How to Lime Wash Interior Walls for Beginners
A perfectly lime washed wall is the dream, right? When done right, a lime washed wall is stunning! But can you do it right yourself without shelling out hundreds to a professional painter? Oh yes you can! I have figured out how to make a DIY lime wash paint job look professional and I am here to teach you how to do it as well.
Keep reading for the best guide on how to lime wash interior walls for beginners!
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links that I make a commission from.
What is “Lime Washing”?
Lime washing is a cool technique used to give surfaces a classic, weathered look. It involves applying a mixture of slaked lime, pigment, and water to surfaces like walls or furniture. As it dries, the lime reacts with the air, creating a unique, breathable finish that lets the material underneath show through. It's not only stylish but also environmentally friendly, making limewashed walls a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their spaces.
What is so Cool About Lime Washed Walls?
People love lime washed walls for a bunch of reasons! Firstly, it adds a touch of timeless elegance and rustic charm to spaces, giving them that cozy, lived-in feel. The breathable nature of the lime finish allows the underlying materials to peek through, creating a unique and natural aesthetic. Plus, it's a sustainable choice, as lime is a natural material and the process itself is eco-friendly. So, if you're into creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with a nod to the past while being kind to the environment, lime washed walls might be your new go-to!
What is Lime Wash Paint Made Of?
Lime wash paint is a fantastic concoction made from a mix of slaked lime, pigments, and water. The key player here is the slaked lime, a natural material that gives the paint its unique properties. The lime reacts with the air as it dries, creating that lovely, breathable finish we associate with limewashed surfaces. Pigments are added for color, and water helps achieve the right consistency. It's like a magical potion for your walls, combining natural elements to give your space that gorgeous, time-worn appeal. Cheers to the artistry of lime wash paint!
What is the Best Paint for Lime Washing?
Choosing the best paint for lime washing boils down to, you guessed it, lime wash paint! Lime paint is specifically formulated for the lime washing technique, usually consisting of slaked lime, pigments, and water. Brands like Romabio and Portola offer quality limewash paints that are ready to give your surfaces that beautiful, aged appearance. Just remember, using the right paint ensures you get the full charm and benefits of lime washing.
Here are some of my favorite, highly recommended lime wash paints:
JH Wall Paints (I used #107)
Can I Use Conventional Paint for Lime Washing?
While conventional paint can't quite capture the magic of lime washing, you can experiment with a technique called "whitewashing" as an alternative. Whitewashing involves diluting regular paint with water to create a translucent effect, similar to lime wash. However, keep in mind that the unique properties of lime wash, such as its breathability and natural aging over time, won't be replicated with traditional paint. It's a bit like trying to substitute apples for oranges – both delicious, but with distinct flavors. You will end up with a similar effect!
What Type of Walls Does Lime Wash Paint Work On?
Lime wash paint is quite versatile and can work wonders on various wall types. Here's a quick rundown:
Unsealed and porous surfaces: Lime wash loves surfaces that can absorb moisture, so unsealed and porous walls, like brick and stone, are a perfect match.
Plaster: Lime wash is also fantastic for plaster walls, enhancing their texture and providing a breathable finish.
Drywall: While it's more commonly used on historical or textured surfaces, with the right preparation, lime wash can even be applied to drywall for a unique, custom look.
Remember, the key is having a surface that allows the paint to penetrate and react, creating that beautiful, aged effect.
This post shares how to limewash interior walls. If you are looking for tips on how to limewash exterior walls, check out Average by Inspired’s blog post on how to DIY limewash exterior stone!
Where Should I Limewash in My Home?
Limewashing can bring a breath of fresh style to different areas of your home! Consider these ideas for adding a lime wash focal point to your home’s interior:
Fireplace: Transform your fireplace into a focal point by limewashing the bricks or stone for a cozy, lived-in feel. Limewashed brick walls look stunning!
Accent Wall: Pick a key wall in your living room or bedroom to limewash, adding a touch of rustic elegance without overwhelming the entire space.
Kitchen Backsplash: Lime Washing your kitchen backsplash can bring a subtle, earthy texture to the heart of your home. It's a unique way to add character without overwhelming the space.
Cabinet Accents: Consider limewashing cabinet doors or drawer fronts for a distinctive and charming look in your kitchen or bathroom. It's a budget-friendly way to update cabinetry and add a touch of vintage flair.
Can You Limewash Over Existing Paint?
You can limewash over existing paint, but there are a few tricks to ensure success when covering existing paint with lime wash paint:
Prepare the surface: Lightly sand the existing paint to create a bit of texture, helping the limewash adhere better.
