LIME WASH
- Mineral-based (slaked lime + water)
- Matte, chalky, textured finish
- Penetrates porous surfaces
- Zero VOCs, naturally antimicrobial
- Develops patina over time
- Cannot chip or peel
REGULAR PAINT
- Synthetic resins + pigments
- Uniform, consistent finish
- Sits on top of surfaces
- Varies by brand (low/zero VOC)
- Stays the same until it fades
- Can chip, peel, and blister
Lime wash paint is one of the oldest finishes in human history — and one of the hottest trends in modern home design. Made from slaked limestone and water, it creates a soft, chalky, cloud-like texture that no synthetic paint can replicate. If you're considering painting brick or giving your interior walls a European plaster look, this guide covers everything you need to know.
WHAT IS LIME WASH PAINT?
Limewash is made by crushing limestone (calcium carbonate), burning it in a kiln to create quicklime, then "slaking" it with water to produce calcium hydroxide. This putty is thinned with water and mixed with natural mineral pigments to create paint.
Unlike regular interior paint that sits on the surface as a film, limewash penetrates porous materials. As it dries, it undergoes carbonation — reacting with CO2 in the air to literally turn back into limestone. The finish becomes part of the wall itself.
Lime wash vs. lime paint vs. venetian plaster
Lime wash is thin, translucent, and brush-applied for a cloudy effect. Lime paint is thicker with more opacity — closer to regular paint. Venetian plaster is a thick, trowel-applied finish that creates a polished, marble-like surface. All are mineral-based, but the techniques and results are very different.
BEST SURFACES FOR LIME WASH
Limewash needs porosity. It works by soaking into the surface — if the material is sealed or non-porous, the lime has nothing to grab. Here's a complete compatibility chart:
| SURFACE | WORKS? | PRIMER |
|---|---|---|
| Brick (exterior) | None needed | |
| Natural stone | None needed | |
| Plaster | None needed | |
| Stucco | None needed | |
| Concrete | None needed | |
| Drywall | Required | |
| Wood | Required | |
| Metal | N/A | |
| Vinyl/plastic | N/A | |
| Glazed tile | N/A |
The most popular use is lime washing exterior brick. Brick's natural porosity makes it the ideal substrate, and the finish softens harsh masonry without hiding the texture underneath. For concrete surfaces, dampen the wall first for even absorption.
HOW TO APPLY LIME WASH: 6 STEPS
Whether you're lime washing exterior brick or interior plaster, the process follows the same principles. Budget 2-3 days for a typical room — limewash cures slowly by design.
PREP THE SURFACE
Clean dust, dirt, and loose morite from the surface with a stiff brush and water. Remove any existing latex or acrylic paint — limewash won't bond to sealed surfaces. For drywall, apply a mineral-based primer first.
Pro tip: Dampen the surface with a spray bottle right before applying. Dry surfaces absorb too fast and create streaks.
MIX THE LIMEWASH
If using a pre-mixed product (Romabio, Portola), stir thoroughly — pigment settles. For DIY, mix hydrated lime with water to a heavy cream consistency (roughly 1:1 ratio by volume), then add mineral pigments.
Pro tip: Always test your color on a small area and let it dry completely. Limewash dries up to 10x lighter than its wet color.
APPLY THE FIRST COAT
Use a natural bristle brush (a masonry or block brush works best). Apply in random, cross-hatching strokes — not straight lines. Work in small sections (3x3 ft). The first coat will look blotchy and uneven. That's normal.
Pro tip: Never use a roller for traditional limewash — it won't create the characteristic texture. A roller only works for flat lime paints (different product).
LET IT CURE (NOT JUST DRY)
Wait 24 hours between coats. Limewash cures through carbonation — the lime reacts with CO2 in the air to form limestone. This is different from latex paint, which simply dries by evaporation.
Pro tip: Don't limewash in direct sunlight or when temperatures are below 40 deg F or above 90 deg F. The cure needs moderate humidity.
APPLY THE SECOND COAT
Same cross-hatching technique. The second coat evens out the color and builds depth. Most projects need 2-3 coats total. For exterior brick, 2 coats is usually sufficient. For smooth plaster, plan on 3.
