FAQs

Dilution is the act of adding water to the concentrated paint product and mixing it to create an ideal paint solution. The amount of water to use for each specific Romabio paint product is included in the instructions on the back of every Romabio bucket and in the individual product Technical Data Sheet (TDS).

25% dilution = 1 part product to ¼ part clean water

50% dilution = 1 part product and ½ part clean water

75% dilution = 1 part product to ¾ part clean water

100% dilution = 1 part product to 1 part clean water (1:1)

200% dilution = 1 part product to 2 parts clean water (1:2)

300% dilution = 1 part product to 3 parts clean water (1:3)

EX:  50% dilution for Classico Limewash® is 1 gallon of limewash with ½ gallon of water added and mixed thoroughly.

No. Color pigments do not dissolve in water, however, wet paint is always several shades darker than dry paint. Therefore, the only change in color will be when the paint dries.

Visit our Where To Buy  page to see if there is an independent paint retailer near you or for online, check out our online retailers. 

Detailed technical information for application is available on each of Romabio product’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS). Visit the appropriate product page to download the TDS you need.

Shelf life will vary from product to product when stored undiluted. If diluted the product may not last. It is recommended to only dilute the minimum amount of paint you will use and store the remaining concentrated paint in a dry and temperature-controlled space.

No, Lowes and Home Depot do not offer custom color tinting in-store. You can contact one of our independent paint retailers to custom tint or if you can’t find one in your area, contact Rings End and they can ship directly to you. 

Classico Limewash and Lime Slurry can be painted on the inside but we don’t recommend it because it will be susceptible to charring and soot. You can not use our other paint products on the inside of a fireplace. 

Classico Limewash is formulated to be easily applied onto vertical Interior or Exterior unsealed, unpainted, and absorbent brick, stone, or masonry surfaces. It can also be applied to natural raw wood for artistic purposes. Contact us for more info at [email protected]. 

For the Exterior, it cannot be applied to painted trim, siding or various other non-masonry surfaces. For the Interior, it cannot be applied to drywall. To create an authentic limewash movement effect, use Romabio Velatura Mineralwash. 

Romabio has the perfect product, our Algae and Moss Cleaner to naturally remove algae, moss, and mold at the roots, cleaning them from exterior surfaces. Unlike other products, it will not discolor surfaces painted with mineral or acrylic paints, and the results are long-lasting. The eco-friendly formula is safe to apply and will not cause harm to children, pets, or gardens. Apply it to get rid of the roots of algae, moss, and mold prior to painting and after as needed to maintain the clean look of exteriors. Read more on this blog post about it and if it's a porous masonry surface, then use Romabio Mineral Shield to protect against water and weathering. 

Classico Limewash calcifies within the surface and will not chip, peel, or flake off and does not loose depth of color. It continues to patina based on weather elements. Touch up is very easy and can be done at any time.  No need to repaint the whole surface again, just re-wet the dried area and reapply according to application instructions. Touch-ups may require a greater dilution of Classico Limewash than what was used for the 1st application to ensure the new touchup will not be visible. If you’d like to reduce the frequency of touch ups, apply Mineral Shield to the areas that weather the most. It sprays on easily with a bottle or garden sprayer.

Classico Limewash comes in seven pre-tinted beautiful whites and neutrals in the Classico Color Collection sold online on Lowes.com and HomeDepot.com and through our Retail Store Locations. Classico Limewash is available only as a white-based paint and can be custom-tinted to other light or white-based colors by a participating local Paint Retailer.

Brick is very absorbent and can wick moisture from the surrounding foundation like ferrous oxides or retain vapor residues, such as oils or tannins. Manganese is probably the most common stain on brick because it happens at the manufacturing stage when the bricks are exposed to acid during production. Unfortunately, this outcome is tough to see on raw brick or stone and can’t be predicted before or during the application of any paint product.

For all of the above, we recommend plugging only the affected pores with a stain blocking primer so as not to prevent the brick from “breathing”. Then follow up with a coat of mineral-based Romabio MicroGrip Primer and finally a touch-up of Classico Limewash. For more info or tips to correct this, please contact us by sending pictures of the affected area to [email protected] and our team will help you find the best solution.

