Limewash has been steadily increasing in popularity in the last few years, and given the many different ways it can be achieved with different products, it can seem confusing to understand how to go about it. What is Limewash? How does it need to be applied? Does it need to be diluted? What products do I need? 

Many questions can arise, and the answers may differ depending on your chosen brand. 

As limewash is technically a heavily diluted lime paint, we recommend using our Lime Eco, the traditional lime paint by Impera Italia. It will give you the best coverage, and due to its high opacity, it is easier to customise the finish to create your desired outcome. As Lime Eco is offered in its purest form (with no added water), it can be easily tailored for its intended use.

As for how to create the limewash finish with it, it depends on what you had in mind. Do you want 1 or 2 colours? Do you want the texture to be very apparent or more diffused? Creating a limewash finish can be a very creative process. 

Below, we will try to detail some of the possibilities and popular ways to create the limewash effect. But keep in mind that our Lime Eco, like any lime paint, is a very versatile product, and there are multiple ways to go about it! 

To help decide whether limewash is the finish fo you, please see the end of this article for frequently asked questions. 

Where can you apply limewash? 

Lime paints, and therefore, limewash, can be used on any porous surface. The speciality of limewash, where it differs from other paints, is that it penetrates the surface. For this reason, it is only recommended to be applied on porous surfaces; otherwise, the paint will dry and chip on the surface.

Before you apply - make sure to test the paint!

Before embarking on a full room renovation with a large quantity of paint, we recommend purchasing the sample pots or at least separating a small amount from the bigger bucket to test the application. 

To test the paint, see the instructions in the FAQ section, and if you have any doubts, need some guidance, or think something doesn’t look right, send us an email at sales@imperaitalia.com. 

You can purchase the Lime Eco colour chart here, and the sample pot for testing here. 

What tools do you need to start?

 

As part of the prep work, it’s best to get all the tools in advance so they are within reach once you start the application.

Brush

First, the most important tool you’ll need is a brush. It’s best to use a natural or a natural-mix bristle brush. The size of the brush will depend on how big of an area you’d like to cover. A small brush is a good idea for a smaller surface or if you’d like to create a busy pattern. For large areas and for efficiency, we recommend using a block brush.

For the best effect and control over the application, purchase the Impera special effect brush (100mm) or block brush for the quickest and most practical application of limewash paints and washes!

Mixing Bucket

To make the application easier and give yourself the chance to use only the amount of paint you need, we recommend pouring a small quantity into a separate bucket and measuring the weight of how much is exactly in the new bucket to ensure the dilution will be consistent. 

Tape 

To ensure clear edges, we recommend getting a painter’s tape and applying it along the lines of the wall where the paint will be applied, skirting boards, sockets and any other area you don’t want painted, such as windows. 

How to Pick a Decorating Tape?

When selecting which tape is the most suitable for your project, it will depend on how delicate the surface you are applying it to is!

For painted walls, wallpapers, and any surface where there is a risk of peeling, we recommend our Low-Tack Tesa Tape to protect it. 

The Classic Beige Tesa Tape is best used on surfaces that are resistant to any kind of peeling, such as tiles, sockets, windows, etc. 

We also offer tapes made for grittier surfaces that would otherwise pose a challenge to normal tapes when it comes to adhesion. The Yellow Tesa Tape is the safest to pick for those surfaces, and it helps achieve a clear line, regardless of texture. 

If you are not sure which tape to go for, be sure to contact our team or test it yourself, starting with a low-tack tape, before going for the stronger adhesives. 

Stirrer

The specificity of lime paints is the high concentration of the lime putty, which, when mixed with water, becomes paint. However, given the density of lime putty, it descends to the bottom of the bucket fairly quickly. This means that the paint needs to be stirred regularly to ensure an even colour and consistency. 

Get our Open & Stir Blade here! Additionally, if you have a drill with a stirrer blade, this may be helpful to re-gain the correct consistency at a quicker rate.

Kitchen Scale or Measuring Cup 

To ensure accurate measurements and with that, a consistent application, it’s best to be sure of how much water you are adding exactly. Our Lime Eco, as all lime and limewash paints, is very forgiving, and it’s very hard to make a very apparent mistake, but to be able to follow our guide we’d recommend at least one measuring tool. Make sure to take note of the dilution rates for the future if you wish to replicate the finish!

