Learn all about Limewash

Everything you need to know about limewash. 

Limewash is a unique lime based coating that creates a soft, weathered, Mediterranean patina with no odor and zero VOC. The lime 'blooms' to create color variation. Streaking around moldings is a characteristic of a limewash finish.

Limewash is made from slaked lime which after applied will gently bloom to the surface. Limewash is not as thick as acrylic paint, it has the similar consistency of a milk shake. 

Limewash contains no acrylic like modern paints, it is a decorative coating meant for raw plaster or properly sealed (Limeproof Undercoat Sealer) walls.

 Limewashed wall in white

How to limewash.

Apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

Exterior Application requires Curing with water: Mist spray to dampen, allow to dry. Repeat a minimum of six times.

How to limewash walls.

Apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

How to limewash a brick house.

To achieve more brick showing through start by sloppily painting lime wash into the mortar lines.  Then use a dry brush to spread a very thin coat onto brick or stone. This will create a more natural looking coverage.


Apply a second coat if more lime wash coverage and less brick is desired.

How to limewash brick exterior.

To completely cover brick, apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

Exterior Application requires Curing with water: Mist spray to dampen, allow to dry. For dry climates, repeat a minimum of six times

To achieve more brick showing through start by sloppily painting lime wash into the mortar lines.  Then use a dry brush to spread a very thin coat onto brick or stone. This will create a more natural looking coverage.


Apply a second coat if more lime wash coverage and less brick is desired.

 

Limewash Frequently Asked Questions

How long does limewash last?

Exterior Lime Wash remains soft and gradually washes away over a period of 10 to 15 years.

Is limewash permanent?

Yes. Everything is permanent. Our limewash is made from slaked lime.  As the slaked lime absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it will weather away into smaller pieces of limestone particles. Because lime wash contains no plastic resin, it will not break down into acrylic runoff like other resinous paints Exterior Lime Wash remains soft and gradually washes away over a period of 10 to 15 years.

How to limewash?

Apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

Exterior Application requires Curing with water: Mist spray to dampen, allow to dry. Repeat a minimum of six times.

How to limewash walls?

Apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

How to limewash a brick house.

To achieve more brick showing through start by sloppily painting lime wash into the mortar lines.  Then use a dry brush to spread a very thin coat onto brick or stone. This will create a more natural looking coverage.

Apply a second coat if more lime wash coverage and less brick is desired.

How to limewash brick exterior

To completely cover brick, apply two coats using a 5-inch block brush in a random multi-directional pattern, keeping a wet edge, cutting in progressively. Not suitable to roll or spray.

Exterior Application requires Curing with water: Mist spray to dampen, allow to dry. For dry climates, repeat a minimum of six times

To achieve more brick showing through start by sloppily painting lime wash into the mortar lines.  Then use a dry brush to spread a very thin coat onto brick or stone. This will create a more natural looking coverage.


Apply a second coat if more lime wash coverage and less brick is desired.

Can you limewash painted brick?

If you don’t want to see a lot of brick paint the lime wash into the mortar lines and then before it dries feather it out with a dry brush.  Do small sections at a time.  Start on the side or least visible part of your fireplace, work toward the more visible areas once you have perfected your timing and technique.

Can you remove limewash from brick?

Lime wash will be very hard to remove from brick because brick is porous.  Washing or sanding will get it off the surface but the small crevices will be difficult to rid of limewash.

Can you limewash over paint?

Lime Wash contains no acrylic and therefore will not hide any differences in porosity.  For walls that are not in the greatest shape use Limeproof Undercoat Sealer.  For walls that just need a base coat, use Base Coat Primer.

Can you limewash stone?

Most porous stone can be limewashed. Limewash cannot penetrate into dense stone so it will likely wear off sooner than is desired. 

Can you limewash stucco?

Lime wash can be applied directly to traditional cement or lime based stuccos.  However, some modern stucco plasters that contain acrylics should be tested first.

Can you limewash textured walls?

Limewash is a natural product and looks beautiful when applied to walls that have a natural or smooth plaster finish.  Walls that have a contrived texture, such as  ‘orange peel’ texture, typically don’t look good with lime wash.

Can you limewash wood?

We recommend using wood wash for wood. Wood Wash is like a wood stain that has lime in it.  Wood Wash creates a soft weathered wood look, like driftwood but not just tan-grey, we make it iin all of our colors. 

Lime Wash is not meant for wood.  Wood expands with moisture and the limewash tends to lose its adhesion and flake off.

Can you paint over limewash brick?

Yes.  Consider using a masonry primer as a basecoat for paint over lime wash.

Where to buy limewash?

In the US, go to Sydney Harbour Paint Company based out of Los Angeles, California.

How much limewash do I need?

Limewash covers approximately 450 square feet per gallon.  

A small bedroom usually takes 1-gallon. 

Accent walls will usually take 1 or 2 quarts.