It depends on what you want to achieve. For an authentic “OId World” feel, Classico Limewash is a beautiful, one-coat product that allows you to distress and create an exposed brick finish. Classico Limewash is formulated to weather and patina over time, adding to that antique limewash look.

For a full coverage, opaque finish, Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured are our most durable masonry paints designed for longevity and creating a traditional painted finish. With a white and transparent base, there are almost a seemingly endless variety of color options. Both Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured are a two-coat process and if applied properly to unsealed or unpainted brick/stone/masonry surfaces and they are covered by a 20-year warranty. 

No. Classico Limewash is not recommended for areas which may be exposed to pooling water, including floors, patios, driveways, sidewalks, steps, horizontal surfaces, and high traffic areas.

Also, horizontal surfaces that can collect pooling water (i.e. exterior window sills, chimneys, retaining walls, etc.), would require a top coat of Romabio Mineral Shield to repel water and slow the weathering effect.

Classico Limewash is easily applied with a brush and then washed off with water in 3 easy Steps. Here's a handy How-to-Apply guide or you can check out our videos on YouTube and visit Classico Limewash on our website for more information.

Classico Limewash is a one-coat, easy 3-Step process for unpainted, unsealed, and absorbent brick, stone, or other masonry.

Classico Limewash is a fully opaque, flat finish lime paint that will completely cover the surface when it has not been distressed or washed off.  It will not turn red brick pink or other brick colors a lighter shade like a stain or other paints might do. The color you choose for Classico Limewash is the color that shows on the brick or stone. 

Then, it is up to you how much of the brick or stone you want to expose when distressing. Over time, Classico Limewash will age and wear off based on weather exposure. When it is painted on it will appear darker and then dry to a lighter color, but it does not alter the color of the brick or stone. The ways and degree to which the limewash ages and patinas is much like nature, beautiful and unique.  

If you want to completely cover your brick or stone without worrying about patina or weathering, then check out Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured as these are high-performing, extremely durable, fully opaque paints made for masonry that when applied as directed come with a 20-year warranty. 

Do not apply Classico Limewash if the temperatures are below 50F or above 88F degrees. Do not apply Classico Limewash if the surface will be exposed to 2 nights of freezing temperatures immediately after application and don’t store it in a place where it can freeze. 

Do not apply Classico Limewash in direct sunlight when temperatures are above 88 degrees or if there is difficulty keeping a damp surface during initial application. In that case, the surface may be too hot and the paint will “flash dry” which prevents it from absorbing into the brick which is critical for a good bond during the calcification process. It is always a great idea to “chase the shade” or work in the cooler hours if possible. 

Classico Limewash can be gently cleaned with mild detergent and water. We recommend avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, pressurized water, or abrasives. For best results, use the Romabio Algae Moss Cleaner.  Easily touch up any needed areas. SEE ABOVE FAQ. And as an additional option: Romabio Mineral Shield as an invisible coating that locks and protects mineral paint finishes from natural patina or weathering created by water.

After 3-4 hours of drying, normal rain will not affect the finish due to immediate calcification. Do not apply Classico Limewash on the exterior if there is a risk of heavy rainfall during the 12-hour drying time needed for the product to bond and harden correctly. 

If it has rained prior to application that is okay. You should dampen the brick before applying it anyways. As long as the rain is over for a while (see above), you can get started.  

Other things to know about Classico Limewash and rain: 

-Rain and water exposure plays the biggest role in the weathering and aging process. If you want to reduce this effect and keep Classico Limewash lasting longer, we recommend adding Mineral Shield, an invisible, environmentally friendly topcoat that repels water to protect your finish. Also use it around hose bibs and downspouts, in areas where the home isn’t protected by an overhang or on top of sills and ledges or anywhere that gets frequent exposure to running or standing water. 

