How to Limewash Walls

Limewashing is a centuries-old technique that's making a comeback in modern interior design. Used as an alternative to painting, this method offers a unique, textured look that adds depth and character to any space.

In this guide, we'll share advice on limewashing your walls, from selecting the right materials to application tips for the perfect finish. Whether you're looking to refresh a feature wall or transform an entire room, limewash can help you achieve a lived-in, vintage-inspired feel.  

What is limewash?

Limewash is made from slaked lime and mixed with water to form a paint-like consistency. It has a soft, matt finish with subtle variations in colour and tone, giving interior walls a patina. It's breathable and naturally mould-resistant, making it an excellent choice for contemporary and period homes.

How does limewash work?

When applied to walls, limewash creates a durable, breathable coating that bonds with the surface underneath. Unlike paint, which forms a film on top of a surface, limewash penetrates porous materials like brick, stone or plaster.

Where can I use limewash?

Limewash can be used on any interior or exterior wall, whether brick, concrete, or plaster. It can also be applied to untreated wood to create an antique look.

Can I limewash over paint?

Limewash can’t be applied directly over paint, so you’ll need to remove any existing coatings before you start. But can you paint over limewash? Yes – but removing it is preferable. If you decide to go ahead, you will need to sand and prime the limewashed surface before painting due to its textured nature, which can cause paint to peel off over time.

Tips for applying limewash

We surveyed 284 respondents from the design, property and construction industry to find out the non-negotiable steps you need to take before limewashing, and which essential tools you’ll need.

When asked what the most important preparation step before limewashing is, 62% said cleaning the walls, 25% said using a primer, 20% said sanding the surface, and 15% said dampening the walls before application. Therefore, we recommend taking all of these steps to ensure your limewash lasts.

In addition, 16.55% said a textured roller is the most essential tool for limewashing, 31.34% said a block brush and 52.11% said a specialist limewash brush. We stock a range of brushes at Dulux Decorator Centre, so you can find your preferred tools for the job.

How is limewash applied?

Follow these steps for a professional limewash application that delivers high-quality results every time:

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2. Prepare the surface. Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris, then repair any cracks or holes in the wall. Sand the surface, and if you’re using a primer, apply it at this stage. The final prep stage is to dampen the wall with water to help the limewash adhere to the surface.

3. Apply the first coat. Use a wide brush or roller to apply a thin coat of limewash, working in small sections.Let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 24-48 hours)before misting and applying further coats.

4. Apply additional coats. Lightly mist the wall with water before applying each additional coat.Depending on colour, around 3-5 coats are usually required to achieve the desired finish. At this stage, a brush will allow you to create more texture if you apply the final coats using abstract strokes.

5. Finish and protect. After the final coat, allow the wall to dry completely (about five days). You can apply a suitable sealant to prevent chalking and make cleaning your walls easier, but this will add shine to the finish.

How to achieve a limewash look with emulsion

If you’d prefer to use emulsion paint to create a limewash effect, matt emulsion is the best choice as it has no sheen. Our consumer decorating expert Mark Rigby shares their top tips for achieving the limewashed look with emulsion paint:

“The key to achieving a limewashed effect with emulsion is to pick up very little paint on the brush – the brush should almost be dry to create the textured look. You will need to apply a few coats to get the desired effect, and you can refine it with each coat.”

How to clean limewash walls

Cleaning limewash can be tricky as it is water-based and has a chalky texture, so you may end up removing some of the colour. Use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe any stains and reapply a light coat of limewash to the affected area if needed.

When to avoid limewashing your walls

Based on how tricky it is to clean, we recommend avoiding limewashing walls in kitchens and bathrooms, where splashes and stains are more likely. The same applies to exterior applications – limewash will weather much quicker than masonry paint.

Looking for more expert decorating advice? Check out our guide to painting over wallpaper.