Powdering usually occurs when limewash paint is applied too thickly, preventing it from curing properly. This causes the lime to 'bloom' on the surface, leaving white patches and making it powdery, so it comes off easily when touched. For best results, apply limewash in thin coats using an absorbent bristle brush.
Well lime wash isn't a ``paint'' as such, and applying some kind of modern sealant would most likely change the look of the finish. What you could do is mix a small amount of linseed oil into the limewash and add an additional coat, supposedly this greatly improves its water shedding ability.
While very durable, Classico Limewash has a lifespan and doesn't last forever. The weather in your area will impact the number of years before you need to repaint. Mild winters and warm, calm summer weather are why limewash is commonly used in the Mediterranean.
Good quality limewash applied properly to a suitable substrate should not rub off readily onto clothes.
The decision to seal limewash ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sealing can provide an additional level of protection, making the surface wipeable and slightly more resistant to staining. However, there are some factors to consider. Firstly, adding a sealer may increase the sheen of the finish.
Why is my limewash finish powdery and rubbing off on my hands? Powdering usually occurs when limewash paint is applied too thickly, preventing it from curing properly. This causes the lime to 'bloom' on the surface, leaving white patches and making it powdery, so it comes off easily when touched.
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.
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.
Preferred PRO Tip: If your brick is quickly absorbing the limewash, add 50% cleaning vinegar to the water to help with limewash removal.
How long does it take Limewash to dry ? A coat of paint should be touch dry in a short period of time and dry within one-two hours. However in cold weather we recommend leaving a longer period between coats. While the paint will be touch-dry in a short period, it will continue to cure for about two weeks.
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.
Ensure that you do not scrub, use excessive water or use any soaps on the limewash, as this will damage the surface. Do not clean your limewashed wall too soon after painting. Our paints become more durable after they have cured and hardened on the surface. Allow up to 2 weeks for your walls to properly cure.
Limewash penetrates the surface of walls, leading to a longer-lasting application that does not peel or chip easily, unlike regular paint. While regular paint may need to be reapplied every 10 years, limewash can last over 20 years if properly applied.
How many coats of limewash do I need? The limewash will appear transparent when first applied so care must be taken not to build up the limewash too quickly as this will craze on drying. Each coat should be allowed to dry before the next coat is applied. We recommend 24 hours between coats.
Lime Wash Myth #12: Limewash looks different when it is wet. Romabio Answer: True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint like Classico Limewash on brick and stone and it rains, the lime wash will appear translucent or slightly different.
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 you are not happy with how much you wash off, it is easy to reapply and touch up at any time as the paint finish is very flat. If it is difficult to remove, use a diluted muriatic acid mixture.
The best way to get rid of stubborn limescale deposits is by soaking the affected area in lemon juice or white vinegar. Some fixtures may be harder to clean than others, so we've put together a step-by-step guide to help you achieve scale-free taps, showerheads and plugholes.
Over time, Classico Limewash will age and wear off based on weather exposure. When it is painted on it will appear darker and then dry to a lighter color, but it does not alter the color of the brick or stone.
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.
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).
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.
Do not apply limewash too thickly. Mike Wye Limewash is already relatively thick and easy to apply and must be applied thinly. Control suction by damping down surfaces prior to application. Leave sufficient time between coats for the limewash to soak in and cure before application of subsequent coats.
One of the best ways to refresh aged or weathered brick is limewashing—a cost-effective, breathable finish that enhances brick surfaces while providing long-term protection.
Expect limewash paint application to cost more than regular paint as it is a more labour-intensive process.