Limewash vs. Whitewash: Which One Is Best?
It's the battle of the brushes—which one will you choose?
Highlights
Limewash and whitewash are suitable for porous interior and exterior surfaces.
Regarding color options, limewash offers more customization.
While both paints are breathable, glossy paint is still best for bathroom and moisture-prone areas.
Imagine having a brick wall that could use a little sprucing, and you're eyeing two types of coatings in the paint aisle. You are thinking, "What is the difference between limewash vs. whitewash?"
Both whitewash and limewash offer a matte, chalky finish, with limewash providing options for translucent and opaque finishes. In contrast, whitewash delivers a sheer or semi-opaque finish. We share what else you need to know in this comparison guide.
What Are the Differences Between Limewash and Whitewash?
Understanding their characteristics will help you determine the best finish for your project. Here, we consider aesthetics, substrate material, environmental conditions, and long-term maintenance requirements.
| Difference | Limewash | Whitewash |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Colors | Color customization | Whites and tints |
| Surfaces | Porous | Porous |
| Moisture | Escapes easily | Not as effective |
Composition
Both paints create a durable, matte finish using different ingredients. Limewash typically consists of slaked lime, water, and natural pigments. Whitewash comprises lime, water, and often white chalk or other additives.
Translucency and Color
As mentioned earlier, you can create a translucent or opaque finish with limewash, depending on application thickness. Whitewash primarily produces a sheer finish, allowing some visibility of the underlying surface texture.
Limewash offers color customizations by using natural pigments to achieve various hues. Conversely, as its name implies, whitewash is available in different tones of white, but you can find a selection of soft tints.
Application and Coverage
Both paints are only suitable for porous surfaces. The proportion of paint to water influences the consistency of both limewash and whitewash. Both are usually more watery than traditional paint, requiring multiple coats to achieve the desired finish. Over time, limewash develops a matte finish that ages gracefully, creating a weathered patina with subtle color variations. Conversely, whitewash maintains a bright and uniform appearance.
Regarding surfaces, limewash is beautifully suited for historic buildings, traditional construction materials like plaster, stone, or brick, and projects where a natural, rustic look is the goal.
Whitewash is ideal for surfaces such as wood, fences, barns, and cottages, particularly in rural or coastal settings.
Breathability
Simply put, limewash breathes better than whitewash. Limewash allows moisture to escape and reduces the risk of mold or mildew on porous surfaces. While whitewash provides some level of breathability, it may be less effective in moisture management.
Can You Use Limewash and Whitewash for Interiors and Exteriors?
Yes, whitewash and limewash can be used indoors and outdoors in various applications within your home. Here's more about their suitability for different areas.
Whitewash
It's commonly used indoors on porous surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and wooden furniture. It can create a bright, airy feel in interior spaces and is an excellent choice for those seeking a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Whitewash is particularly popular in rustic or coastal-themed interiors.
As we shared earlier, whitewash is also suitable outdoors, especially on fences, barns, and outbuildings. It provides a protective coating while maintaining a traditional, weathered appearance.
Limewash
Limewash is also suitable for indoor use on porous surfaces when a soft, natural look is the goal. Apply whitewash to walls, ceilings, and interior brick or stone surfaces to create a timeless, textured finish.
The paint is also commonly used outdoors, especially on masonry surfaces like brick, stone, or stucco. It offers protection against the elements while allowing the substrate to breathe, making it ideal for historic buildings or structures with traditional construction materials.
When making important decisions about painting your home, consulting with a local paint professional can help determine the best finish for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitewash lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years on brick exteriors, depending on several factors, such as weather conditions, exposure to sunlight, quality of application, and surface porosity. In regions that experience cold winters, it may degrade faster. Regular maintenance, like reapplication or touch-ups, can extend its life. However, proper preparation and application are the secrets to durability. If durability is a big concern, modern alternatives like acrylic or latex-based exterior paints offer longer-lasting protection than traditional whitewash.
Limewash paint on a brick exterior can last up to 30 years. The duration hinges on several variables, including regional climate, sunlight intensity, and regular upkeep. Additionally, factors like the quality of the limewash mixture and the porosity of the brick surface influence durability. When it comes to cold winter weather, limewash is better than whitewash because it's more breathable.
When you compare limewash vs. paint, the drawbacks of limewash include its relatively limited durability compared to synthetic paints, often necessitating reapplication in high-traffic areas or harsh weather conditions. Moreover, applying limewash requires skill and patience to avoid issues like streaks or uneven coverage. Lastly, while limewash is breathable, it is not as unsuitable for areas prone to high humidity or water exposure, like bathrooms, compared to synthetic paints with a glossy sheen.
The disadvantages of whitewash paint can start when mixing the paint. Too much water can cause chipping and peeling later because the substrate did not fully absorb the solution. It's also difficult to control the consistency of the paint, resulting in an uneven finish. Remember, achieving desired results with whitewash demands skill and patience, as improper techniques can result in streaks, uneven coverage, or premature flaking, adding complexity to the process.
Limewash and whitewash do not harm surfaces when applied correctly. They are also known for their breathable and environmentally friendly properties. However, use on non-suitable surfaces can cause issues. For instance, applying limewash or whitewash to surfaces with existing sealants or incompatible materials may lead to poor adhesion or flaking. Also, harsh cleaning agents on limewashed or whitewashed surfaces can damage the finish. Proper preparation, application, and maintenance ensure that limewash and whitewash do not harm surfaces.