Prime if needed: If the current paint has a glossy finish, consider using a primer to give the limewash a good base to grip onto.
Test a small area: Before going all-in, test the limewash with a simple first coat and second coat on a small, inconspicuous section to make sure you're happy with the result.
With a bit of prep, you can give your painted walls a fresh, limewashed makeover!
What Does Limewash Do to Dry Wall?
Limewash can work its magic on drywall, though it's not as common as on porous surfaces like brick or plaster. When applied to drywall, limewash adds a unique, textured look, enhancing the wall's character. However, proper preparation is key—consider lightly sanding the drywall to create a bit of surface roughness, allowing the limewash to adhere better. While it might not be the go-to for drywall, with the right approach, limewash can still transform your standard wall into a canvas of rustic charm.
How to Lime Wash Walls
There is something so beautifully calming about being in a space that is treated in limewash paint. If you’re not familiar with this all natural and eco friendly method of painting, it gives your walls a soft, subtle, and luminescent quality which is oh so luxurious. It’s an instant elevated update to any space. One of the best qualities to this matte mineral finish is that it’s non-toxic and chemical free. Unlike traditional acrylic and latex paint, limewash does not produce toxic “off-gasses” that live in your environment and body for years to come. When applied, it absorbs odor and because limewash is breathable, it’s hygienic and resistant to humidity and mold. Amazing right?
This is precisely why I chose to update Connor’s room using JH Wall Paints. He’s almost 3 and I wanted to give him a Big Kid room that felt cool, airy, and relaxing to be in. JH Wall Paints color selection is so beautiful that it was very hard to decide which shade I wanted. After swatching, I went with shade 107 which is similar to a Roman Clay. Now the fun part: Application.
Supplies Needed for DIY Lime Washing:
Limewash Paint (I used #107)
Stir Stick
Water Spray Bottle
Paint Roller (for large walls)
Shop Lime Washing Essentials:
Step by Step Guide for Lime Washing
First, always prep your walls. I used the JH Wall Mineral Primer on cleaned and patched walls. Lay a drop cloth down on the floor, apply painters tape along baseboards and outlets as needed.
Next, stir your limewash paint with a stir stick. Pour half your paint into a large painter’s bucket. Then, dilute your paint by 50% with water. That’s correct, you’re going to want to dilute and thin out your paint by 50%. This gives the application its softer, airy texture.
Once thinned out, pour into a painter’s tray. It’s recommended to use a quality brush, like a block brush, but for large walls you can use a roller. This is where it gets fun. In crosshatched brush strokes, paint in criss cross motions (or roll in criss cross motions) so you get natural mottled texture. Wait 6-8 hours before the next coat. Depending on how thin your solution is, you may need 3 coats to get the desired look. Be patient, it’s a process but a stunning one at that!
Tips for Lime Washing Walls Like a Professional
Lime washing is pretty simple but here are some key tips for getting the best results:
Surface Preparation: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and any existing coatings. Repair any cracks or imperfections in the wall before applying limewash.
Test on a Small Area: Always do a test patch on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure you like the color and finish.
Choose the Right Paint: Use high-quality lime wash paint specifically designed for the lime washing technique.
Mixing Consistency: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the paint to achieve the right consistency.
Applying in Thin Coats: Apply limewash in thin coats to allow the texture of the wall to show through for a natural look. You might need quite a few coats of limewash to get your desired result!
Work in Sections: Divide the wall into manageable sections to ensure consistency and avoid drying lines. Do not attempt the entire wall all at once.
Spraying or Brushing: While brushing is traditional, using a sprayer can provide a more even application.
Dampen the Surface: Lightly dampen the wall before applying limewash for better adhesion and the best finished limewash look.
Feather and Blend: Feather the edges of each section and blend the strokes for a seamless finish.
Consider Multiple Layers: Apply multiple thin layers for a deeper, richer color, allowing each layer to dry completely.
Protect Surrounding Areas: Cover floors and any areas you want to protect from accidental splatters.
Seal if Desired: Consider sealing the limewashed surface with a clear sealer for added durability.
Patience is Key: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. Patience ensures a better result.
Spritz: For large walls, spritz the area with water to avoid lap marks.
Don’t Overthink It: It should look and feel natural when applying. Move with your wrists, turn on some music, and just go for it! It’s essentially fool proof because you want organic texture and that’s what I love about working with this paint!
There you have it! I hope this guide has taught you how to get that limewash look yourself so that you can create your own limewashed accent wall in no time at all.
Remember, for the best results make sure to use actual Lime Wash paint and go slow