Paint Tray (optional)

Whilst not mandatory, some people find it challenging to dip the brush in a bigger bucket, especially if two different colours are applied at the same time. You can use the tray to separate a smaller amount of the product, before or after dilution, so you can carry it with you. 

Check out our kits for a small paint tray. We recommend a roller and tray kit for those who need to apply primer before Lime Eco. 

How to Create the Limewash Finish? 

 

Prep the Surface

The surface preparation depends entirely on what substrate you’ll apply the limewash to. 

If it’s an even, damage-free and porous surface (most newly painted walls, essentially), then there’s no need to prime; the paint or rather the limewash, can go straight on the wall. For freshly plastered walls, it’s possible to apply Lime Eco directly on the surface; just bear in mind that you may need to do 1-2 extra white coats as a base, so the colour will come out accurate. 

Bear in mind that lime paint should never be applied onto oil paint or a substrate which can be prone to reacting with lime.

 

Check if the Surface is Porous

If it’s a nonporous or water-repellant surface, we recommend applying our acrylic Universal Primer, as that will create a base the paint can adhere to and ensure a long-lasting finish. 

In case you are not sure which category your wall falls into, try spraying a little bit of water on the surface and check whether it’s absorbed or stays on top of the surface. 

Correct Any Cracks or Imperfections

Bear in mind that the limewash finish was only meant to create a translucent coating on the surface, and when diluted, it won’t necessarily offer the same coverage as it normally would ( it depends on the dilution).  

Once all the imperfections have been corrected, we recommend applying one coat of emulsion paint or one coat of uncoloured Lime Eco. Applying a white base coat will ensure the colour is accurate, and the limewash will have a more noticeable texture. 

With this in mind, if your existing wall has a moderately dark colour, we would advise either painting the wall white first or applying two coats of primer to create a uniform white surface. This will allow for an even application of the paint and the most accurate representation of colour.

 

The Different Limewash Applications 

As mentioned above, working with a traditional lime paint, like Lime Eco, to create the limewash finish opens up a world of possibilities. But to make it simple, we will explain the two most popular ways to go about it. 

It is worth mentioning that this isn't normal paint, so don't paint the edges first and then fill in the centre. It’s best to work in an irregular, criss-cross motion along the wall.

Application #1 - Applying the Same Colour on Two Coats 

When applying the same colour on two coats, the limewash effect will be a bit more subtle and blend in well with the interiors, especially on a larger scale. 

We recommend adding at least 70-80% water to Lime Eco. This means 700ml or 800ml for 1L. 

To have the best results, we recommend applying it in big patches and diffusing the paint towards the edges. 

Start by dipping the top of the brush lightly in the paint and applying one big patch of it. Drag the brush towards the uncovered areas as far out as possible, ensuring any paint left on the brush is applied and the layer is as thin as possible. 

The secret to a good limewash finish is to create an irregular pattern and leave more product on some spots than on others. 

Continue applying in patches until the wall is 80-90% covered. If the edges are not perfect or you see some blank spots, don’t worry. 

For the second coat, use the same technique and dilution, but try to apply as little paint as possible. Remember that the limewash effect is created when the wall is not fully covered. If you’d like to add more water to create a more translucent coat, you can do that as well, just make sure to note how much you added in case you want to repeat the same application later. 

Once the second coat is dry, check if you are happy with the finish, and if not, you can apply more on the areas that you’d like to cover up, or add more texture to. 

Remember to:

• Dilute the paint 

• Don’t use too much at once; diffuse the patches as much as possible. 

• Leave some spots uncovered on the first and second coats as well. 

• Apply the paint in an irregular motion

Application #2 - Mixing Different Colours in the Same Coat 

When choosing two different colours, we recommend picking colours with similar undertones or for a more exaggerated cloudy effect, pick a colour to apply with the uncoloured. 

For this application, we chose Ventotene and the Uncoloured. You should still be very generous with the dilution, adding at least 70% of Water to Ventotene (or the colour you chose) and about 90-100% to the uncoloured Lime Eco (as the uncoloured comes out too harsh if not diluted properly). 

