Limewash brick is a great choice for a vintage home look on new bricks. On the other hand, whitewashing bricks is recommended for those searching for a solution that is more permanent. Because whitewashing is mixed with paint, it can be used on previously painted brick.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, the desired aesthetic, and the specific needs of the project. Whether you opt for the translucent, rustic look of whitewash or the flexible, varying appearance of limewash, both can provide a beautiful and durable finish for your home's exterior.
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.
Whitewashing brick is typically inexpensive, can be done with paint lying around the house, and the wash is typically easy to apply and dries quickly. Cons of whitewashing masonry include: A diminished, natural-looking appearance. Chipping and peeling of paint that was not fully absorbed by the brick.
If applied correctly, whitewashing can last up to 20 to 30 years, with little need for maintenance.
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.
To maintain and maximize your whitewash brick's lifespan, it will need to be sealed after application. After your whitewash has dried, apply a water-based sealant on your wall's surface with a brush. Your brick wall will now be able to withstand natural weather elements and prevent moisture from permeating the surface.
Since high pressure is not safe for cleaning brick siding, the recommended route is using a soft wash method.
To master the whitewashed look, it all begins with picking the right paint color. Shades of white, cream and even grey all make suitable choices and can accentuate the room's best features. The one you choose needs to look good with the original brick and closely match the mortar's color between the bricks.
Ultimately, whitewashing creates social tension not only between White and non-White communities, but also between groups who resemble the more established beauty standards, such as lighter-skinned African Americans, and the groups who do not, including darker-skinned African Americans.
Limewash continues to be a popular design choice in 2025, offering a touch of timeless elegance to various spaces. Here are some of the most popular design applications: Limewash Painted Interior Walls and Ceilings: A popular trend is to use limewash to brush standard drywall with proper priming.
Acidic deposition and subsequent forest soil acidification and nutrient depletion can affect negatively the growth, health and nutrient content of vegetation, potentially limiting the availability and nutrient content of forage for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other forest herbivores.
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.
How long does limewash last on brick? Once applied to your brick walls, the limewash can last 6-7 years. It will erode with time, so you must consider coating your brick every 6-7 years.
Until cured, it has almost no sticking power. Even then, whitewash can sometimes rub off on clothing or other surfaces, even years after painting. It adheres fairly well, however, to porous substances like adobe.
Adding mortar can be a great alternative to brick painting or staining. The mortar wash technique (also known as German smear) is achieved by mixing mortar and water and spreading it onto the brick using a trowel. The random patterns and rich textures create an appearance similar to whitewashing.
The primary distinction between limewash and whitewash is in the ingredients. Lime, water, and white chalk are used to make whitewash. Water, lime, and pigment are the ingredients in limewash. Both paints are durable and straightforward to maintain, with a matte finish.
Originating in Northern Germany, German Brick Smear or 'German Schmear Brick' is a mortar based exterior treatment used on brick walls to produce a textured, white tint. The German smear technique uses mortar and water to create the white smear, which is then painted or troweled onto your surface.
Kilz makes a good whitewash. Water it down, lay it on, take some off, sand it, add more - anything you want until you have the look you want. Finish with a spray of polyurethane; in this case I used a satin finish.
On the other hand, whitewashing bricks is recommended for those searching for a solution that is more permanent. Because whitewashing is mixed with paint, it can be used on previously painted brick. All in all, it's a great choice for smaller interior projects like fireplace brick or a brick wall accent.
Apply Detergent
Make sure you choose a detergent for cleaning brick or exterior siding. Using the incorrect kind of detergent can cause dirt to stick to your mortar. Now apply the detergent to the brick, spraying from the bottom up to the top. Allow it to work into the brick for 5-10 minutes.
When professionals think of soft washing roofs and siding, the top cleaning chemical used is a professional-grade 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, or bleach, mixed with water.
It's environmentally friendly and its high pH reduces pests and organism growth. Limewash has been around for centuries and is a low-maintenance option to freshen up your brick house.
Painting, whitewashing, or limewashing your brick home can cost anywhere between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on the complexity and specific requirements of the job. This broad range accounts for both the materials and labor involved in the process.
You can create your own whitewash by diluting white latex paint with water. Or, for a lighter lift, you can go with a premixed option, such as the option from Krylon made for indoor use on brick, wood, concrete, and stone.