Description

Limewash is traditional blend of our own superior matured lime putty, water and linseed oil. It comes naturally as white, alternatively earth pigments can be added to produce a fantastic range of colours.

Limewash is a very ancient paint made from limestone which has been crushed, burnt and slaked with water to make lime putty. The lime putty is matured for several months before being thinned with water to make limewash.

Mike Wye Limewash is naturally white and forms a complex crystalline matrix which has a matt, slightly chalky appearance. It is coloured with pigments and can be used internally or externally where it works best on porous surfaces such as a traditional lime plaster, lime render, stone and brick. Unlike modern barrier paints, limewash works by sinking into the surface. It hardens by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to form crystals of calcium carbonate which give the limewash its deep matt appearance and protective qualities. When used on porous surfaces, the colour will deepen if there is any dampness in the background material, hence its attractive shading.

Tallow (animal fat) or raw linseed oil are traditional additives which help to improve its water-shedding qualities when used externally (we use linseed oil as standard).
As it is a water-based paint, limewash isn’t easily absorbed into less porous surfaces such as cement renders or hard gypsum plasters, and therefore it won’t wear nearly as well on these. Additives such as casein (skimmed milk) can be added to help it bond to these less porous materials.

Colours

Our Limewash Colour Chart shows the range of 54 fabulous colours at affordable prices including natural white. A colour matching service is also available for a fee of £40+VAT.

The online colour chart is intended for guidance only. Limewash can appear different depending on the substrate, moisture content and environment. We strongly recommend you request dry sample swatches or 100 ml sample tins before committing to larger orders.

Limewash Colour Chart pdf.

*Note: The colours marked with an asterisk contain a blue pigment which is not lime-fast. It is therefore advised that they be used immediately when mixed or the colour will fade.

Application on New Lime Render, Lime Plaster or Existing Limewashed Surfaces

PREPARATION

To prepare the surface for limewashing, brush and wash free of any loose particles, dirt, lichen etc. If there is mould growth, the surface should be treated with a fungicide (e.g. ACS Mould Wash Concentrate or Everbuild Fungicidal Wash) and rinsed off before limewashing.

DAMPING

Damp down the area with clean water before applying each coat. Controlling the suction in this way minimises the likelihood of dusting and cracking.

FIRST COAT

Whisk the limewash thoroughly before use.
Brush apply limewash with a large emulsion or masonry brush. Don’t allow it to build up too thickly as it can craze on drying out. Remember it’s a wash and will look transparent on application but will dry opaque.
Coloured limewash dries to a much lighter shade than the wet colour.

SUBSEQUENT COATS

Ideally leave each coat to cure for 24 hours. For each further coat, follow the same procedure as the first coat.
Protect external limewash from the weather if necessary. A thin coat curing slowly in the presence of moisture will form a more crystalline, hard-wearing surface compared to a chalky finish if a thick coat dries out too quickly. 

• 4 coats on new external lime render.
• 3 coats on new internal lime plaster.
• 2 or 3 on existing limewashed surfaces.

FROST

Limewash is a water-based paint. Therefore do not apply in temperatures less than 5 ºC – partuicularly if there’s a risk of frost.

COVERAGE

1 litre of limewash covers 3 – 6 m² per coat (depending on the texture and porosity of the surface being decorated).

SAFETY

Limewash is caustic. Always wear eye protection and protective gloves and clothing and follow the safety instructions on the labels.

Advice and information is given in good faith. It’s important that users satisfy themselves that they’ve chosen an appropriate product and have a suitably skilled workforce.

AVOIDING POOR BONDING AND FAILURE OF LIMEWASH

• Do not apply limewash too thickly. Mike Wye Limewash is already relatively thick and easy to apply and must be applied thinly.
• Control suction by damping down surfaces prior to application.
• Leave sufficient time between coats for the limewash to soak in and cure before application of subsequent coats.
• Protect the decorated surface from exposure to the sun, heat and wind externally by covering (hessian is ideal).
• Do not apply in low temperatures – particularly when there’s a risk of frost.
• Apply limewash to suitably porous substrates and backgrounds.