Pro tip: Vary your brush pressure to create natural variation. Heavier pressure = more pigment deposited = darker areas. This is what creates the signature look.
OPTIONAL: DISTRESS OR SEAL
For a weathered look on brick, mist the surface with water after the final coat and wipe with a damp sponge to reveal stone underneath. For interiors, apply a clear mineral sealer to protect high-traffic walls.
Pro tip: Limewash develops a natural patina over years. In most cases, sealing isn't necessary for exterior applications — the carbonation process makes it remarkably durable.
TOP BRANDS COMPARED
The three main options range from hardware-store accessible to designer-grade to fully DIY. Use our paint calculator to estimate how many gallons you need, then compare pricing below.
ROMABIO CLASSICO
- Price
- $80-$100 / gallon
- Coverage
- ~450 sq ft / gallon
- Colors
- 50+ colors
- Availability
- Home Depot, Lowes, online
Best for:
Exterior brick, DIYers, most accessible
PORTOLA LIME WASH
- Price
- $120-$160 / gallon
- Coverage
- ~350 sq ft / gallon
- Colors
- 61 standard colors
- Availability
- Specialty retailers, direct
Best for:
Interior walls, designer-grade finish
DIY LIME WASH
- Price
- $15-$30 / batch
- Coverage
- ~300 sq ft / batch
- Colors
- Custom (add mineral pigments)
- Availability
- Hydrated lime from hardware store
Best for:
Budget projects, traditional purists
COST: LIME WASH VS REGULAR PAINT
Lime wash costs more upfront than regular house painting, but lasts 2-4x longer. For a detailed room-by-room estimate, try our interior painting cost calculator.
| COST FACTOR | LIME WASH | REGULAR PAINT |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | $0.18-$0.46/sq ft | $0.10-$0.25/sq ft |
| Labor (professional) | $2.00-$6.00/sq ft | $1.50-$3.50/sq ft |
| Total installed | $2.18-$6.46/sq ft | $1.60-$3.75/sq ft |
| Avg. room (12x12) | $1,000-$2,800 | $700-$1,600 |
| Exterior (2,000 sq ft) | $4,000-$12,000 | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Lifespan | 15-20+ years | 5-10 years |
| Maintenance | Develops patina (feature) | Repaint every 5-7 yrs |
Long-term value
A lime wash finish on exterior brick can last 15-20+ years with zero maintenance. Regular paint on the same brick typically needs repainting every 5-7 years. Over 20 years, limewash often costs less total.
PROS & CONS
Lime wash is not for every project. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide whether it's right for your situation.
PROS
- Zero VOCs — safest wall finish for homes with children and pets
- Naturally antimicrobial — resists mold and mildew without chemical additives
- Breathable — allows moisture to pass through walls, preventing trapped dampness
- Cannot chip, peel, or blister — the finish is part of the wall, not on top of it
- Develops a beautiful patina over time — improves with age like natural stone
- Eco-friendly — made from crushed limestone, a plentiful natural resource
- Unique textured finish that regular paint cannot replicate
- Extremely long-lasting (15-20+ years on exterior brick)
CONS
- Limited to porous surfaces — won't adhere to metal, vinyl, or sealed materials
- Requires 2-3 coats with 24-hour cure time between each coat
- Dries 5-10x lighter than wet color — sampling and patience required
- Higher upfront cost ($2-$6/sq ft installed vs $1.50-$3.75 for regular paint)
- Cannot be applied in extreme temperatures (below 40 deg F or above 90 deg F)
- Fewer color options than conventional paint (earth tones work best)
- Brush-applied only for authentic texture — slower than rolling or spraying
- Drywall requires a special mineral primer before application
QUICK REFERENCE CHEAT SHEET
BOOKMARK THIS
- Best surfaces: Brick, stone, plaster, stucco, concrete
- Coats needed: 2-3 (24 hrs between each)
- Application: Natural bristle brush, cross-hatch strokes
- Temperature range: 40-90 deg F
- Cure time: 24 hrs per coat (carbonation, not evaporation)
- Cost range: $2-$6/sq ft installed
- Lifespan: 15-20+ years on exterior
- Related: Paint Sheen Guide | Satin vs Semi Gloss