Heres what you should know about this centuries-old painting technique.
The first thing you should probably know about limewash paint is that (surprise!)
it isnt actually paint at all.
Credit: Tria Giovan Photography Inc
Instead, its more accurately described as a process.
Limewash is one of the oldest painting methods, dating back to ancient Egypt.
This way you’re able to experiment and get a feel for the process ahead of time.
Credit:Read McKendree / Interior Design: Chango & Co
It is quite a departure from your standard two-coattraditional paint job.
and advice on how to clean limewash surfaces once installed.
Read McKendree / Interior Design: Chango & Co
What Is Limewash Paint?
Limestone is made up primarily of the mineral calcium carbonate, one of the most abundant minerals on earth.
True limewash includes no additional paint binders.
Is Limewash Paint Environmentally Friendly?
Credit:James Alexander Specialty Paints, Photography by Jennifer Liu
The technique first made its appearance during the days of the Roman empire.
One of the great things about thiseco-friendly paint solutionis that it is time tested, Dunn says.
Youll want to start with the right tools.
Credit: Carson Downing
Youll also want to note the surface youll be limewashing.
These materials will absorb the limewash into them directly and bond very efficiently.
From there, wet down and apply the limewash in patches.
Credit:Read McKendree / Interior Design: Chango & Co
Once opaque, use wet rags to wash the walls, he says.
The more you wipe off, the older it looks.
When working on exterior surfaces, consider limewash a wearing finish with minimal upkeep.
When allowed to wear, it takes on a more weathered, established look.
Limewash is light-sensitive due to the calcite crystals that form within the paint when it cures, says Dunn.
This unique feature creates a lively paint that can seem to change colors depending on lighting.
How to Clean Limewash Surfaces
Limewash characteristics lend themselves to low to no upkeep.
Sealers and waxes can be used in higher traffic areas to reduce wear and create a wipeable surface.
It is not textured, however.
It feels flat to the touch, similar to regular paint.
