What is EPS insulation made from?

EPS insulation is made from expanded polystyrene beads that are fused together to form rigid boards. This composition gives EPS its strength, durability and excellent thermal performance, making it ideal for use in residential, commercial and industrial insulation projects.

Where can EPS insulation be used?

EPS insulation is suitable for both external and internal wall insulation. It can be applied to masonry, timber and system-built properties, as well as used beneath renders or within cavity wall insulation systems. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for new-build and retrofit projects alike.

How is EPS insulation installed?

EPS boards are typically installed using a dual fixing method, adhesive and mechanical fixings, to ensure a secure hold. For best results, we recommend using EWI-220 EPS Basecoat Adhesive, a specially formulated product designed to bond EPS insulation boards securely to masonry and other substrates. Once the boards are fixed, they should be covered with a basecoat and reinforcing fibreglass mesh. The surface should be rasped or sanded before applying the basecoat to create a better key for adhesion. EPS can be finished with EWI-075 Silicone Render or EWI-040 Acrylic Render, both of which complement its non-breathable nature and provide a durable decorative finish.

Can EPS insulation be used internally?

Yes, EPS can also be used for internal wall insulation. However, external wall insulation generally achieves better results by preventing thermal bridging and reducing the risk of internal condensation.

Why is EPS insulation cost-effective?

EPS insulation offers exceptional performance at a lower price point compared to many other materials. Its lightweight structure means it requires less adhesive strength and uses plastic fixings rather than metal, reducing both material and labour costs without compromising quality.

What is the difference between EPS and XPS insulation?

EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) are made from the same base resin but produced using different processes. EPS is lighter, more affordable and ideal for wall insulation. XPS is denser and stronger, making it better suited for below-ground or flooring applications. Both materials deliver excellent thermal performance, but EPS is often preferred for external wall insulation systems due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.

Is EPS insulation waterproof?

Yes, EPS insulation is highly water-resistant. It helps protect your property against damp and mildew, maintaining a healthy wall structure. For added protection, you can pair EPS insulation with a waterproof render such as Nano Drex Silicone Render or Premium Bio Silicone Render to enhance weather resistance.

Lime Wash (EWI-707) - 10L

Brand: EWI Pro

SKU: EWI-707-10

-12%

£84.47 Incl. VAT

£95.99 Incl. VAT (regular price)

Please note: This product has a slightly longer lead time. Our team will notify you with an estimated delivery date.

Quantity:

EWI-707 Lime Wash is a traditional, lime-based protective coating designed to preserve and enhance the natural appearance of lime renders, plasters and masonry. Made from diluted lime putty, it maintains the full breathability of the substrate while gently sealing and protecting the surface as lime finishes continue to cure and build strength.

Unlike modern decorative coatings, lime wash works with the building fabric rather than sealing it. It can also act as a sacrificial protective layer, weathering naturally over time and helping to protect underlying lime finishes. For added creativity, EWI-707 can be combined with lime paint to create bespoke, heritage-style finishes with subtle variation and depth.

Intended Uses

EWI-707 Lime Wash is suitable for both internal and external restoration and decorative applications, particularly on traditional and breathable substrates. It is ideal for:

Newly applied lime renders and plasters
Historic and heritage masonry
Bio-construction and conservation projects
Decorative finishes where breathability is essential

It is compatible with both traditional and modern construction methods, adopting a harmonious chemical, structural and mechanical behaviour with surrounding materials.

Key Benefits

Fully breathable, supporting vapour-permeable lime systems
Protects and unifies new lime renders and plasters during curing
Preserves the natural, traditional lime appearance
Acts as a sacrificial protective layer on exposed masonry
Can help fill fine shrinkage cracks in lime finishes
Suitable for use with aggregates to form shelter coats
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Very low VOC content and free from formaldehyde
Eco-friendly and heritage-appropriate

Compatible Products

EWI-707 Lime Wash is a crucial finishing and protective component within breathable lime systems, particularly during the curing and carbonation stages of lime-based finishes.

