A Guide to Painting with Lime Wash: Embracing Tradition in Modern Spaces

Lime wash is a time-honored painting technique that has gained popularity for its unique aesthetic and eco-friendly qualities. With its beautiful, matte finish and breathable properties, lime wash can transform your space while maintaining a connection to traditional craftsmanship. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint using the lime wash technique.

What is Lime Wash?

Lime wash is a paint made from natural materials—mainly hydrated lime, water, and pigment. It has been used for centuries due to its durability, ability to regulate humidity, and natural resistance to mold. Unlike modern paints, lime wash is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for health-conscious homeowners.

Benefits of Lime Wash

 1. Breathability: Allows walls to “breathe,” reducing moisture buildup.
 2. Eco-Friendly: Made from natural ingredients, it’s safe for you and the environment.
 3. Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a unique, textured finish that enhances architectural details.
 4. Longevity: With proper application, lime wash can last for decades.

Tools and Materials Needed

 • Lime wash paint : I used the colors           and            in 1:1 ratio to make it a little lighter. More Lime wash colors here
 • Water
 • Large bucket for mixing
 • Stirring stick
 • Brushes (natural bristle or masonry brushes)
 • Spray bottle (for misting)
 • Drop cloths and tape to protect areas
 • Protective gear (gloves, mask, goggles)

How to measure walls for Limewash

Measure the Height and Width: Use a tape measure to find the height and width of each wall in feet.

Calculate the Square Footage: Multiply the height by the width to get the square footage of each wall.

Subtract for Doors and Windows: If there are doors and windows on the wall, calculate their square footage (height x width) and subtract it from the total wall area.

Add Up All Wall Areas: Repeat these steps for each wall you plan to limewash, then add up all the totals to get the overall square footage.

Calculating Quantities of Materials

1. Lime-Prep Primer : Lime-Prep Primer is a crucial first step in any limewash project. This thin coat is applied with a microfiber roller or a block brush over a coat of standard water-based paint primer. It's designed to allow the limewash to adhere properly to non-porous surfaces surfaces.

Coverage rates for the mineral Lime-Prep Primer are approximately 300 square feet per gallon. To calculate how much Lime-Prep you'll need, divide your total square footage by the coverage rate

2. Limewash : This mineral paint is brushed on in layers to create the distinctive limewash finish. It's semi-transparent, but as it dries (and with additional coats) it builds to a more opaque finish. Typically, 2-3 coats are applied to drywall surfaces for full color and depth of finish.

Limewash has a coverage rate of approximately 300 square feet per gallon for two coats.  One quarts cover approximately 75 square feet per quart (2 coat).

3. Limewash Densifier : The Limewash Densifier is a special additive developed specifically for the final application of Limewash on interior walls. It reduces the inherent chalkiness of pure limewash in wall areas that will be touched frequently.

The Densifier is added to the limewash at a 1 part Densifier to 4 parts limewash ratio. Its coverage rate is typically 300 square feet per quart.

4. Sealer : The Sealer is used only in certain areas where additional protection is required. It changes the appearance of the finish, so it's always recommended to complete a sample area first to ensure the finish meets your design goals. The Sealer can be valuable in areas where the limewash finish will be splashed with water or other high-contact areas where limewash wouldn't be an option without additional protection.

Its coverage rate is approximately 300 feet per gallon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Surface
     Ensure the walls are clean, dry, and free of dust or debris. If painting over existing paint, it’s advisable to remove any loose paint or flaking areas.
 2. Mix the Lime Wash
      If using pre-mixed lime wash, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For homemade lime wash, combine 1 part hydrated lime with 2 parts water and stir until smooth. Add pigment as desired. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight for optimal consistency.
 3. Test Your Color
      Before applying to the entire surface, test the color on a small area. Lime wash often dries lighter, so be sure to account for this in your color choice.
 4. Mist the Surface
      Lightly mist the wall with water using a spray bottle. This helps the lime wash adhere better and allows for a more even application.
 5. Apply the Lime Wash
     Use a brush to apply the lime wash in a cross-hatch pattern for better coverage. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring you maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks. You can apply multiple coats depending on the desired depth of color, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before adding another.
 6. Texture Techniques
     Experiment with different application techniques for texture. Use a sponge, rag, or even a trowel to create unique finishes that reflect your style.
 7. Curing
     After application, allow the lime wash to cure. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on humidity and temperature. Mist the surface occasionally to keep it hydrated during curing.
 8. Sealing (Optional)
     While lime wash is naturally durable, you can apply a breathable sealant for added protection, especially in high-traffic areas.

Maintenance Tips

 • Clean: Regularly dust or gently wash the surface with a damp cloth.
 • Reapply: Over time, you may need to touch up areas, especially in high-wear zones.

Conclusion

Painting with lime wash is a rewarding process that results in a stunning, natural finish for your home. Embrace this ancient technique to bring warmth, character, and eco-friendliness to your modern living space. With a little patience and practice, you’ll create walls that not only look beautiful but also breathe life into your environment. Happy painting!

Rame

Bianca