Q. How do I fix my limewashed wall that has white powdery patches or spots? Fix 1. To cover white patches from over-application, simply wait 24 hours and apply an additional thin coat of limewash paint.
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.
Your best bet is to either skim the wall with drywall mud a couple times and sand these layers to a smoother finish (then prime and paint to blend) -or- to prime and paint the limewash and allow the texture to remain in this section of wall (it will be evident).
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.
Wet the surface thoroughly before you start, to minimize the penetration of the product into the brickwork. If you use the pressure washer to do this, it will blow off any loose areas of limewash at the same time.
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.
If the paint is too thick, than the paint cannot cure correctly and it leaves white patches and makes it powdery to the touch. This can be easily fixed by waiting 24 hours and then applying another thin coat. Note: It is best to go back and reapply Prep Coat if you have already done 4 or more coats of limewash paint.
Yes, you can paint over limewash, but regular paints may not adhere well without proper preparation. A suitable primer is needed to create a stable base for the new paint.
To resolve powdering or white patches from over-application, simply wait 24 hours and apply an additional thin coat of Limewash paint. When applying the paint to a wall, have a look side-on from where you have applied. With the glare you will be able to see if there are areas with too much product.
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.
Layering Techniques
We find the best results usually start with a darker shade and overlay with a lighter shade. Similar colors often work well together and contrasting colors can create a high-contrast effect.
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.
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.
If you want to add colour to the limewash, we recommend using natural powdered pigments such as the Coloured Earth Natural range. Mix the pigment with a small amount of warm water to create a smooth paste, ensuring that all of the pigment is wet and then add the coloured paste to the limewash.
Use a paint brush to cut-in the edges of your wall, around trim, windows, doors, etc. Then apply a uniform layer of limewash with the roller completely covering the wall. Avoid runs, drips or sags. Allow the first coat of Limewash to dry 2—4 hours before applying more layers (or even overnight).
However, you must apply acrylic primer first since limewash is most suited for porous surfaces. Find an affordable acrylic primer, or check if your limewash paint brands carry one. I have used the primer Color Atelier, and it is a little expensive but worth it considering the low VOCs.
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.
Without the sealer, it is just another layer or two of Bauwerk Limewash Paint on top of your previous application, which is very quick and does not produce any fumes. They can be added on a need-to basis. There may be instances where a sealant is necessary or you prefer it that way.
Limewash patchy: Insufficiently mixed, mix following coat thoroughly. Limewash dries too quickly: Remove flaky limewash and damp down the background. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THERE IS NO DANGER OF FROST FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THE LIMEWASH HAS BEEN APPLIED.
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.
White Base Primer is the best option for most applications. Clear Base Primer allows the natural color of your substrate material to show through. We recommend one coat of Lime-Prep primer and two coats of limewash paint for most applications.
If your walls need a refresh, simply whoosh on another coat of limewash, it's quick and easy, and it can be repainted anytime.
Preferred PRO Tip: If your brick is quickly absorbing the limewash, add 50% cleaning vinegar to the water to help with limewash removal.
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).