The key is to go with a mineral-based primer–such as an acrylic primer (used often under latex paints)–that creates a surface the limewash can bond to. Above: Limewashed walls and concrete floors pair well in this Daytrip Studio-designed sitting room.
Use an acrylic latex primer prior to application of this product to prepare new construction drywall or other surfaces which would normally require a primer prior to painting. Simply apply this bonding primer over your sealing primer.
Prepping walls for Limewash
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.
Paint acts as a layer of plastic that the lime wash won't adhere to, so you have to prep the surface with this primer that has the right chemical makeup to allow that to happen. It's the same thought process when sanding a surface you are making over.
stop repairs showing through the limewash finish
We recommend 2 coats of a good quality water based drywall sealer primer.
You can lime wash unsealed and unpainted brick, slate, stone or any porous surface without any primer. If the interior or exterior surfaces have been sealed or painted you can use our Mineral Primer for Interior + Exterior to prime the surface and then lime wash it.
Whether you're using it indoors on walls or ceilings, a mineral primer is necessary for the limewash to adhere to non-absorbent surfaces. “A more traditional surface, such as plaster and absorbent masonry surfaces, will not require a mineral primer application,” Dunn says.
Brush apply limewash with a large emulsion or masonry brush. Don't allow it to build up too thickly as it can craze on drying out. Remember it's a wash and will look transparent on application but will dry opaque. Coloured limewash dries to a much lighter shade than the wet colour.
While limewash paint can be used for both interior and exterior masonry and drywall applications like plaster, brick, cement, and stucco, it's best not to use it on wood or metal, says Davis.
The only issue with limewash is that it doesn't work over latex paint, but it seemed like you could put down a primer to give the limewash something to adhere to. I ordered the limewash and primer along with a large brush recommended for applying.
Mineral Primer is a pure mineral sol silicate interior primer and surfacer that is healthy and easy to use. No harsh chemicals or synthesized pigments included, only earthen mineral color and natural ingredients.
For previously painted surfaces you will need to apply one coat of our Mineral Prime. It creates a microporous surface for the Lime Wall Paint. Over new drywall, we suggest two coats of Mineral Prime. For porous surfaces, no primer is needed.
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.
KILZ® ADHESION Primer is a water-base, modified-acrylic primer specifically formulated to bond to a variety of 'tough-to-paint' surfaces.
Lime Wash is traditionally applied with a big brush, but can also be ragged on. Do not use a roller. It will look like you've painted squares. The biggest trick to lime washing is to keep the wall wet so that the lime wash remains workable.
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.
Stir Lime Wash thoroughly before and during use. Check color on a small inconspicuous area before proceeding with entire job. Lime Wash should not be applied below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or in direct sun or extreme heat. Complete the painting of all adjacent surfaces, e.g. joinery, prior to application.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before you apply limewash, clean the brick surfaces you want to work on. Pressure wash the brick if you can and let it try. If there are cobwebs or other debris on the brick, wipe it everything off until the brick surface is smooth. It's a simple process so it may be tempting to skip this part.
When properly applied, limewash can withstand rain and protect the surface it has been applied to. However, limewash will weather and patina over time, creating a beautiful aged look. So while it won't necessarily wash off in the rain, it may eventually wear away over many years.