-Splashback from soil and dirt can sometimes stain a painted surface. If your home is surrounded by loose soil or clay, we would recommend the Mineral Shield topcoat around the “skirt” of your home to help repel the water and prevent soil deposits from settling on the surface.  

The appearance of Classico Limewash during the drying stage will look translucent due to effects by temperature, dilution, and water wash off, but it will dry to a completely opaque finish.

Classico Limewash is an authentic limewash paint formulated to patina and will age depending on weather exposure. There is no warranty as it is unknown to how your limewash finish will change based on your natural elements. But there is no need to repaint unless you want a different look.

Classico Limewash is formulated so you can easily create instant or eventual weathering effects, getting the look of historic Europe and antique limewash. If you want full coverage with no exposed brick or stone, we recommend our Masonry Flat or Masonry Textured paint. It’s an opaque, flat finish in a wide array of colors that requires less maintenance and, if applied according to instructions, comes with a 20 year warranty.  

If your heart is set on Classico Limewash, Romabio has a new product that will lock and protect your finish and help it last longer reducing the effects of weathering. Mineral Shield is an invisible, breathable coating that repels water droplets but still allows water vapor to pass through, repelling water and protecting the painted surface. Unlike other products, Mineral Shield will not change the sheen of the finish or texture of the surface, thus preserving the beauty of a Romabio paint application. It protects all Romabio’s lime-based coatings from the temporary discoloration that occurs when the surface is wet from rain and water absorption.  

It doesn’t always happen but this usually has a lot to do with absorption. It isn’t harmful and is no cause for concern, but could be a nuisance. To prevent chalking of exterior brick, we recommend applying a top coat of Mineral Shield, 7-10 days after applying Classico Limewash. Most chalking happens inside the home where it’s less exposed to the elements that expedite the calcification process. Interior brick and all stone applications usually take longer than brick to calcify and absorb into the surface as it’s usually smoother and less absorbent, so wait 10-14 days before applying Mineral Shield.  

The best way to prevent or avoid chalking altogether is to avoid flash drying and follow instructions for proper application to ensure an optimal bond is formed between the paint and the top layer of the substrate. Good absorption below the surface increases the strength and longevity of the finish.  

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The best way to apply Classico Limewash to get optimal results is using a masonry brush. You can also apply it with an appropriate sprayer  (Minimum 3000psi) and sprayer tip (#0.019 – 0.021). Consult paint sprayer manufacturer always before spraying aggregate paints. If purchasing a new sprayer, we recommend finding the proper tip first and then see what sprayer that tip is compatible with. New sprayer tips should be used for each job to prevent product waste and provide for a more perfect finish. Be sure to clean out the sprayer immediately when done or when taking a long break.

If you choose to spray it on, it is suggested to back brush in order to assure proper coverage and to help break the surface tension allowing the product to be more easily absorbed, which is ideal to create a good bond. Classico Limewash is sturdiest if the calcification process occurs beneath the surface. Avoid flash drying. 

Yes, you can achieve stunning design on absorbent, unpainted brick, stone, or masonry surfaces inside your home with Classico Limewash. For interior surfaces that may be touched by people’s hands or bodies (such as a fireplace hearth that you sit on) or in high-traffic areas that get stains on them and have to be cleaned (such as a backsplash), you would absolutely need a top coat of Romabio Mineral Shield to protect it. This technology is not a sealer but rather will repel water or liquids and prevent “chalking” which will leave harmless, white residue on skin or clothing. We do not recommend cleaning with harsh abrasives or scrubbing the surface as it may affect the finish. 

Classico Limewash and Lime Slurry can be painted on the inside but we don’t recommend it because it will be susceptible to charring and soot. You can not use any of our other paint products on the inside of a fireplace. 

Masonry Flat provides a smooth finish while Masonry Textured provides a granular/sand finish,  ideal for rough or ‘bark-like’ brick to create a uniform surface appearance, by depositing grit into the cuts and grooves or for a textured Stucco finish on smoother surfaces. Both products, if applied as directed, come with a 20-year warranty.