To start, make sure you have the paints ready in two separate containers (a bucket, a tray or any bowl will work).

Dip one side of the brush into Ventotene and the other side into the uncoloured. If you want to avoid any contamination in the paint, keep smaller amounts in any container next to you that you can refill as you apply. 

Apply the paint in an irregular motion, using a criss-cross technique, without mixing the colours too much. Try to avoid blending the uncoloured fully, as you won’t be able to see the texture if you do. Continue with this technique until the wall is covered. You can use whatever is left on the brush to cover the edges. 

Once the first coat is dry, repeat this application for the second coat. 

Remember to:

• Dilute the paint, adding even more water to the uncoloured Lime Eco

• Don’t blend the two colours too much

• Apply the paint in an irregular motion

• Use a small tray if you want to avoid any contamination of the colours 

 

FAQ

 

 

Do You Need a Primer?

You need a primer if the substrate you are applying to is non-porous. In that case, we recommend sanding down the surface (if it’s an oil-based paint for example), then applying our acrylic Universal Primer. Applying a primer does take away from the breathability, which is worth considering in case the primer is only optional for your wall (meaning that it’s porous). 

If you have a very dark colour applied on the wall, it’s also a good idea to start with the primer, to help cover the surface. 

What are the Advantages of Limewash?

Limewash has been gaining popularity recently due to its aesthetic qualities and how well it fits with contemporary, minimalist, and nature-inspired design trends. 

Aside from the beautiful visual effect that creates depth and a slightly rustic feel, limewash or lime paints in general, come with additional benefits. The most important one is how it preserves the air quality in your home, as it has little to no VOC, and it’s the most natural alternative for a wall finish. 

The high alkaline content will also make it resistant to mold and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for humid areas. 

Does Limewash Leave a Chalky Finish? 

In short, yes. Authentic lime paint and limewash will leave a chalky finish. Whilst it can be a nuisance in certain areas, it also makes it fairly easy to repair and repaint. 

If you want to get rid of the chalky finish, add a protecting coat with our Decorfilm Matt! It will enhance the durability, but be sure to test it in a non-visible area, as it may shift the colour slightly. 

Should I Protect the Limewash Finish? 

Whether or not you should protect the surface will depend on where you want to apply the paint. In high-traffic areas or where the paint is significantly exposed to the effects of daily wear and tear, it’s a good idea to opt for a protective coat. 

With that said, protecting the paint comes with the advantages of a chalk-free finish and enhanced durability, but it will also take away from its eco-friendly qualities and breathability. Essentially, it depends on what your priorities are for the space and the finish. 

How Do You Test The Paint With the Sample Pots? 

For most paints, sample pots are important to see the colours in person. For Lime Eco, aside from the colour, it’s an important step of practicing the application to see which application technique and dilution ratio work best for you. 

When it comes to testing sample pots, we’d recommend separating the 250ml sample pot into two little containers and trying different dilution ratios for each.

For example, separate 125ml of Ventotene, dilute it with 70% water (87.5ml), and use that on the first coat. 

For the second coat, you can keep the same level of dilution or add 20% more (20ml), for example, and apply the second coat. 

If you don’t like the application and want to try it differently, you will still have the other 125ml to test!

Is Limewash Suitable For My Walls?

So long as it’s a porous surface, meaning that water can penetrate the substrate, you can. Check if the surface is porous by spraying a little water on the surface, and if you can’t see the water being absorbed, you need a primer. 

What If I Can’t See The Effect? 

Most of the time, when the effect doesn’t come out visible enough, it is because the surface is too covered up. 

The limewash effect is created with multiple translucent coats, but if the paint is not diluted enough or too much product is applied, the substrate will be fully covered, and the limewash effect won’t be apparent. 

To ensure that there is a contrast between the different sections and that the limewash effect is created, we recommend picking a colour that is significantly darker or lighter than the substrate, diluting the paint with enough water, and applying minimal product to avoid high opacity. 

We always recommend testing the paint before applying it to ensure you are happy with the finish, and we can help you troubleshoot before applying it on an entire wall. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 0333 012 4396 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-5 PM) or email us at sales@imperaitalia.com.