Lime finishes have deep roots in Puerto Rico's Spanish colonial architecture, and they suit the island's humid climate. Whether your home is historic masonry or modern concrete, here are the spaces where limewash and Lime Paint work beautifully.
The short version
- Bare concrete or masonry: limewash, inside or out. No primer.
- Painted exterior: not a limewash surface. Our primers are interior only.
- Interior walls: Lime-Prep, then limewash or Lime Paint.
- Humidity: wait until each coat is dry to the touch.
Inside your home
| Your surface | What to use |
|---|---|
| Interior painted concrete or drywall | Lime-Prep, then limewash or Lime Paint. |
| Bathrooms and kitchens | Most walls, yes; showers and backsplashes, no. See our bathrooms and kitchens guide. |
Can I limewash my home's exterior?
| Your surface | What to use |
|---|---|
| Bare concrete, block or masonry | Limewash, no primer. Mist first. |
| Painted exterior walls (most homes) | Not a limewash surface outdoors. |
The outdoor rule: Outdoors, limewash goes only on bare brick, stone, concrete or cement stucco. Lime-Prep, Densifier and sealer are interior products, so a painted or sealed exterior can't be limewashed. Lime Paint is interior only. For exterior work, apply when it will stay at least 40°F for 24 hours, and keep the limewash from getting wet for at least 24–48 hours after you apply (3–4 days is ideal).
The Puerto Rico climate and your project
Give each coat time.
Humid air slows drying. Wait until each coat is dry to the touch, and longer on muggy days.
Breathable by nature.
Limewash soaks in instead of forming a plastic film, so moisture vapor can pass through. Keep rooms ventilated, especially bathrooms.
Outdoors, work around the weather.
Apply early or late in the day, mist the surface, and avoid starting before afternoon showers. Limewash needs at least 24–48 hours without rain after application, and 3–4 days is ideal; getting it wet too soon can make it streak and run.
Historic buildings. Districts like Old San Juan have their own review rules for exterior changes. Check before you change a facade.
For brush technique, coat timing and fixes, see How to Apply Limewash.
Six island colors for Puerto Rico
Bianca Limewash
A clean white for colonial-style facades and bright rooms
Ventiquattro Limewash
A warm yellow-gold in the spirit of Old San Juan's facades
Terra Cotta Limewash
A warm terracotta for courtyards and accent walls
Onde Limewash
A blue that brings the sea indoors
Marinia Limewash
A light pastel blue-green with an easy coastal feel
Mariner's Veil Lime Paint
A deep, moody blue-green like a foggy sea
Getting it there
Orders ship by UPS, usually within 1–3 business days plus transit time. Need it sooner? Choose expedited shipping at checkout: orders placed by 12 p.m. CST ship the same business day. Orders placed after 12 p.m. CST ship the next business day. See estimated delivery times. Order sample jars first: colors look different in strong local light than on a screen. For shipping to the island and why limewash suits it, see Limewash Paint in Puerto Rico.
