top of page

Creative ways to use limewash paint around the house

Writer's picture: Ash WatleyAsh Watley

Updated: Nov 3, 2024


Limewash paint is gaining popularity for its natural, textured finish. Made from crushed limestone and water, this eco-friendly paint offers a beautiful matte finish that breathes new life into surfaces. Here’s a guide on how you can use limewash paint around your house and some essential tips to keep in mind.


1. Revamp Your Walls and Ceilings

Limewash is a fantastic option for adding depth and softness to interior walls and ceilings. Its unique, chalky finish gives a sophisticated yet rustic look. You can create anything from a vintage-style room to a modern minimalist space. Limewash works best on porous surfaces like plaster, brick, or unsealed drywall, as these surfaces absorb the paint to create that signature mottled appearance.


Tip: If you have non-porous surfaces, you will need a primer to help the paint adhere. Experiment with a test patch to see how the finish will look.


2. Refresh Exteriors and Garden Walls

For those looking to upgrade the exterior of their home, limewash is an excellent choice. It blends beautifully with brick, stone, and stucco, providing a classic and weathered look that ages gracefully over time. Limewash naturally repels water while allowing walls to breathe, which helps prevent moisture buildup—ideal for outdoor garden walls and exterior facades.

Tip: Limewash lightens as it dries, so plan for a slightly darker initial application. If you want a more layered look, consider applying multiple coats with varying intensities.


3. Transform Your Fireplace

A fireplace is often the focal point of a room, and limewash can make it even more stunning. The paint’s matte finish complements the roughness of brick or stone and introduces a cozy, inviting feel to the space. Unlike regular paint, limewash creates an authentic, chalky texture, giving a lived-in look. Our Whitsunday White colour is perfect for fireplaces.

Tip: When painting the fireplace, protect surrounding areas from splashes and drips, and allow adequate time for drying due to the porous nature of bricks.




4. Spruce Up Furniture

Limewashing isn’t just for walls—give old furniture a new lease on life! You can limewash wooden furniture like chairs, tables, or cabinets to create an antique, distressed finish. It’s particularly popular for farmhouse-style pieces, as the paint highlights wood grains and imperfections beautifully.

Tip: To achieve a consistent look, sand the furniture lightly and wipe it clean before applying limewash. If you want a more prominent grain, dilute the limewash to a thinner consistency.


5. Brighten Up Plant Pots and Planters

Terracotta pots and garden planters can look worn out over time. Limewashing these pots offers a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired touch to your outdoor space. The paint adheres well to porous materials, adding a bit of character to plain planters.

Tip: Keep the limewash paint diluted and apply it thinly to achieve that signature weathered look. You can always layer more for extra texture.


Things to Keep in Mind When Using Limewash Paint


  1. Surface Compatibility: Limewash is best suited for porous surfaces like plaster, brick, and untreated wood. On non-porous surfaces, it may not bond well or could appear patchy. Use primer on interior walls that have already been painted.

  2. Colour Variations: Limewash lightens as it dries, so expect a more muted color once it's completely set. Also, different surfaces absorb paint differently, resulting in varied tones. Embrace these variations as part of the charm.

  3. Durability and Maintenance: Limewash is a breathable and natural paint that can be easily refreshed with a new coat over time. While it’s durable, it may rub off slightly in high-traffic areas or where frequent touching occurs. For exteriors, a rain shower may gradually erode the finish, contributing to its aged look.

  4. Safety Precautions: Limewash contains calcium hydroxide, which can be mildly caustic. Wear gloves and eye protection while mixing or applying. Also, ensure proper ventilation when working indoors.

  5. Preparation is Key: Prepare your surface by cleaning it thoroughly and, if necessary, applying a mineral primer to non-porous areas. Limewash may need several coats to achieve your desired finish, so patience is essential.


Conclusion

Limewash paint is an exciting, versatile choice for anyone wanting to add warmth, texture, and a touch of antiquity to their home. From walls and exteriors to furniture and plant pots, it opens up endless possibilities for creative DIY projects. Remember to plan your project carefully, test surfaces, and embrace the beautiful imperfections that come with this traditional paint.

56 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page