Lime Paints

Lime paints are a traditional, breathable decorating solution made from natural materials such as limestone, lime binders and natural pigments. They’re ideal for interior walls, interior and exterior walls, and heritage surfaces where modern coatings would trap moisture and cause long-term damage.

What is lime paint used for?

Lime paint is used to decorate and protect breathable surfaces such as lime plaster, lime render, brick, stone and traditional renders. Because it is vapour permeable, it allows moisture to pass through the surface, helping buildings remain healthy and reducing the risk of trapped damp.

It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, especially on porous substrates such as plaster, concrete and cement-based backgrounds.

What is the best lime paint?

The best choice depends on the surface, location and desired appearance. A high-quality natural lime paint made with natural pigments and mineral fillers will:

• Remain breathable and vapour permeable.
• Provide a soft matt finish that enhances traditional and contemporary spaces.
• Offer good coverage per litre across both interior walls and exterior walls.
• Perform well on similar materials such as lime plasters, limewash surfaces and traditional masonry.

It is also a more eco friendly alternative compared to many water based modern paints, which often contain synthetics that modern paints lack breathability.

What are the disadvantages of limewash paint?

Although lime wash paint and limewash paint offer excellent breathability and a natural matt appearance, there are some limitations to consider:

• They are more sensitive to direct sunlight during application and drying.
• They are less resistant to heavy staining from dust and grease in high-traffic areas.
• They typically require more than one coat for full coverage.
• They are not suitable for non-porous surfaces or certain other paints.

However, when used on the right material and background, limewash remains one of the most authentic and breathable finishes available.

Can you buy lime paint?

Yes – you can easily purchase professional lime paints for both interior and exterior walls directly from our range. These are supplied in practical bucket sizes and clearly labelled with usage and coverage details.

Whether you are restoring a heritage building, decorating a feature wall or working on traditional lime render, we provide high-quality options suitable for a wide range of projects.

What are the disadvantages of lime wash paint?

While lime wash and limewash are valued for their natural character, they may not suit all situations. Compared to modern coatings, lime wash is:

• Less resistant to harsh weather elements.
• More prone to colour variation due to the use of mineral pigments and interaction with the substrate.
• Requires careful application with a brush to avoid patchiness.

Despite this, for traditional or breathable systems, lime wash remains one of the most historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing options.

What is the difference between limewash and lime paint?

The main difference between limewash and lime paint lies in opacity, formulation and application.

• Limewash – a very thin, water based finish that soaks deeply into the surface. Often used on older stone, brick and limestone buildings. It produces a lighter, more translucent effect.
• Lime paint – typically more opaque, often mixed with stabilisers for a more consistent finish. Still breathable, but offers more uniform colour and better coverage.

Both options are part of the same family of breathable finishes and are suitable for similar materials including lime plaster, plaster, render and bare masonry.

Thanks to its natural nature, lime paint also contains no toxic fumes, helping buildings off gas and maintain healthier indoor air quality for occupants and the skin, furnishings and furniture within the space.

If you need more further information about selecting the right lime paint or colour, or how to prepare your walls, just get in touch with our technical team.