Quick answers about our Traditional Limewash: where it goes, how to apply it, how much to buy, and how to care for it. See all FAQs.
What is limewash paint?
Limewash is a natural mineral wall finish made from burned limestone, water and mineral pigments. It soaks into the surface rather than forming a plastic film, then absorbs CO2 from the air and cures back toward limestone. Ours is made in the USA, zero VOC and virtually odorless, with a soft, matte, cloudy finish.
What surfaces can I limewash?
Bare, unsealed brick, stone, cement stucco, concrete and plaster take limewash directly. Drywall and painted walls need a coat of Lime-Prep Primer first, and glossy surfaces need a bridging primer under that.
Can I use limewash on floors?
No. We don't recommend limewash for floors or any other surface you walk on.
Can I use limewash on exterior brick or stone?
Yes, on bare, unsealed brick, stone, stucco or concrete. It can't soak into painted or sealed brick, wood or metal, and Lime-Prep and Densifier are for interior use only. Exterior limewash weathers gradually, so plan to refresh some walls every five to ten years.
Can I limewash a bathroom or kitchen?
Yes, on walls that stay dry or get the odd splash: add Densifier to the final coat, then Matte Sealer on splash zones. Don't use it inside a shower, tub surround or behind a sink or stove; use tile there.
Can I limewash a brick fireplace? Is it heat resistant?
Yes, on the surround, chimney breast and hearth face, never inside the firebox or on firebrick. Limewash is non-flammable but not made for direct heat or flame, and our primers, sealers and Densifier aren't suitable for high heat. Bare brick needs only limewash.
How do I apply limewash?
- Stir well, and keep stirring as you work.
- Load the block brush lightly and brush thin, crisscross strokes.
- Finish each wall corner to corner without stopping, keeping a wet edge.
- Let it dry, then apply a second thin coat.
- On bare masonry, you can lightly mist the surface before your first coat. If you mist while working, do it very carefully and only along the wet edge: limewash that has already dried will show water stains.
It dries much lighter than it looks wet.
Can I roll or spray limewash?
No. Limewash should be brushed on with a block brush, which gives the soft, feathered strokes that make the look. Rolling can leave roller marks.
How much limewash do I need?
About 300 sq ft per gallon with two coats, or about 75 sq ft per quart. Multiply wall width by height, subtract doors and windows, and round up, more for rough brick. Buy it all at once so every coat comes from the same batch.
Can I thin limewash for a whitewash on brick or wood?
Yes. Dilute with water up to 300% of volume for a nearly transparent wash. To let brick show through, wipe back high spots with a damp sponge while the coat is still damp. Test your ratio on a sample first.
Can I mix limewash colors or get a custom color?
We don't offer custom color matching, but all our limewash colors can be mixed together to make your own. Write down your ratio and mix the whole project in one batch.
How do I clean limewash walls?
Limewash isn't washable, so never scrub it or use harsh cleaners. Dust unsealed or densified walls with a soft, dry cloth. Sealed walls can take a damp (not wet) cloth with a little pH-neutral mild soap.
How do I touch up limewash?
Small marks usually disappear with a dab of limewash; larger areas may need the whole wall recoated. Densified walls need no prep. On sealed walls, put a little Lime-Prep on the spot first.
Can I paint over limewash later?
Yes. Clean the walls, prime with an alkali-resistant acrylic primer, then paint as usual. If you'd rather keep limewash, an unsealed wall can simply be refreshed with a new thin coat.
Should I choose limewash or Lime Paint?
Choose limewash for exterior masonry, translucent washes and a chalky, old-world texture. Our Modern Lime Paint is interior only but more forgiving for beginners.
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help, Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm CST, at Support@JamesAlexanderPaint.com or 855-695-5333.
