How To Limewash Walls: Everything you should know
Limewash paint is a unique and interesting way to give your home a new look! If you are wondering how to limewash walls, I got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about this traditional Roman aesthetic with a modern twist.
I first came across limewash paint interiors on Instagram and was obsessed with the artisanal look and the warmth limewash paint brings to the room. Limewash has been used since roman times on structures like churches and is usually used on exterior walls, mostly on brick walls. But, limewash interior paint is becoming popular these days.
As we are transforming our Media Room/Home theatre room, I wanted to do change up the walls and I looked into so many options. After some research, I came up with 3 options. A board and batten wall, wall paper and Lime wash. I have already done a board and batten wall in another room and wanted to try something different here. So I looked up some wallpaper designs and I found some great ones here. But I decided to save these for our bedroom and go with limewash paint.
I knew limewash paint would be a great option for the walls. I also painted the projector screen and DIYed an accent wall corner. I also built a window bench using IKEA cabinets and finished the room. I could not be happier with how the room turned out.
Table of Contents
In this blog post, I am sharing how to limewash walls and everything you need to know about limewash paint before starting this DIY project.
If you want to see this project in action, you can Check this video. You can subscribe to my channel here
What is limewash paint?
Limewash paint is a mixture of crushed limestone that has been burned and mixed with water to form a lime putty. Then, it is mixed with natural pigments to create the desired color in the limewash paint. There are no artificial solvents and only natural ingredients making it eco-friendly, breathable, and sustainable compared to regular paint. Normal paint has volatile organic compounds that release chemicals into our air. Limewash paint is free of any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and you can breathe easier.
Limewash paint gives off a unique matte finish that adds texture, and the brush strokes give character to any wall or surface. Its organic look improves as it ages and provides depth to the walls, highlighting any decor against the wall. It’s a great way to upgrade your home.
What are some popular lime wash paint brands?
Since it is not a regular paint, the traditional paint brands might not carry lime paint, but many online retailers sell limewash paint for interiors. Here are some popular limewash paint brands in the US:
- Color Atelier – This is the one I used in my media room, and I loved the quality.
- Portola Paints – I know a couple of friends who used this brand, and they seem to like this famous brand.
- JH Wall Paints – This one has MANY color options and got good reviews.
- Home Depot – Home Depot carries Romabio limewash which is ideal for exterior bricks. However, some big influencers have used this for their interior walls.
Where can I use limewash paint?
Limewash is most suited for porous surfaces, popularly used on brick or exterior walls. However, with a suitable primer like acrylic primer, you can use it on drywall or any flat walls.
Can you limewash over painted walls?
Yes, you can limewash over painted walls, which can be used to paint an accent wall or even an entire room. However, you must apply acrylic primer first since limewash is most suited for porous surfaces. Find an affordable acrylic primer, or check if your limewash paint brands carry one. I have used the primer Color Atelier, and it is a little expensive but worth it considering the low VOCs.
Can you paint textured walls with limewash paint?
I do not have textured walls in my home and haven’t seen many people use them on textured walls. But I am sure you can use it on textured walls, and I think it will look great. Test it in a small area and see how it looks in your room’s lighting. Alternatively, you can skim-coat the walls to make them smooth before applying limewash paint.
Can you paint decor or furniture with limewash paint?
Yes, you can use limewash paint on any surface like conventional paint. However, if you paint furniture, the paint might scratch off with some wear and tear.
Choosing the right color for your interior walls
I highly recommend getting some samples and testing them out in the space before buying the paint. You can even mix up different colors to get the desired look. I have seen professionals use slight variations in colors in different coats of limewash so that the color of the bottom coat will peak through and add to the organic texture.
Materials You need to limewash walls
- Lime Wash Paint – I chose color Velvet Noir
- Primer
- Flat brush
Preparing the walls before limewashing walls:
Cleaning
The first step is to prep the walls. Remove any decor, fill holes using some spackle, and sand the excess. You can use a mild soap solution or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any dirt, dust, or grease that may have accumulated on the walls over time. I only used cloth as our home is new and the walls are decently clean.
Applying Primer
To ensure good adhesion of limewash onto your wall surface, apply a primer coat before starting with the actual painting process using a suitable primer as per manufacturer instructions. I used the primer from the manufacturer, but you can also use an acrylic primer.
How to apply limewash to the Walls?
Mixing the limewash correctly
You must mix the lime wash thoroughly before starting the painting process. You will have to do this very often. Some lime wash paints come as clay, and you must mix it with water as needed. The one I used came in ready to be painted. Take a flat brush and start applying strokes randomly.
Applying the limewash with a block/flat brush
You will need a block/flat brush to apply this limewash paint. Start applying thin coats with random strokes. There is no right way to do it. Start at any point on the wall and go in any direction. You will see the brush strokes, which will dry out to give that cloud-like texture. I applied the first coat on the entire wall before applying the second coat.
Allowing adequate drying time in between coats
Traditional limewash dries out much lighter than you see when you start painting, so let it dry completely between coats to see the final color.
I let it dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat.
Finishing Touches:
Limewash is very forgiving regarding the application. So if you see any marks or odd patches, fix them. You don’t have to do the entire wall.
In fact, the imperfections cause the organic flow which we desire and adds texture to the final look. So just have fun with it.
Conclusion
This DIY project is a simple process in that you can easily upgrade your modern homes in a budget-friendly way. You can use this in different ways in different spaces, like a living room or even a powder room. It improves the interior air quality because of its zero VOC.
So next time you are looking to change up your interior walls, give this a try and you won’t regret it!