It's the battle of the brushes—which one will you choose?
Limewash and whitewash are both suitable for porous interior and exterior surfaces.
Limewash offers more customization when it comes to color and appearance.
Limewash offers more breathability, making surfaces less prone to mold issues.
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. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between limewash and whitewash to help you decide on the best option for finishing your masonry project.
There are a few key differences between limewash and whitewash that can help you pick the right one for your space.
| Difference | Limewash | Whitewash |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte | Matte or gloss |
| Colors | Color customization | Whites and tints |
| Surfaces | Porous | Porous |
| Moisture | Escapes easily | Traps moisture |
Both options create a durable finish using different ingredients. Limewash typically consists of slaked lime, water, and natural pigments. Whitewash can consist of lime, water, and white chalk or other additives, but you can also use a watered-down white paint to get a similar look.
You can create a translucent or opaque finish with limewash, depending on application thickness, which gives you some variation in the coverage. Whitewash primarily produces a solid finish, allowing some visibility of the underlying surface texture, although you can use more water in your mixture or wipe off some paint after application to get a more translucent look.
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. The final appearance is a key thing to consider when choosing an accent wall or exterior surface to finish.
Both finishes 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, but you can also apply it to porous surfaces.
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.
Both limewash and whitewash can last for years, but limewash is more durable because the finish soaks into porous materials like brick and stone. As such, the coverage is less likely to need touch-ups as it ages.
Both limewash and whitewash last 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. On interior surfaces that don’t see exposure to the elements, both finishes can last for 30 to 50 years.
Limewash is a more eco-friendly option because it contains naturally-occurring components, like lime, water, and pigments. Whitewash can be equally as eco-friendly, but if you use watered-down paint to whitewash your surfaces, it might contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to the environment.
Whitewashing will likely be a bit more budget-friendly if you’re hiring an interior painting company near you to get the job done, as you’ll often only need a single coat to get the finish you’re looking for. Limewash is a thinner finish that can require multiple coats, so you’ll likely pay more in labor fees when you hire a painter to get the job done.
Whitewashing will cost you between $1.40 and $4.20 per square foot, while limewashing costs between $1.50 and $5 per square foot. However, the price difference will be minimal if you’re finishing a small area, like a chimney or a painted accent wall.
Yes, you can use whitewash and limewash indoors and outdoors. Here's more about their suitability for different areas.
Whitewash is a common finish 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.
Whitewash is also suitable outdoors, especially on fences, barns, and outbuildings. It provides a protective coating while maintaining a traditional, weathered appearance.
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.
Limewash is also common on outdoor surfaces, especially on masonry 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. That breathability reduces the risk of mold forming under the finish, making it the preferred option for outdoor use.
When making important decisions about painting your home, consulting with a local paint professional can help determine the best finish for your project.
When you compare limewash versus paint, the drawbacks of limewash include its relatively limited durability compared to synthetic paints, often requiring reapplication in high-traffic areas or harsh weather conditions. Moreover, applying limewash requires skill and patience to avoid issues like streaks or uneven coverage. Limewash also comes with some color variety using natural pigments, but you have fewer options than if you go with paint.
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 if you apply them correctly. 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.
