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.
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. On the other hand, paint gives you more coverage and color options.
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.
Once applied, limewash provides protection for your brick as it is made of minerals that strengthen the brick. This protective layer creates resistance against damaging bugs, water, and fungal growth that can lead to deterioration of the brick, peeling of traditional paints or sealants, and additional wear and damage.
On the other hand, limewash is a type of paint that is made from slaked lime, water, and pigments. Unlike whitewash, which only creates a translucent finish, limewash can create a translucent or opaque finish that allows the texture of the underlying surface to show through.
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.
Whitewashed brick is not out of style and is still used in many homes. It has become increasingly popular in recent years and is used to create a unique look that is timeless and fashionable.
Slow-Drying Process: Limewashing coats take a considerable amount of time to dry. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finished limewash will gradually erode, which can produce a very attractive weathered look, but to retain the original opaque coverage, reapply the limewash every five to seven years. There is no need to remove existing limewash in order to apply renewal coats.
Limewash paint does not need to be sealed, as it is a naturally breathable material. Sealing it can lead to issues with trapped water, damp, mould, and condensation. Limewash is an excellent choice for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
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.
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.
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.
Classico Limewash or a mineral based paint is best to achieve the look you want with a breathable, natural finish that does not seal masonry like traditional latex based exterior paints.
Does whitewashing brick last? Yes! It lasts a very long time – 20-30 years! It requires very little maintenance and you won't have to worry about the look of your brick for a very long time.
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.
You don't always have to seal your whitewashed brick. That being said, sealing the paint will protect it from scratches and damage, which means less maintenance time in the future.