Exploring the Origins of Limewash: From Ancient Techniques to Contemporary Appeal
If you open a home magazine, many will show off walls with a light, textured watercolor look to them. If you're like us and immediately HAD to know what it was and how to get it, you're in luck. This week, we're diving into the world of limewash—exploring its rich history, the unique qualities that set it apart, and how you can use it to transform your own home. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, old-world charm or a sleek, modern finish, limewash offers a versatile and eco-friendly solution that’s gaining popularity among homeowners and designers alike. Let's discover the magic of limewash and how it can elevate the beauty of your living spaces.
What is Limewash?
Limewash is a wall finish similar to but different from paint in many ways. Rather than being plastic-based, limewash is made of limestone that has been crushed and burned before being mixed with water and pigments. If you were to open up a can of limewash, it looks more similar to putty than paint as we're used to it. When it goes on your walls and has dried, it looks chalky but has a soft feel. It also doesn't have a shiny look but instead is very matte.
This mixture was originally used as a way to both protect and lighten the look of stone and timber. These days limewash is very much associated with an old-world look that you would find in Europe or South America.
Where does it come from?
Limewash has been used for centuries to protect buildings from the elements while making them even more beautiful. It offered a unique finish that would hold up for at least a decade and was environmentally friendly in both its creation and its use.
Courtesy of Lowes
Limewash can be seen to have been used as far back as Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was a wash that allowed buildings to be protected from wind and rain while still allowing them to breathe. Additionally, limewash is anti-bacterial and acts as an insecticide against both woodworms and death-watch beetles. It also has fireproofing qualities, a fact which was written into law after a disastrous fire in England in 1212. At that point, all buildings along the Thames be they made of wood or stone, had to be limewashed.
As time passed limewash became as much an aesthetic look as it was a preventative measure. Because of the putty-like texture while still wet, it can be used to create all sorts of textures and effects.
So where do we get limewash?
Courtesy of Lowes
We start by burning limestone in a kiln burning off the carbon dioxide, and leaving something called quick lime. This would then be added to water to create a putty. After that the putty has to be aged in order for everything to combine together properly. It's only after this aging process that it can be thinned out again with water in order to create the soft almost watercolor look on your walls.
In older methods, limewash is only available in white, which is natural for limestone, or in shades of gray, taupe, and brown which is where the natural pigments come in. These days, it is possible to achieve blues, greens and even yellows and pinks. Keep in mind though that the process is difficult and it is currently difficult to find these colors.
Unlike most barrier paints in the modern age, limewash sinks into the surface that it's painted on and becomes part of the material. The exception to this is newer cement pours and gypsum plaster. Both of these are non-porous and the limewash can't sink into the material.
Why does it help today?
Courtesy of Lowes
As we mentioned in the last section, limewash has had many benefits throughout its long history. And with modern technology, we found even more. Limewash is a rare material that can be used both inside and out of the home, without danger to children or pets after it has safely dried. It also has a high pH level which means it's hypoallergenic. It resists odor, moisture, and fungus, in addition to the insects mentioned above.
It is easily removable for the first 5 days after being applied, which means that if you don't like it, you can take it off or change it. On the other hand, once it has dried, if it's been done properly, it typically won't flake, peel, or chip.
How to Use It
If you've decided that you like the look and you want to start painting, you'll need to gather up your tools. You'll need a primer as most drywall is not immediately ready to accept limewash. You'll also need a block brush and a brush that is at least 6 in wide. You'll also want a collection of rags for smoothing out or washing down the sections, a bucket to hold all of your rags, and a bucket of clean water. As always, a dropcloth will be invaluable. You can apply the limewash in three ways: a horizontal stroke, a vertical stroke, or what professionals call a cloud stroke. We think the cloud stroke gives the softest look.
Wet down your walls and apply the limewash in patches. Once you have it fully coated, use one of your rags to ‘wash’ the walls down, spreading the limewash. As you come against different patches, you can use the rags or your brushes to feather and blend sections.
Due to its flexibility, limewash can be used in any room of your home. Whether it's adding warmth in the living room, creating a quiet and serene bedroom, or making your kitchen even more cozy, there isn't a room where limewash won't fit in.
Are there alternatives?
Although we have been utterly swayed, if you find that limewash isn’t for you, there are alternatives. Roman clay is one of them and is similar in its application, by using a putty knife. It gives a smooth finish, that can be used to create the look of stone, marble or stucco, depending on your preference. Silicate paints work in the same way as a limewash, in that they soak into the substrate. These are also breathable and allow water vapor to exit the walls, similar to how limewash works.
Where to get it
Explore these trusted suppliers to find your perfect shade:
Are you inspired to try limewash in your home? Share your projects with us on our Facebook page—we love hearing from our readers!
While we can't help with painting your kitchen, we can help with keeping your kitchen running. If you're doing a kitchen redo because your dishwasher flooded, we can help. Or if your oven sent up sparks, Appliance Rescue Service are the people to call. We work with you to set a time and date that fits your schedule and your needs. We’ll send our best technicians to diagnose the problems and get your home running smoothly again. You can reach us by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055), or by going to our website and starting a conversation.