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.
Brick is made to last, durable, and low maintenance. That said, limewash is a great way to update your home's exterior. Limewash has been around for years, but is now becoming more and more popular and rightfully so.
Limewash walls is the new paint trend populating social media feeds, and for good reason. With its chalky texture, it softens standard paint colours, providing a finish which is considerably warmer and more natural.
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.
And once you're done, Classico Limewash won't peel like traditional paints, giving you a long-lasting effect that always looks timeless.
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.
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.
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.
Silicate paint systems such as Keim provide an alternative as, like limewash, they also allow the structure to breathe and are alkali resistant, but last for decades.
It's a great way to update the look of your home without painting over the brick entirely. It also ages the brick while giving it more character, often seen on the streets of the historic homes in the Lowcountry. Limewashing can also help to protect your brick from the elements and prevent moisture damage.
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.
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.
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.
If you're unsure whether limewash brick or paint is the way to go, our designers can create designs showing both so you can make a more informed choice. Paint is more maintenance because it can chip, peel, or discolor over time. Limewash is absorbed into the brick so it does not chip. It also ages beautifully.
Rubbing off: Limewash can sometimes rub off if applied incorrectly or if the surface wasn't properly prepared. Limitations: Using limewash with no additives limits its use to porous materials. It is possible to use natural additives such as casein to expand the range of surfaces limewash can be used on.
And though limewash is bacteria- and mold-resistant, thanks to the high pH level of the lime, Helene van Os, brand manager for Pure and Original, says, "If you're going to use limewash paint in a humid or high-trafficked area, make sure you protect it with a sealer, as lime is porous and more vulnerable to dirt and ...
Limewash that you mix yourself from hydrated lime and water is inexpensive. Fifty pounds of hydrated lime costs $20 to $30. Pre-mixed limewash paint costs about the same as latex exterior house paint or about $50 to $60 per gallon. One gallon of limewash paint will cover about 250 square feet of brick.
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.
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.
In almost all situations, the way to choose a lime wash color is to first look at the trim and roof color, then look at the brick color. We've created a new color palette that will work with most homes.
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.
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.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.