Romabio Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured are formulated to go on unsealed, absorbent, and unpainted brick, stone, or other masonry surfaces as a 2-coat process with no additional primer. For the following surfaces you should apply two coats after one coat of Romabio MicroGrip Primer first: Pre-painted Brick, Pre-painted Stone, Poured Concrete, Portland or Gypsum Stucco, CMU Block, Cementitious Board, and Wood. Visit our How-to-apply PDF or the product’s Technical Data Sheet. 

Use the original paint product and follow mixing and dilution instructions. Apply a thin light coat, allow to dry, and re-apply another light coat if needed. It is not necessary to pre-wet painted surface prior to touch-up. 

Romabio Masonry Paints are not recommended for use on floors, high traffic areas or horizontal surfaces out in the elements.

No. Romabio Masonry Paints are not recommended for use on floors.

If it is applied as directed by the Romabio Technical Data Sheet which for pre-painted brick includes one coat of Romabio MicroGrip Primer, then two coats of Masonry Flat or Masonry Textured. 

Yes, Romabio MicroGrip Primer must first be applied to Hardie Board and wood siding prior to the use of Masonry Flat.

Romabio Masonry Flat and Masonry Textured can be tinted to a wide range of colors. The two products come in white and transparent bases. To see Romabio curated color collections, visit Young House Love Color Collection + Classico Color Collection), or you can have the products custom tinted at a participating independent paint retailer. If there is no retailer in your area, please contact Rings End as they can custom tint and ship directly to you.

Romabio Masonry Paints have high perm ratings of 70+ allowing trapped water vapor to diffuse and escape from the masonry surfaces. The products have a 20-year warranty when applied as directed by the Technical Data Sheets. You can repaint or touch-up at any time because of the very flat finish.

Yes, there is a very fine grit in the Masonry Flat paint so this is normal and should work as intended. Romabio Masonry Textured has a larger aggregate, akin to the texture of course salt.

For Masonry Flat you can use a professional-grade airless sprayer with a minimum 3000psi with a 0.019" - 0.021" tip opening or an HVLP spray gun (tip: 1.4mm-1.5mm). New sprayer tips should be used to prevent product waste and provide a perfect finish. Be sure to clean out the sprayer immediately when done.

Masonry Textured requires special equipment. You’ll need a professional-grade airless sprayer with an aggregate hopper.                           

Yes. Romabio Matte Interior, Low Lustre Interior/Exterior, and Satin Interior/Exterior are washable paints. Use a sponge or soft cloth with a small amount of water and mild soap and rub gently to the affected area, then wipe dry. Do not use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.

You can use a sprayer, but a roller is the suggested application tool for best results.

For SuperFlat Interior or Matte Interior requires a .019”- .021” sprayer tip opening.

For LowLustre Interior/Exterior or Satin Interior/Exterior requires a .017”- .019” sprayer tip opening

Check out the colors available on Amazon or call your local retailer to see if they carry the
product and they can custom tint to a wide-range of colors.

Yes! This paint is intended for artistic effects so you can create the look you want with multiple colors. The options are endless. For lighter colors, using a 2^nd coat that is a shade lighter will give the best results for showing movement. For instance, you won’t see much movement by using two coats of Nube Gray by itself, but you could use Bianco White for the 2^nd coat to show some variation.

It will not chalk-off, but it is not stain resistant.

The paint may appear darker when applying but will dry lighter to the color tinted.

While you can get beautiful results using Classico Limewash on your Interior drywall, the process requires a few products, additional steps, and your color choices are limited to light to medium light colors only. You’ll need one coat of MicroGrip Primer and at least two coats of Classico Limewash. Due to the slaked lime content, your finished wall may chalk off and is not as durable, so a protective topcoat may be required.

Velatura Mineralwash, is only a two-coat process, no primer needed even over existing paint, to produce the look of authentic limewash and with no chalking. It comes in an array of colors from light to dark.

No, we recommend using Classico Limewash for distressing on Exterior masonry and Velatura Mineralwash to create movement effects on Interior drywall.

It is available to order at Rings End, Amazon or contact your local retailer.