Do I need a special brush?

Yes. Limewash is applied using a limewash brush - or block brush - which is usually made of natural fibres. They are both wider and thicker than a regular paint brush and are the secret to a soft textured finish. Regular brushes are not specified for limewash and if used will result in a patchy finish.

Why do I need Lime Bridge?

Porous surfaces do not need Lime Bridge. These include clay (mud), lime, open cement, hempcrete, brick, stone, terracotta and other open materials. For materials such as plasterboard and/or prior acrylic paints, Lime Bridge provides a paint-on porous surface to hold the limewash. Use primer first to even out surface before applying Lime Bridge.

Can I roll or spray limewash?

We do not recommend using any application method other than a block brush.

How do I calculate coverage?

Our limewash is sold as square metres which includes two coats on a pre-primed surface using primer and Lime Bridge. Calculate the square metres of your room and apply to both Lime Bridge and Lime Wash. For porous surfaces such as brick. stone, clay etc., test the absorption of the wall with a sample thoroughly before ordering. These surfaces can use up to four times more paint.

How many coats do I need?

At least two, for darker colours three. Due to its semi-transparent crystalline structure limewash refracts rather than reflects light. This causes light to penetrate and scatter within the finish rather than bounce off the surface, as with conventional acrylic paints. It is light bouncing through multiple layers that the creates distinctive luminous texture of limewash.

Why is my limewash powdery?

Limewash is a natural mineral paint that bonds with a porous substrate. A powdery finish points to the substrate being too smooth or sealed. To fix, wash the powder off the wall, prime with an appropriate water-based primer and apply one coat of Lime Bridge following instructions before reapplying the limewash. Once dry, try not to disturb the surface while it’s curing over the next couple of weeks.

Why can I see lines and patches in my finish?

Limewash was traditionally applied to lime plastered walls which were one cohesive and matching material. Today we mostly use paper covered plaster sheets (plasterboard / drywall) joined and patched with compounds. The variation in porosity of modern materials means they will absorb the limewash at different rates, allowing the underlying materials to show through. This is called ‘ghosting’ and no amount of lime wash will cover it. To prevent this, prime your walls with two coats of good quality water-based primer to even out the surface. Then apply Lime Bridge followed by Lime Wash as per instructions. This also applies to walls previously painted with acrylic emulsion and patched with plaster compounds. Aim for an even, light coloured wall as your starting point.

Why has my Limewash cracked?

Cracking is caused by the paint being too thick and/or drying too quickly. Lime wash is applied in multiple thin coats and dried slowly. Use a limewash specific brush and if the paint is dragging, spritz the wall very lightly with water to slightly dampen the substrate. You can also dip your brush in clean water every four or five dips to help the paint stay free flowing. Spread the paint thoroughly without allowing thick areas to build up. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters or direct breeze hitting the wall for 24-48 hours after painting.

How long do I wait between coats?

Limewash has two distinct setting phases. First, like any water-based paint, the moisture in your limewash quickly evaporates leaving behind a dry coat. This is a very fragile layer and still easy to wipe off. After 12-24 hours of air exposure, the lime will have started to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and begun its curing phase as it returns to stone. Although full curing takes many months, these first few hours are critically important for allowing the paint to build strength enough for a second coat. This applies to both Lime Bridge and limewash. It is optimum to leave each coat overnight if possible. If your second coat starts to pull the first coat off the wall, leave it to cure further before continuing.

Why does my first coat look patchy?

Do not despair! The magic is in the second coat. Depending on your application technique, you will have applied a thin first coat full of uneven texture. This is normal and necessary. Limewash builds depth gradually and the second coat will blend with the first to create a rich textured finish. Trust the process!

What does breathable mean?

Breathability refers to the paint being vapor permeable, allowing any moisture that has penetrated the substrate to be fully released. Having a fully breathable coating helps prevent rising damp, mortar fretting, brick spalling and other intractable problems of water ingress. The Patina Factory limewashes are fully breathable.

Why does the colour look so different when wet?

Limewash dries up to 10x lighter as water evaporates and the lime cures. The final colour and texture continues to develop over the next few days.

Can I store Limewash?

You can use mixed limewash for three to four days. Keep in a sealed bucket out of direct sunlight in a cool room. Unmixed limewash powder can be stored for up to 18 months in a sealed bag. Adjust water according to advised ratios to account for reserved powder.