Limewash

Cour intérieure avec des murs extérieurs peints en badigeon de chaux de couleur jaune ocre, offrant une finition mate et uniforme. La cour est partiellement ombragée par un toit en tuiles rouges, créant un contraste esthétique.

We use limewash to bring a natural and elegant touch to your walls.

This traditional technique, based on lime, offers a matte and velvety finish which lets your surfaces breathe while protecting them.

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Why choose limewash for decorating your walls?

Textured wall with white lime wash in a rustic house, highlighting its natural and authentic effect.

Limewash offers many advantages over traditional paints and other wall coverings.

This is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a technical one, which fits perfectly into an ecological renovation approach.

Here are the top reasons why choosing limewash is a great option for your interior or exterior renovation projects.

1. A natural and authentic look

Mediterranean interior with beige limewash walls.

One of the greatest assets of limewash is its natural and authentic appearance.

Unlike synthetic paints, it offers a matte finish with subtle nuances that vary depending on the light and the texture of the wall.

Limewash helps create a warm and soothing atmosphere, whether in an old house or a modern space.

Its velvety and slightly irregular texture adds character to surfaces, while maintaining a sober and elegant appearance.

Application example:

In a country house, applying a white or beige lime wash to stone walls highlights the natural materials while adding a touch of brightness to the room.

2. A breathable solution for walls

Old stone wall with a breathable lime wash, illustrating its suitability for historic buildings.

Limewash is a breathable material, which means it allows walls to wick away moisture while regulating condensation.

This makes it an ideal solution for older buildings or homes located in humid regions.

By allowing walls to breathe, limewash helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew, while protecting the structure of the building.

Application example:

In an old house where stone or earth walls require a coating that allows moisture to evaporate, limewash is a perfectly suitable solution.

Unlike waterproof paints, it preserves the health of the building while providing an aesthetic finish.

3. A natural and ecological material

Buckets of limewash mixed with natural pigments for ecological decoration.

Limewash is made from 100% natural materials: air lime (from cooking limestone) and water.

It does not contain any solvents or harmful chemicals, making it a perfectly ecological solution for your renovation work.

By opting for this type of coating, you limit the environmental impact of your work while guaranteeing a healthy interior, free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Application example:

In a sustainable renovation approach, limewash can be used in all rooms of the house to replace synthetic and plastic paints.

It is particularly recommended for bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens, where indoor air quality is essential.

4. A durable and resistant coating

Exterior facade renovated and protected with weather-resistant limewash.

Limewash is renowned for its durability.

When properly applied, this coating can last for decades without requiring any special maintenance.

In addition to its longevity, lime is a weather-resistant material, making it an excellent choice for exterior facades.

Inside, it resists friction and shocks, while maintaining its breathable and antibacterial properties.

Application example:

To renovate a facade exposed to bad weather, limewash offers lasting protection against climatic aggressions while allowing humidity to evaporate.

This coating can also be used in high traffic rooms, such as hallways or living rooms, to protect walls while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

5. A wide range of natural colors

Color chart of colored limewashes, offering a varied range of natural shades.

Although limewash is naturally white, it can be tinted with natural pigments to achieve a wide variety of colors.

Unlike synthetic paints, the shades obtained with lime are soft and subtle, with variations that add relief and depth to surfaces.

You can personalize your walls by choosing colors that adapt to the ambiance of each room.

Application example:

In a bedroom or living room, a lime wash tinted in pastel tones (light blue, powder pink, beige) can create a soothing and warm atmosphere.

Natural pigments add a touch of elegance while preserving the matte, textured appearance of the whitewash.

The different types of limewash

There are several types of limewash, each with its own characteristics and benefits depending on the desired use.

Here are the main types of whitewash you can choose for your interior or exterior renovation work.

1. Air lime wash

Modern living room with airy limewash walls, providing texture and brightness.

Limewash is the most common type. It is composed of limewash, water and natural pigments for colored versions.

This whitewash is mainly used for interior surfaces, but can also be applied to exterior facades.

It offers a matte, breathable finish that is ideal for old stone, earth or brick walls.

Application example:

For the renovation of a living room or bedroom in an old house, air lime wash is ideal for adding a natural touch while allowing the walls to breathe.

2. Hydraulic limewash

Exterior facade treated with hydraulic lime wash, suitable for humid climates.

Hydraulic limewash is a mixture of hydraulic lime (which sets in the presence of water) and water.

This type of whitewash is particularly suitable for exterior surfaces exposed to the elements, as it is more resistant than lime whitewash.

It is ideal for facades of old or new buildings that require long-lasting protection against humidity.

