With so much misinformation published online about limewash, we wanted to provide you with the ultimate guide to limewash paint and debunk any myths that are circulating. Be sure to bookmark this blog and refer to it often when limewashing, to make sure you have the most accurate information handy.
First, let’s define limewash. It is paint that creates an organic or aged finish or look. There are Limewash options for both the exterior and interior of your home, but most importantly, you need to choose the correct product for your surface type or substrate.
If you are painting brick or stone, you should use authentic slaked-lime paint so it is easy to apply, creates a breathable surface, and is durable.
If you are painting an interior wallChoose a product that will give you the amount of movement or color effects you’d like, is easy to apply, and does not need additional primers or other products.
Let’s dive right into the myths and misinformation:
Lime Wash Myth #1: Limewash paint can only be used on rough surfaces and may not be as durable as traditional paint.
Romabio Answer: Incorrect. Limewash paint can be used on smooth, semi-smooth, or rough surfaces. Ease of application is the same as ‘regular’ paint. Choose the right product for the surface type, whether you want a distressed finish for brick or stone or an interior limewash effect for movement. Note: if the brick is tile-like in its smoothness and is not porous enough to absorb the limewash, we recommend applying Romabio MicroGrip Primer and using a mineral-based masonry paint like Masonry Flat on top instead of limewash to ensure a beautiful, lasting finish.
Lime Wash Myth #2: Because of its high pH level, lime wash paint acts as a fungicide.
Romabio Answer: Incorrect. Due to its high pH, it is initially, upon application, mold-resistant since microorganisms cannot survive on freshly lime-washed surfaces. However, once the pH level is neutralized over time, the finish will lose it’s ability to ward off microorganisms. Additionally, due to the mineral-based ingredients, it creates a naturally healthy finish, providing good indoor air quality.
Lime Wash Myth #3: If your lime-washed surface becomes dirty, add another coat rather than washing it.
Romabio Answer: Adding more lime wash over a dirty surface is not recommended. For brick or stone, you can gently wipe off dirt or wash it with mild soap. If you remove any of the lime wash, you can always reapply if desired. The best way to protect it is to use a protective topcoat for waterproofing and stain proofing. For Interior drywall, you’ll want to be careful when removing dirt as it is a natural paint ,so it is best to apply a protective topcoat if it is a high-traffic area.
Lime Wash Myth #4: Limewash can kill mold.
Romabio Answer: Not exactly true. Limewash paint that is made with authentic slaked lime has a very high pH, which creates a mold and bacteria-resistant surface as mold and bacteria cannot grow on it. However, if mold is already on the surface before it is painted, the limewash paint cannot kill the mold; you will need to use a cleaner first.
Lime Wash Myth #5: Wear protective coverings when applying lime wash, as limestone is a corrosive material for the skin and eyes.
Romabio Answer: True, but it is similar to other paints as you don’t want too much of it on your hands and never in your eyes. It is non-toxic, so if you get some on you, it should not be an issue, but because of the high pH, we recommend the use of eye protection and gloves.
Lime Wash Myth #6: You may need to apply several thin coats to achieve the lime wash coat that you desire.
Romabio Answer: Not true. For brick or stone, you only need one coat with Romabio limewash before you distress it. For interior drywall, you need two coats and no additional primer to create a subtle movement effect.
Lime Wash Myth #7: Lime wash is unsuitable for drywall and wood and can only be used on brick, stone, concrete, and other porous surfaces.
Romabio Answer: Not true. Romabio offers a mineral-based paint to achieve the limewash effect on interior drywall. We offer another product for brick, stone, and other masonry that can also be applied to wood (a multi-step process, so email us at [email protected] for details).
Lime Wash Myth #8: For interior surfaces, add a binding agent.
Romabio Answer: Not true with Romabio limewash paints. For our interior limewash product, you do not need to add a binding agent, and it is an easy-to-use, self-priming, 2-step process.
Lime Wash Myth #9: Lime wash is not durable and will not last longer than a couple of years.
Romabio Answer: Not true. For brick or stone, when you apply authentic Italian slaked-lime paint, it will calcify to the surface and create a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting finish. To extend the life of your limewash finish on the exterior; you can add a protective topcoat for water and stain-proofing. Authentic, slaked lime will patina based on the weather exposure, but it is impossible to know exactly how long that will take.
Lime Wash Myth #10: Limewash can hide imperfections on surfaces.
Romabio Answer: Maybe. Limewash paint for brick and stone will cover the surface completely as paint would, and then you can distress it to show how much brick and stone you want to show. Limewash does not fix cracks or damage with brick or stone, and you would need to do that before limewashing drywall, our limewash products work on smooth drywall, as well as popcorn walls and orange peel walls, but you would need to have any holes patched up before painting.
Lime Wash Myth #11: Limewash is a fad and, once applied, cannot be changed.
Romabio Answer: Not True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint on brick and stone you will easily be able to repaint over it. Because it is a mineral-based paint, it calcifies to the surface ,creating a breathable surface just like the original brick or stone you can paint over it later just like you would the natural surface. For iteninerior, if you use Romabio’s interior limewash product, it can be repainted just like any traditional wall paint.
Lime Wash Myth #12: Limewash looks different when it is wet.
Romabio Answer: True. If you apply an authentic slaked-lime paint like Classico Limewash on brick and stone and it rains, the lime wash will appear translucent or slightly different. If you don’t like this effect, you can apply a protective topcoat for waterproofing and stain roofing that will keep the finish pristine. For interior drywall, a high-traffic area that might get wet, then definitely apply a protective topcoat to Velatura Mineralw ash.
Lime Wash Myth #13: Limewash paints have a bad smell.
Romabio Answer: Not True only if you are using Romabio’s authentic limewash products. Some lime wash paints are hybrid products and are not truly lime or mineral-based. If the product you are using has an intense odor that doesn’t seem ‘natural,’ then most likely, you are not using an authentic, lime-wash product.
More Information on Limewash
Limewash paint is a historical mineral finish used to achieve an antique whitewash aesthetic to exterior or interior stone, brick, stucco, and any other masonry surfaces that are porous. Limewash has been used as a standard paint finish since the founding of the Roman Empire and was one of only two paint products available for exterior paint finishes in Europe up to WWII.
Authentic, Italian slaked lime products (cooked active lime stored in water for two years, thus becoming inactive lime) will carbonize with mineral surfaces like brick or stone and create a mineral bond that will continue to harden for decades. Romabio Classico Limewash, applied as an antique finish, will be affected by natural environmental weathering when exposed to the elements. The durability and longevity of each situation are unknown, but the painted finish will last years.
Helpful Tutorials & Videos
How to Apply Interior Limewash
How to Apply Classico Limewash
How to Choose a Limewash Paint Color for your Home
4 Ways to Paint Outdated Stone
Happy Painting!
UPDATED as of March 2021: We have a growing list of Romabio Preferred PRO Applicators. Fill out this form: https://romabio.com/preferred-pro-applicators and we will connect you to one in your area. Or, email us at [email protected] if you have any other questions.
can your recommend an experienced painter in the greater detroit area who is trained using your limewash?