Lime Washes

Lime washes are traditional, breathable lime based paint finishes made from lime putty, natural ingredients and mineral pigments. Used for centuries on stone, brick, plaster and lime render, they help protect the building fabric while allowing moisture to move freely through the surface.

What is lime wash and how does it work?

Lime wash paint (often written as limewash paint or simply limewash) is a very breathable coating made by slaking lime with clean water to produce limewash, then adding a small amount of mineral colour if required. Unlike standard paint, it soaks into a porous surface and chemically bonds with similar materials such as lime plaster, lime based renders, and traditional masonry.

As it carbonates, limewash forms a protective finish that helps regulate moisture, reduces the risk of mould growth, and allows the building to off gas naturally.

Benefits of lime wash paint for walls and facades

Using lime wash paint and lime coatings on interior walls and exterior walls is a highly sustainable option for both new and historic buildings. The paint finish is vapour-open, allows natural drying and helps prevent trapped damp in the substrate.

Breathable, natural and long-lasting finish

• Highly breathable, ideal for heritage buildings and older building fabrics.
• Solvent free formulation based on lime based paints and natural ingredients.
• Helps shed dirt and can be refreshed easily with an additional thin coat.
• Provides a beautifully soft, matt finish with subtle movement in colour.
• Acts as a breathable protective finish that can give a very durable finish when correctly maintained.

Lime wash vs lime paint – what’s the difference?

The terms limewash and lime paint are often used together but there are differences:

• Lime wash paint – a very thin, watery mix designed to soak into the surface, especially on friable masonry and natural surfaces such as stone and traditional renders. Often used as an external limewash on walls that need high breathability.
• Modern lime paint / modern paint based on lime – more refined, sometimes with added binders for improved handling and durable finish on interior walls.

Both are lime based and work well over lime based renders and lime plaster. However, they behave differently from traditional paint and other paints, so application methods can vary depending on the surface and materials involved.

How to apply lime based paints and limewash paint

Before applying limewash or lime based paints, preparation of the substrate is essential. Always wear suitable eye protection when working with lime.

Surface preparation and how many coats are needed

• Remove dust, loose particles and failing coatings from the walls.
• On new, very absorbent or friable masonry, apply a diluted first coat as a shelter coat to help consolidate the surface.
• Use only clean water when thinning and keep tools and brushes free from contamination.
• Most systems require at least two coats; the number of coats and coverage per litre will vary depending on the substrate and lime based product used.

When planning how many coats you need, always refer to manufacturer guidance for further information and allow for drying in between each application, particularly in cold or frost-prone conditions.

Can you lime wash over existing paint or lime plaster?

For best results, limewash is most suitable on porous surfaces such as lime plaster, stone, brick and older lime based renders. Over standard paint and non-breathable materials, performance can be reduced because the wash cannot fully soak in.

Where existing coatings are vapour-open or where lime render and lime plaster are already present, limewash can be applied once the surface is sound, clean and free from contaminants. If the existing finish is unknown, always test a small area first and seek further information if needed.

Limewash colours and decorative effects

Modern lime washes include a broad range of limewash colours, from traditional white colours to soft tints and more intense shades created by mineral pigments. Coloured limewash can be used to create subtle shading, broken colour effects and a unique decorative look on both interior walls and exterior façades.

The final appearance of your paint finish will depend on the lime, chosen colour, background materials, and exposure to direct sunlight, light and weather. Over time, limewash develops a gentle patina that is particularly suited to historic buildings and heritage settings.

Whether you’re looking for a breathable external limewash for exterior walls or a modern lime paint for internal spaces, our range of lime coatings offers a breathable, characterful alternative to conventional paints, helping to protect the fabric of your building while delivering an authentic, traditional finish.