Which is better, whitewash or limewash?

Author: Christa Zulauf  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

If you're looking for texture, you may want to consider limewash as a choice over whitewash. That's because the mixture does create a surface that is rougher than what you would get with the other option. This subtle difference will add something to the brick that would be hard to achieve otherwise.

What are the disadvantages of limewash paint?

Disadvantages of Limewash
  • Durability: Limewash tends to wear off over time, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions. ...
  • Application Complexity: Applying limewash can be more complex and time-consuming than conventional paints.

What are the disadvantages of whitewash?

Cons of whitewashing masonry include:
  • A diminished, natural-looking appearance.
  • Chipping and peeling of paint that was not fully absorbed by the brick.
  • Difficulty controlling the consistency of the wash.
  • Potential for an uneven finish.
  • Whitewashing is not permanent, and maintenance will be required.

Does whitewash rub off?

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.

How long does whitewash last?

If applied correctly, whitewashing can last up to 20 to 30 years, with little need for maintenance.

ROMABIO® Limewash & Masonry Flat - the Ultimate Way to "Paint" Your Brick - #PaintTalk

What is the difference between limewash and whitewash?

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.

Why does the walls shine after whitewash?

The correct answer is calcium carbonate. Whitewashed walls appear to be shiny after three to four days due to the formation of calcium carbonate. The whitewash contains calcium hydroxide. It forms a thin layer of calcium carbonate on the walls by slowly reacting with carbon dioxide in the air.

Do you need to seal whitewash?

How to Seal the Wood. Unless you're whitewashing a low-touch area like a ceiling, you'll want to add a clear coat of water-based polyurethane. Not only will this layer protect your whitewashed wood from nicks and scratches, but it'll also give your setup a nice sheen.

Is whitewashing cheaper than painting?

Whitewashing: Whitewashing gives the brick a lighter, more translucent look compared to standard paint. It typically costs slightly less due to the diluted paint mixture used. The average cost for whitewashing is about $2 to $3 per square foot.

Why add salt to whitewash?

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.

What is the alternative to whitewash?

Limewash, like white wash, is a mixture of slaked lime, water, and pigments. However, unlike white wash limewash creates an organic, more opaque finish that conceals the underlying masonry surface to a greater extent.

How often do you have to redo limewash?

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.

What are the rules for whitewash?

Key Takeaways
  • A whitewash resolution must be passed before a target company can offer financial assistance to the buyer.
  • Directors must swear the company can pay debts for at least a year and many times an auditor must confirm the company's solvency.

Is lime wash outdated?

Limewash is making a huge comeback as organic and natural home design takes center stage. The art of limewashing has become more DIY-friendly, but it can be tricky.

What happens when limewash gets wet?

Lime Wash Myth #12: Limewash looks different when it is wet. Romabio Answer: True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint like Classico Limewash on brick and stone and it rains, the lime wash will appear translucent or slightly different.

What is an alternative to limewash?

'Roman clay can be very forgiving, easy to maintain, and ideal for smooth walls. We love that it delivers a smoother, less chalky finish than limewash with a slight sheen that can reflect the light beautifully.

Which is better, limewash or whitewash?

Smoother Finish: Unlike Limewash, the whitewash formula provides a smoother surface finish. Long-Lasting: Unlike paint, which requires frequent maintenance, Whitewash is low maintenance and lasts for years. Applicable for Painted Bricks: Unlike Limewash, the Whitewash formula can easily be applied on painted bricks.

How long does limewash last?

The weather in your area will impact the number of years before you need to repaint. Mild winters and warm, calm summer weather are why limewash is commonly used in the Mediterranean. A limewashed exterior can easily last twenty to thirty years in a climate like this.

How much does limewashing a house cost?

The average cost to paint a brick house is $2,000 to $8,000. Painting a brick exterior costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on home size and stories, brick condition, paint type, and labor. Whitewashing or limewashing a brick house costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot.

How long will whitewash last?

If applied correctly, whitewashing bricks last a long time, typically 20 to 30 years, and require minimal maintenance. While not needed, sealing bricks after whitewashing can add a layer of protection and help prevent scratches or damage.

Do you sand between coats of whitewash?

Once the paint dries (typically takes a few hours), lightly sand any areas that look too opaque. Depending on how much you diluted the paint, you probably won't need a second or third coat, but you should lightly sand between coats if you choose to add more.

What is the formula for whitewashing?

Flexi Says: Calcium hydroxide, or slaked lime, is used for whitewashing walls and gives a shiny white color after two to three days. This is due to the reaction of calcium hydroxide with carbon dioxide present in the air to produce white-colored calcium carbonate. Ca(OH)2(aq)+CO2(g)→CaCO3(s)+H2O(l)

Why do painters use sandpaper on walls before whitewash?

Painters use sand paper before whitewashing the walls or polishing doors and windows because it helps the whitewash to stick better to the old surface by effectively increasing the surface area. It helps to remove any type of grease, tar or dirt which may make it difficult for the paint to stick properly.

Why do your home walls look so white after 2 to 3 days of whitewashing with lime?

A solution of slaked lime is used for whitewashing walls. Calcium hydroxide reacts slowly with the carbon dioxide in the air to form a thin layer of calcium carbonate on the walls. Calcium carbonate is formed after two to three days of whitewashing and gives a shiny finish to the walls.

What is meant by quick lime?

Quicklime is an alternate name for the chemical compound known as calcium oxide. This compound is represented by the chemical formula CaO and is also known as burnt lime. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, quicklime is known to exist as a crystalline solid that is white in colour.

Previous article
Does Persil leave residue?
Next article
Which damp proof is best for the exterior?