EWI-747 Lime Render NHL 3.5 & EWI-747F Fine Finish Lime Render NHL 3.5

Lime Wash helps seal and unify lime render surfaces while remaining fully breathable. It protects the render as it continues to carbonate, reduces surface dusting, and allows moisture to evaporate naturally without trapping damp.

EWI-749 Fine Finish Lime Plaster

Lime Wash is especially important when used over lime plaster, where it gently seals the surface while preserving vapour permeability. This helps reduce fine shrinkage cracking, improves durability, and supports proper curing without compromising the delicate finish.

EWI-705 Lime Paint

Lime Wash can be blended with Lime Paint to create bespoke, heritage-style finishes, offering additional creative control while maintaining full breathability and surface protection.

EWI-707 should only be used on compatible, breathable lime-based substrates to ensure long-term performance and moisture management.

Substrate Preparation

Substrates must be firm, clean and dry, free from loose material, dust, grease, oils, salts, efflorescence, biological growth or residues that could impair adhesion.

Avoid chemical cleaning agents where possible. If chemical treatments have been used, rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the surface to dry fully before application.

Product Preparation

EWI-707 Lime Wash is supplied ready to use.

Stir gently at low speed before application
Mix until the product is completely homogeneous

Do not dilute unless specifically required for decorative effect or application technique.

Application

Apply EWI-707 using a brush, roller or airless spray unit.

Apply evenly, loading the surface rather than spreading thinly
A minimum of two coats is recommended
Allow adequate drying time between coats

Final appearance will vary depending on application method, substrate texture and absorbency, contributing to the traditional character of the finish.

Technical Data

Property	Value
Product Type	Lime Wash
Appearance	Thixotropic paste with smooth, matte finish
Density	1.41 ± 0.05 g/cm³
Viscosity	8,000–10,000 cP
pH	13 ± 0.05
Dry Extract	59 ± 1%
Water Vapour Permeability	μ ≤ 15
VOC Content	< 1.5 g/L
Free Formaldehyde Content	< 0.01 mg/kg
Dry to Touch	40-60 minutes (23°C, 65% RH)
Recoating Time	4-6 hours (23°C, 65% RH)
Total Drying Time	Approx. 24 hours
Application Temperature	5°C to 35°C
Application Humidity	< 80% RH
Packaging	4 L jerry can
Shelf Life	Up to 12 months from manufacture

Storage Conditions

Store in original, unopened packaging in a cool, dry location, protected from frost and direct sunlight. Avoid contamination and ingress of water. Shelf life is up to 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

EWI-707 Lime Wash is a protective and breathable coating designed for use on lime renders, lime plasters and masonry substrates. It unifies and protects new lime surfaces while allowing them to strengthen naturally. Lime wash also helps fill small shrinkage cracks and can be used to create a sacrificial protective layer for friable masonry.

Yes. As it is made from diluted lime putty, EWI-707 Lime Wash maintains all the breathable qualities of lime. This allows moisture to escape freely from the substrate, helping to prevent damp, mould and condensation.

EWI-707 Lime Wash is suitable for exterior use on lime-based renders, plasters and masonry. While primarily used externally, it can also be applied indoors on compatible lime surfaces for a natural, traditional finish.

EWI-707 comes ready to use in a 10-litre jerrycan. Stir the product thoroughly at low speed before use. Apply using a brush, roller or airless spray gun, ensuring even coverage. A minimum of two coats is recommended for a consistent and durable finish.

The substrate must be clean, dry and free from dust, grease, efflorescence or loose materials. Avoid chemical cleaning products; if they are used, rinse thoroughly with water and allow the surface to dry before application.

Traditionally, lime wash was used as a decorative coating, but it is now mainly used as a protective finish. For a more decorative or coloured surface, we recommend EWI-705 Lime Paint, which offers a longer-lasting and more vibrant finish while maintaining breathability.

Store in a cool, dry place away from frost and direct sunlight. Keep the container sealed when not in use. The product has a shelf life of up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.