How to Choose a Limewash Paint Color for Your Home

People have been asking me for years “Michael, my brick is a consistent boring red color.  If I use a white limewash, will my house look pink after we antique it by washing some off?”  My answer is always, “No, not necessarily.”

Romabio Classico Limewash acts like a paint in coverage and finish and will not create a bleed through with the brick, however, after you wash some off, the brick is exposed. How much you wash off is up to you and the look you want to achieve — the more washed off, the older and more dramatic the look.

But, the dominant color for the home will be the color you pick for the Classico Limewash paint. It will not create a semi-transparent finish, but rather a flat finish. If this is the case, then how do you choose the right lime wash color for your home?

It’s not about the brick color. In almost all situations, the way to choose a lime wash color is to first look at the trim and roof color, then look at the brick color.  We’ve created a new color palette that will work with most homes. Here are three color tone scenarios that are very common and what I recommend:

1. Cool Tones: If the roof is slate or gray shingles and the trim color is a cool white or cool light gray, then you will want to choose a neutral white, like Avorio White, or a cool white, like Bianco White. These colors will complement the cool tones of the home, and can be perfect companion colors, almost regardless of the brick color.

2. Warm Tones: If the primary trim is a very warm white and has an espresso or other warm color accent trim color, mixed with a warm color roof and darker bricks, then I would recommend these three warmer limewash colors: Tropea Beige, Riposo Beige, and Toscana Beige.

3. Mixed Tones: In situations where the trim and roof colors compete a little bit with each other, and one is slightly warm and one is slightly cool, then I would recommend a slightly cool color such as Nube Gray or a slightly warm color such as Cristallo White. This way you can lead your home nicely in one way or the other.  Or, you can choose the most neutral of them all, Avorio White and tie it all together.

Color selection is important and the best way to make sure you get what you want is to order a 1 liter sample to test it first. The amazing thing about this product is it can be removed within a couple days after you apply it.

Paint a small area on the brick surface, and see if it’s the color you want. You can have your paint applicator show you a sample of the wash off effect too, and decide if it’s the amount that you like. If it’s not perfect, then remove it instantly with a pressure washer or diluted muriatic mixture (details in TDS).

We specially formulated Romabio Classico Limewash paint so it can be manipulated and the advantage is you can test it first. It’s unlike any other brick paint in that way … enjoy the process!

And, if none of these colors are working “just right” for you, you can color match through a retailer. Check out our Where to Buy locations and find a store near you or if you have small project or fireplace, then buy our fireplace kit with everything you need. 

Happy Painting,

Michael