DIY LIMEWASH WALLS
I just spent the last 6 days limewashing walls in my boyfriend’s apartment that we are planning that I will be moving into in a few months!
Here’s everything I learned and how you can do it too!
Step 1: Select your Limewash brand and color!
Darker colors often look richer and you’ll see the brushstroke texture more, so don’t be afraid to go darker to really get the full impact of limewash’s beauty!
There are many online limewash paint brands. I’ve used Portola Paints professionally many times for clients over the years and have always been very satisfied with their results. I selected Kingdom, which is a light desaturated beige color I’ve worked with before and showed a brush out sample of it to my boyfriend to get his approval. He loved it! We immediately ordered the limewash, square brush and the required mineral base coat.
Step 2: Prep your walls!
Prepping for a painting is always the most time consuming process. Removing all the outlets and taping all the edges is always so tedious for any painting project.
Limewash is a very liquidy paint that splashes a lot when you apply it, so taping the edges and laying down protective sheets on floors, furniture, and other items will be well worth it. I suggest using the widest painters tape you can get.
Step 3: Waterproof Barrier and/or Mineral Base Coat
Limewash needs to “soak” into a soft texture for it to have depth. However, drywall is very hard by design and any layers of regular paint on it create a barrier instead of something that limewash can soak into. For this reason, regular paint will often bubble if there is water damage in a wall as the water pools behind the regular paint. Limewash will instead look stained if there is ever water damage. If there is already existing water damage or risk for it, it is important to consider sealing the wall with a protective barrier of paint if needed.
If not, it is imperative to add 1-2 coats of a recommended “mineral base coat” which has a certain “tacky” quality, like white tacky glue, to it. It provides that layer on the wall for the limewash to soak into when you apply it to the wall. The more base coats you add the better the limewash will look, but 2 coats should be sufficient.
Step 3: Limewash
Mix your limewash well after opening up the can as it tends to separate. It is also more watery than regular paint and its dry color is significantly different than its wet color. If it has a greenish hue, do not be alarmed, that is normal.
Using a large square brush start applying limewash to your walls, starting with the edges and working inwards is easiest I’ve found.
The movement is not circular. In my work as a professional interior designer, I’ve noticed a lot of professional painters don’t get this right. When using a brush for regular paint circular motions might help achieve a uniform finish, but we basically want to paint “badly,” by painting seemingly random multi-directional strokes. Some people paint 2-3ft sized clouds and blend them together. I found it easiest to work in triangular sections and motions and then blend the edges of triangular clouds together. This will help create short textural brushstrokes that catch light differently. Try to avoid accidentally painting over areas that you’ve already painted and let dry while you’re still working on your first coat, as the additional layers on top will darken those areas.
You will usually need 2 coats or more with limewash in order to not see the base coat. Once dry, the first coat will look really messy and coverage will be questionable. But the second coat will make the texture soft and subtle!
After letting it dry completely I had to come back to do a few touch-ups in spots, as sometimes it’s hard to tell the coverage of the limewash as it is drying! I just used a small paint brush for these spots! Be careful to blend the edges of those spots or it will appear like a dark spot once it has dried due to there being an additional layer of limewash at the edges. Then all you have to do is clean up!
And there it is! The process for applying a limewash paint!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is limewash?
Limewash is a type of paint made from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), water, and sometimes other additives like chalk, pigments, or casein (a protein found in milk). It's been used for centuries as a coating for walls and other surfaces, particularly in traditional and historical buildings dating back to the Roman Empire.
Limewash has a matte finish and is known for its breathable and environmentally friendly properties. It's often used on porous surfaces like plaster, brick, and stone because it allows moisture to evaporate, preventing issues like mold and mildew. Limewash is also valued for its natural, aged look, as it tends to develop a beautiful patina over time.
How is limewash different from Venetian Plaster or Roman Clay?
Limewash, Venetian plaster, and Roman clay are all materials used in interior and exterior wall finishes, but they differ in composition, application method, and aesthetic result. Limewash is the easiest and most affordable option of the three, whereas Venetian Plaster and Roman Clay are thick and creamy and applied with trowls or putty knives and require a more involved process to finish.
How do you clean limewashed walls?
Cleaning limewashed walls requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the delicate finish. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or chemicals.
Dust Removal: Start by removing dust and loose dirt from the surface of the walls. You can use a soft brush, a dry microfiber cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Gently brush or wipe the walls to remove any debris.
Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a mild cleaning solution using warm water and a small amount of gentle liquid soap or pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the limewash finish.
Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before cleaning the entire wall, test the cleaning solution in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse reactions or discoloration.
Clean the Walls: Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and wring out excess liquid. Wipe the limewashed walls gently in a circular motion, working in small sections at a time. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this could rub off or damage the limewash.
Rinse with Clean Water: After cleaning each section, rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water and wipe the walls again to remove any soap residue. Alternatively, you can use a separate damp cloth for rinsing.
Dry Thoroughly: Once the walls are clean, use a clean, dry cloth or towel to pat them dry. Proper drying is essential to prevent water stains or streaks from forming on the limewash surface.
Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn stains or heavily soiled areas, you may need to repeat the cleaning process using a slightly stronger concentration of the cleaning solution. Always rinse the walls thoroughly after cleaning.
By following these steps and using gentle cleaning techniques, you can effectively clean limewashed walls without causing damage to the delicate finish.
Do you need to seal limewash walls?
Not usually in residential applications. For higher traffic areas like tight hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, a clear matte sealer can do the job well.
Can you paint over limewash walls?
Yes you can, but you’ll need to use a water-based primer and fully seal over the limewash to create a new non-porous surface for regular paint.