Transform your brick with an eco-friendly and breathable finish
What's to love about limewash? Limewashing can dramatically change the appearance of bricks, giving them a softer, more weathered look. Plus, its matte, chalky, and semi-transparent nature preserves the essence of brick rather than masking it. If you're wondering how to limewash brick, get ready to pick up those paintbrushes.
Limewash brick has been coated with lime, water, and pigment to provide protection, regulate moisture, and enhance aesthetic appearance. Its breathable nature, alkalinity, and weather-resistant properties make it famous for preserving and enhancing the appearance of brick surfaces in historic restoration projects and contemporary design applications. Additionally, limewash has a high pH level, which creates an alkaline environment on the surface of the bricks. This alkalinity helps to deter the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi, which thrive in acidic environments.
Following these steps will help you achieve a beautifully limewashed brick surface that adds protection, character, and charm to your home.
Thoroughly clean the surface of the bricks by scrubbing them with a mixture of water and mild detergent, and rinse well to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Allow the bricks to dry completely before proceeding, about 24 to 48 hours. For new brickwork, the mortar must be allowed to set for at least one month before cleaning and painting.
Inspect the brickwork for any cracks, holes, or areas of damage and repair them using a suitable filler or patching compound. The bricks should be in good condition before applying the limewash.
Mix the limewash according to the manufacturer's instructions. For the best results, use a paint stirrer attachment on your drill, not a stick. Limewash is more watery than paint, giving you more control over the desired finish via multiple coats.
Test a small area to determine the consistency and color before applying it evenly to the bricks using a brush, roller, or sprayer. If it is too watery, add more of the dry mixture. If it’s too thick, add more water. If testing for different opacities, allow the limewash to dry thoroughly between coats.
Here’s a quick tip for achieving a more historic and texture finish: Apply the limewash using a paintbrush. The best options are natural bristle brushes like large masonry, 4-inch, or 6-inch paintbrushes that can force limewash into the pores of brick and mortar.
Apply the limewash evenly in a thin coat—thick coats risk having the limewash that didn't sink in rub off.
Work in small sections, starting from the top and working your way down.
Allow the coat to dry thoroughly, waiting 24 hours.
Each coat will soften the brick's original color. For a semi-opaque finish, apply three to five coats, each spaced out over 24 hours, allowing the limewash to soak in thoroughly and dry.
Once you're satisfied with the limewash's appearance, you can leave it as is for a rustic look or apply a clear sealant to protect the finish and make it easier to clean in the future. Wait two to five days before doing so to ensure the limewash paint cures fully.
Remember that limewash is a fantastic way to add color to brick without compromising its natural porosity. While it boasts bacteria and mold resistance, it's worth noting that limewash isn't inherently fully waterproof.
Choose a sealant that is compatible with lime-based materials. Look for sealants for limewash or porous brick surfaces.
Allow the sealant to dry completely according to the manufacturer's recommendations, giving it time to cure and form a protective barrier over the limewash paint.
Apply additional coats depending on the desired level of protection you may choose. Follow the same application process, ensuring each coat is allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Monitoring limewash brick periodically for signs of wear or damage will ensure its longevity. A little maintenance from time to time will protect it from moisture, dirt, and other environmental elements while preserving its appearance. Maintaining and caring for limewash brick involves yearly cleaning and occasional touch-ups.
Use a soft brush or cloth and mild detergent mixed with water to clean the surface gently. Avoid pressure washing, harsh abrasives, or acidic cleaners that may damage the limewash.
Periodically inspect the limewash for any signs of wear, chipping, or flaking. Address any damaged areas promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Apply a small amount of limewash to touch up any minor damage or discoloration. Blend the new limewash carefully with the existing surface for a seamless finish.
Consider installing overhangs or awnings if you're concerned about excessive moisture or UV radiation.
If you're looking to hire a local painting professional, applying limewash to your home ranges from $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, totaling $1,500 to $6,700 for an entire house. Regarding limewash vs. paint, a standard paint job costs between $1.50 and $4.00 per square foot, totaling around $1,810 to $4,500 for a complete house.
The difference in cost is that limewash application requires specialized skills to achieve the desired look. But in the end, it may be worth the cost since limewash can last up to 30 years, while most exterior paints last up to 10 years.
The cost to DIY can vary, between $110 and $200 for every 250 square feet, including paint, rollers, brushes, and a ladder. This equates to about $0.45 to $0.80 per square foot.
Ultimately, hiring a professional or doing it yourself depends on your comfort level with the process, available time and resources, the equipment you may or may not own, and the desired outcome. If you're uncertain, consulting with a professional for advice or a quote can help you make an informed decision. Here's what to consider.
Skill and experience: Limewashing requires some skill and knowledge of proper techniques to achieve the best results—hiring a professional may be a better option to ensure a high-quality finish.
Time and effort: Limewashing is time-consuming, especially for large areas or intricate surfaces—working with a pro can save you time and effort, particularly if you have other commitments.
Safety concerns: Working with lime-based materials involves handling potentially caustic substances that can burn your skin, so proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring adequate ventilation, are essential.
The choice between limewash vs. whitewash brick depends on aesthetic preference and the desired outcome. Whitewashing creates a softer, more opaque finish, suitable for a rustic or shabby-chic look. Since the solution is paint-based, you can use it on painted brick, unlike limewash. Limewashing offers a more natural, textured appearance, allowing the brick's texture to shine while providing a breathable, protective coating. Conversely, whitewashing is also more forgiving when it comes to application, while limewashing requires more skill but offers a more traditional and durable finish.
Yes, limewash is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Made of lime and water, it is eco-friendly, breathable, and toxin-free. Most synthetic paints have low to high levels of VOCs, which causes their irritating odor, which can have adverse and long-term effects on your health. Conversely, limewash consists of crushed limestone, which undergoes burning, mixing, and aging before being diluted with water—natural pigments add coloration.
Yes, limewash on brick can accumulate dust over time. Its porous nature can attract dust particles, especially in environments with high levels of dust or dirt. Additionally, if the limewash surface is left unsealed, it may be more prone to collecting dust. Additionally, incorrectly applied limewash will generate dust. Causes include applying it too thickly instead of thin layers and not allowing enough drying time between layers. Regular maintenance, such as gentle cleaning or dusting, can help mitigate dusty issues.
The main difference between limewash and paint is their chemical makeup and ingredients. Limewash is made from lime and water, which is more breathable than the ingredients in paint, which is made from a combination of plastic, acrylic, or latex. Because of these ingredients, limewash is more transparent than paint; it also only appears as white, while paint can be mixed into an endless number of different colors and shades.
Limewash can be removed from brick, but the method of removal will depend on how long the limewash has been on the brick. If the limewash has fully dried—which happens after about five days—you’ll need to use a diluted muriatic acid mixture to remove it. If there are multiple coats of limewash, you may need to apply the acid mixture several times to fully remove it from the brick.