Application example:

In a region where the climate is humid or rainy, the use of a hydraulic lime wash on the exterior facades helps protect the building while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

3. Iron limewash

Contemporary bathroom with limewash walls, smooth and elegant finish.

Limewash is a special technique where the final coat of whitewash is smoothed with a metal spatula to achieve a smooth, slightly glossy finish.

This method creates a more polished surface, ideal for decorative applications in rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens.

The limewash nevertheless retains the breathable properties of lime, while adding a touch of sophistication.

Application example:

In a contemporary bathroom, a limewash can provide a stylish, moisture-resistant finish, whilst adding a touch of sparkle to the walls.

4. Casein limewash

House painter applying limewash to a wall with a spalter in Sainte Maxime.

Casein limewash is a mixture of air lime and casein, a protein derived from milk.

This type of whitewash is particularly appreciated for its creamy texture and its ability to adhere to difficult surfaces.

Casein strengthens the adhesion of the lime, which allows for a smoother and more uniform finish, whilst maintaining the natural appearance of the whitewash.

Application example:

In a kitchen or hallway where walls may be subject to impact or friction, applying a casein lime wash provides a more resistant surface while retaining the traditional appearance of lime.

Steps to successfully apply lime wash

Applying limewash requires good preparation and a specific technique to obtain a uniform and lasting result.

Here are the main steps to follow to successfully carry out your renovation work with limewash, whether inside or outside.

1. Prepare the surface

Preparing the wall is an essential step to ensure good adhesion of the lime wash.

The surface must be clean, dry and free of any paint or synthetic coating.

If the wall is damaged or uneven, it is recommended to repair it and smooth it with a suitable coating before applying the lime.

In some cases, it may be necessary to apply a specific undercoat to improve the adhesion of the whitewash.

Application example:

In an older home, stone or brick walls may require a thorough cleaning to remove any residual dirt or dust before applying the whitewash.

If the walls are badly damaged, a lime repair plaster can be applied to smooth the surface before applying the whitewash.

2. Prepare the whitewash mixture

Limewash is prepared by mixing air lime with water.

If you want to add color, you can incorporate natural or mineral pigments into the mixture.

It is important to mix everything well to obtain a homogeneous consistency. The dosage of water and lime must be precise to avoid the mixture being too liquid or too thick.

3. Apply the whitewash

The limewash is applied in several layers using a wide brush or a spalter.

The first coat should be applied in crisscrossing motions to create a subtle texture.

It is important to let each coat dry before applying the next one.

In general, two to three coats are necessary to obtain a uniform and covering finish.

Each layer must be thin to avoid cracking once the lime is dry.

Application example:

On an interior stone or plaster wall, applying several thin coats of whitewash creates a textured finish that highlights the relief of the wall.

It is important to work quickly to prevent the lime from drying before you have finished applying it to a section of the wall.

4. Finishing and protection

After applying the coats of limewash, the surface can be lightly buffed with a damp sponge or soft cloth to achieve a smoother texture or patina effect.

To protect the whitewash, particularly in damp rooms or on exterior facades, it is advisable to apply a protective layer based on wax or diluted Marseille soap.

This protection helps to reinforce the impermeability of the whitewash while retaining its matte and natural appearance.

Application example:

In a bathroom, applying a protective layer of Marseille soap helps to strengthen the resistance of the whitewash to humidity while preserving its aesthetic appearance.

This treatment also prevents the appearance of stains or marks on the walls.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Limewash

Although applying limewash is accessible to DIYers, certain mistakes can compromise the final result.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid to achieve a flawless and long-lasting result.

1. Not preparing the surface properly

A poorly prepared wall can cause problems with the adhesion of the lime wash.

If the surface is dusty, dirty or covered with a synthetic coating, the whitewash may peel or crack.

It is essential to thoroughly clean and repair the surface before applying the whitewash.

2. Applying layers that are too thick

Applying too thick a coat of whitewash can cause cracking once the lime has dried.

It is important to apply thin, even coats, and to let each coat dry before applying a new one.

3. Working in unsuitable conditions

Limewash should not be applied in extreme conditions, such as very hot or very cold weather.

Too high a temperature can cause drying to occur too quickly and lead to cracking, while cold or damp weather can slow drying and compromise the adhesion of the lime.

Conclusion: Limewash, a natural and aesthetic solution

Limewash is a natural, durable and aesthetic wall decoration technique that fits perfectly into interior or exterior renovation work.

Thanks to its breathable and antibacterial properties, it helps create a healthy environment while providing a unique and elegant finish.

Whether you choose a simple or colorful application, limewash is an excellent solution to enhance your walls and give them an authentic look.

To guarantee an impeccable result, do not hesitate to call on an experienced painter and decorator, who will be able to guide you and produce quality work.