Transform Your Walls with DIY Limewash Techniques

Limewash is a timeless, eco-friendly way to create textured, breathable walls with a beautiful matte finish. Whether you’re working with porous surfaces like stone or brick or preparing modern walls with primer, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

The Patina Factory powdered Limewash / 1kg = 24 sqm (two coats)

Materials and Tools

Essentials:

• Patina Factory Powdered Limewash Paint (calculate 1 kg powder = 24 sqm for two coats)

• Mixing Buckets (one 4-litre bucket for blending powder and one 10-litre bucket for mixing paint)

• Measuring Tools (kitchen scales for water accuracy)

• Stirring Tools (wooden spoon and stick blender)

• Block Brush - also called lime wash brush (for application)

• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Dust mask, gloves, and safety glasses

• Primer (for non-porous surfaces)

• Lime Bridge  (if preparing a surface for limewash over primer or acrylic-painted walls, or evening out heavy colour / texture on porous substrate)

Step 1: Determine Your Surface Type

Proper preparation depends on the type of surface you’re working with.

• Porous Surfaces (e.g., stone, lime plaster, brick, porous cement): No primer is needed. Ensure the surface is clean and dust-free.

• Non-Porous Surfaces (e.g., acrylic-painted walls, smooth plasterboard): Apply a compatible primer to help limewash adhere properly.

• Previously Primed or Acrylic-Painted Surfaces: Use Lime Bridge after the primer to create a breathable, textured base for the limewash. Follow instructions for Lime Bridge

Step 2: Prepare Your Limewash

Mix Your Powder:

1. Empty the entire bag of limewash powder into a dry 4-liter bucket.

2. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to blend all ingredients, as the contents may have settled during transport.

Add Water:

1. Measure 3.4 litres of water into a 10-liter bucket for every 1 kg of limewash powder.

• Tip: Use kitchen scales for accuracy (1 litre of water = 1 kg).

2. Gradually add the pre-mixed powder to the water while stirring (never add water to powder, as it creates excessive dust).

Blend Thoroughly:

1. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth liquid.

2. Use a stick blender for at least 5 minutes to ensure all ingredients are fully integrated.

3. Let the mixture stand for 12–24 hours to allow the lime to hydrate fully and improve application quality.

Step 3: Apply Limewash

Limewash is applied in multiple thin coats for the best results.

First Coat:

1. Stir the limewash thoroughly before application.

2. Decant not more than 5 cms of paint into the small bucket, just enough you’re your brush touches the bottom of the bucket each dip but the bristles are not fully submerged.

3. Using a limewash brush (sometimes known as a block brush), apply the limewash in long, sweeping strokes. For a textured finish, allow strokes to overlap.

Subsequent Coats:

1. Allow each coat to dry completely (about 6–8 hours, depending on humidity and temperature and always best overnight).

2. Apply additional thin coats until the desired coverage and texture are achieved (typically two coats).

3. If the limewash thickens during application, add a small amount of water (up to 50 ml at a time) to restore the consistency.

Step 4: Curing and Finishing

Once applied, limewash requires time to cure.

1. Avoid scrubbing or cleaning the walls for at least two weeks, as the finish is delicate during the curing process.

2. Over the next several weeks, the limewash will harden as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, forming a durable and breathable coating.

Tips for a Successful DIY Limewash Project

• Test First: Use a small sample board to experiment with mixing ratios and application techniques.

• Protect Your Space: Cover floors and furniture with drop cloths, as limewash can splatter.

• Embrace Imperfections: Limewash’s unique beauty comes from its natural texture and subtle variations.

Limewash is a simple, rewarding way to transform your walls with texture, depth, and timeless elegance. Whether you’re working on porous stone or prepping modern walls with a primer and Lime Bridge, this technique is versatile enough for any space.

Ready to get started? Explore our range of powdered limewash paints and undercoats to create a finish that’s as sustainable as it is beautiful. Visit our shop to browse our range of colours.