No wonder limewash is so widely used: it reduces surface cracking, offers protection from water damage, and allows the home or structures underlying fabric to breathe. Its freshness and versatility lend limewash a timeless appeal, perfect for all buildings, from traditional cottages to contemporary condos.
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.
Like Distemper, Limewash is a breathable finish making it suitable for old and damp-problematic walls. Unlike paint, Limewash penetrates the surface and the colour is built up by applying successive coats.
It creates a breathable finish that allows walls to "breathe," preventing moisture buildup and promoting healthy indoor air quality. Limewash also provides a natural and textured look, is environmentally friendly, and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including plaster, brick, and stone.
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.
Unlike artificial paints, Limewash will not need to be removed and only retouched every five to seven years. Most Suitable for Masonry Surfaces: Old buildings with masonry surfaces like stone, concrete, and brick are perfect fits for lime wash coating.
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.
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.
Often when applying Lime Paint the surface texture may be rough, such as that of a brick, stone or stucco. A good brush for Lime Paint should be made of a high quality, durable natural bristle. What would be the most distinctive difference is the size.
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.
As it dries, the applied limewash gets lighter and much more opaque. The slower limewash cures, the more durable the result will be.
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 ...
If you're finding your limewash dusty, it usually means that it has not been applied correctly. It should not rub off when applied well. If you do find it rubs off, it's probably due to bad preparation with your ordinary lime, or perhaps that it has been applied too thickly.
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 costs anywhere from $25 to $100 per gallon, which is similar to your standard paint. However, if you mix it yourself, you can save on costs. Lime itself only costs around $5 to $15 for a 50-pound bag. Since all you need to do is add water, you can really save money and spend even less on the paint.
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.
Limewash paint can be applied directly over breathable surfaces such as brick, cement, stucco and plaster. Previously painted surfaces should be primed first for best results.
stop repairs showing through the limewash finish
We recommend 2 coats of a good quality water based drywall sealer primer.
Limewash is a natural bug repellent.
Its powerful active ingredient, calcium hydroxide, has been proven highly effective at eradicating mosquitoes and other pests from timber. It also acts as a preventive measure, discouraging bug infestations by creating an alkaline surface that deters them from taking hold.
Limewash is typically cheaper than paint because it is less labor intensive and requires fewer materials. However, the cost will vary depending on the size of your project and the type of brick you have. If you are considering painting your brick, be sure to get an estimate from a professional first.
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.
Safe use of limewash can generally be expected on traditional materials such as lime, stone, soft brick, plaster, stucco, render and earth. Likewise, limewash can adhere to and be compatible with glass, but not plastic.
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.