little vinegar does the trick.
And remember, it is removable!
One of the added benefits of using our authentic slaked-lime product is that, unlike traditional latex paint, Classico Limewash can be wiped or washed off immediately after application for a no-stress, no commitment purchase.
No, limewashing brick is not permanent. It is a very durable finish, but it will eventually need to be reapplied every three to five years to maintain the original look.
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.
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.
So yes, you can repaint over limewash or lime-paint. If you are looking to repaint over lime-washed walls, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to prepare the walls. This means cleaning them thoroughly and removing any loose paint or debris.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
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.
The longevity of limewash depends on several factors, including the quality of the application, the porosity of the surface, and the exposure to weather conditions. Generally, limewash develops a beautiful patina over time but may require touch-ups or reapplication every few years to maintain its appearance.
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.
And once you're done, Classico Limewash won't peel like traditional paints, giving you a long-lasting effect that always looks timeless.
For even more variation, you can burnish the wash as it dries with a trowel, like you would our plasters. After it dries, you can softly sand sponge the lime wash. This will give more color and variation. If you rub harder, the base color of the plaster will come through.
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.
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.
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.
Limewash will change the color of the brick. Thin limewash can be mixed so that the brick's color is only minimally changed, with much of the brick color showing through. Thicker limewash can be mixed or more coats applied for a more uniform color consistency, much like house paint.
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.
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.
Limewash costs anywhere from $25 to $100 per gallon, which is similar to your standard paint. However, if you mix it yourself, you can save on costs. Lime itself only costs around $5 to $15 for a 50-pound bag. Since all you need to do is add water, you can really save money and spend even less on the paint.