What happens when limewash gets wet?

One interesting thing about limewash is that it gets much darker when it's wet. This can actually be helpful! Painters often use this "trick" to spot any areas on your walls that might have moisture problems. These areas will absorb more water and turn the limewash darker, making them stand out compared to the rest of the wall. So, next time you see a darker patch on your limewashed wall, it might be a good idea to check for any hidden leaks!

What are the pros and cons of limewash paint?

Limewash paint offers several advantages, including its natural composition, breathability, and durability. It creates a unique, matte finish that adds character to surfaces and allows for easy application on various materials like brick, stone, and plaster. Additionally, limewash is environmentally friendly and resistant to mold and mildew. However, limewash does have some drawbacks. It requires multiple coats to achieve the desired opacity, and the application process can be labour-intensive. The colour range is limited compared to synthetic paints, and it may not withstand harsh weather conditions as well as modern coatings. Additionally, proper surface preparation is crucial for adhesion and longevity.

How long will limewash last?

Limewash on your brick walls will typically last for 5 to 7 years before needing a fresh coat. It does change the colour of the brick, but you can make a thin mix to let some of the original brick colour peek through.

How can you tell if paint is limewash?

There are a few clues that might help you identify limewash paint: The colour is usually soft or medium-toned, and it might not look completely even throughout. Instead of peeling off in large chunks, it wears away slowly over time. After it rains, the paint might appear darker for a little while. If you look closely, you might see flakes that have several layers, like tiny bits of a layered cake.

Is limewash difficult to maintain?

Limewash requires minimal maintenance compared to other paints. Its natural composition allows it to age gracefully, developing a patina over time. However, periodic touch-ups may be needed to maintain its appearance, especially in high-traffic areas or in regions with harsh weather conditions. Overall, limewash offers a durable and eco-friendly option for those seeking a classic, low-maintenance finish.

Limewash Paint: The Natural Choice for a Breathable, Beautiful Home

In This Article

What is limewash paint?
What does limewash paint look like?
Did you know?
What is the difference between limewash paint and regular paint?
Why is limewash paint so expensive?
Is limewash paint permanent?
Where do you use limewash paint?
How can Livspace help you?

Craving a unique and timeless look for your home interiors? Look no further than limewash paint. This age-old technique offers a unique and versatile way to transform your walls, breathing life and character into any space. But what exactly is limewash paint, and how can it help you achieve your dream home aesthetic?

What is limewash paint?

If you’re looking for paint that’s gentle on allergies, painting with limewash is a good choice. It’s made from limestone, which helps fight mould and bacteria because it’s slightly alkaline. Bonus: limewashing walls makes them pretty low-maintenance. You don’t even need to clean them regularly, in fact, it’s actually better to avoid it!

Here’s a look into one of our semi-detached home makeover!

What does limewash paint look like?

beige-paint-limewash — ***Limewash: Ages beautifully, like you***

grey-paint-limewash — ***Limewash: Ages beautifully, like you***

Limewash feels soft and smooth like suede, kind of like thick paint instead of the usual paint you use inside your house. People have been using it for ages, all the way back to the Romans, to give walls a warm, aged look. While you mostly see it in white or grey, it actually comes in brighter colours too!

Did you know?

When you limewash walls with a mineral surface, like plaster or brick, it creates a special lighting effect. The light hitting the wall gets scattered in different directions, making the surface seem to glow softly. Historically, making limewash involved using different ingredients; people sometimes added animal fat, oil, or milk to make it last longer.

What is the difference between limewash paint and regular paint?

limewashing-wall-along-with-regular-paint — ***Let the brick breathe, choose limewash***

Limewash is a special type of paint made with just crushed limestone and water. It’s thinner than regular paint, similar to paint used for bricks and other masonry surfaces. Unlike regular paint that forms a layer on top, limewash soaks into the brick, becoming part of the surface itself.

What is limewash paint made of?

Traditionally, limewash paint consists of three main ingredients:

Lime (derived from limestone): This is the primary ingredient, typically used as slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). It reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to form a hard calcium carbonate layer, providing the paint’s adhesive properties and signature matte finish
Water: This acts as the solvent, suspending the lime and allowing for smooth application
Pigment: This adds colour to the paint. Historically, natural earth pigments were used, but modern limewash can incorporate various pigments, both organic and inorganic, to achieve a wider range of colours

Additional ingredients:

Some manufacturers might include additional components in their limewash formulas to enhance specific properties:

Fixatives: These help improve the binding of the pigment to the lime, enhancing colour durability. Examples include casein, rabbit skin glue, or even acrylic binders
Thickeners: These improve the consistency of the paint for easier application. Common thickeners include cellulose-based materials or starches
Fungicides and algicides: These can be added for application in environments prone to mould or mildew growth, especially for exterior applications

Important note on limewashing walls on your own

While readily available pre-mixed limewash paints exist, it’s crucial to exercise caution if attempting to make your own limewash due to the inherent safety concerns:

Lime is highly alkaline: It can irritate skin and eyes, requiring proper protection during handling
Slaked lime reaction: Quicklime (calcium oxide) slaking process can generate significant heat and release hazardous fumes. It’s essential to follow proper safety procedures and obtain slaked lime from reliable sources

If considering homemade limewash, seek guidance from experienced professionals and prioritise safety measures to avoid potential hazards. However, we recommend buying limewash paint from the market and hiring experts to do the painting.

Why is limewash paint so expensive?

why-is-limewashing-wall-expensive — ***Different limewash paint colours to choose from***

Is limewash paint worth it?

Painting with limewash has some extra perks that are good for you and the environment! It lets walls breathe, isn’t harmful, and is kind to nature. Plus, it fights off bacteria and mould because it has a high pH level. On top of that, limewash paint has no VOCs, those strong-smelling chemicals, so painting with it barely has any odour!

Is limewash paint permanent?

Limewash paint gives walls a beautiful, old-fashioned patina. The colours are made with natural minerals and won’t easily fade in the sun. While it typically lasts for 5 to 7 years before needing a fresh coat, you can always repaint it later and change the look of your space.

So is limewash paint removable?

Like cement mortars, limewash paint can slowly dissolve in an acidic cleaner like Aciclean but the process can be time-consuming because the cleaner has to be re-applied continuously. Removing limewash can only be practical if its coat is very thin.

Also Read: Wall Painting 101: Your Ultimate Guide to Beautiful Home Interiors

Where do you use limewash paint?

You can use limewash paint on lots of different things around your house, not just walls! Here are some examples:

Walls made of plaster, concrete, or masonry (like brick)
Wood surfaces
Drywall (although you might need a special primer first)
Stucco

Here are some limewashed walls that you can take inspiration from:

lime-washing-wall-behind-the-tv — ***Whether you want an accent TV wall or a wall with trims straight from an 1880s novel, limewash paint has got your back!***

lime-washing-wall-with-trims — ***Whether you want an accent TV wall or a wall with trims straight from an 1880s novel, limewash paint has got your back!***

limewash-paint-on-the-dressing-area — ***Dressing areas got a lot more Victorian!***

line-wash-walls-dressing-area — ***Dressing areas got a lot more Victorian!***

limewash-walls-in-the-bathroom — ***Limewash paints give your walls a dark luxe industrial vibe!***

lime-washing-wall-in-the-bathroom — ***Limewash paints give your walls a dark luxe industrial vibe!***

lime-washing-wall-kitchen — ***Looking for a rustic makeover of your home interiors? Then get your hands on some limewash paint!***

lime-washing-wall-study-area — ***Looking for a rustic makeover of your home interiors? Then get your hands on some limewash paint!***

Also Read: 6 Beautiful Room Paint Ideas for the Most Enviable Bedroom

paint-limewash-in-your-fireplace — ***Fireplace frown? Limewash paints a smile***

paint-limewash-in-fireplace — ***Fireplace frown? Limewash paints a smile***

paint-limewash-in-your-living-room — ***Live & sleep in a limewashed dream***

paint-limewash-in-your-bedroom — ***Live & sleep in a limewashed dream***

Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of a farmhouse style or the sophisticated elegance of a European-inspired home interior, limewash paint can work with either!

How can Livspace help you?

If you want customised designs for your space, our team of seasoned and creative designers is ready to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.