How to Apply Lime Wash Paint Correctly

Applying lime wash paint correctly can enhance the textured elegant charm of your home. Here are the key steps and considerations:

Materials Needed: Includes Mineral Prime, Lime Wall Paint, block brush, mixing bucket, and other standard painting supplies.
Surface Preparation: Clean and prime the walls to ensure they are ready for the lime wash.
Application Technique: Use a block brush for a mottled effect, maintain a wet edge, and apply in a crisscross pattern.
Curing Process: After application, mist the walls to help the lime cure properly.
Sealing: Optional sealing can be done for a more durable finish.

Capturing the perfect plaster aesthetic in your home often comes down to the details. One of the most striking ways to achieve a timeless look is through the application of lime wash paint.

This timeless technique, revered for its unique matte finish and eco-friendly qualities, has made a significant comeback in contemporary interior design. However, the key to achieving stunning limewashed walls involves the correct application process.

Join the experts at JH Wall Paints as we share how to apply lime wash to a variety of interior and exterior surfaces.

Collecting Your Materials

As is true with any paint project, you will need to be prepared before applying limewash paint. However, you won’t be reaching for your traditional bristled paintbrush.

Rather, limewash paint techniques rely on using a large block brush during application. This creates the soft, mottled look of lime wash you know and love.

To get started with your lime wash project, you'll need the following materials:

Mineral Prime (for new drywall and previously painted surfaces)
Lime Wall Paint
Block brush
Mixing bucket
Painter's tape
Plastic or drop cloths (for floors)
Paint roller
Stirring stick
Spray bottle
Paint tray
Eye protection (Protect eyes and skin from spills)
Ladder

Preparing and Priming Your Walls

No matter if you’re painting indoors or out, it’s important that the surface be clean and free of dirt, dust, and mildew. It’s recommended to use a mix of warm water and mild detergent with a sponge to gently clean your walls. Make sure they are rinsed with clean water and completely dry before moving on to the next step.

With your walls prepared, it’s time to prime them. How you prime your wall to apply lime wash ultimately depends on the type of surface and if it has been painted before.

Here are some tips for using limewash to paint interior surfaces:

For new drywall or previously painted surfaces you will need to use our Mineral Prime. This creates a micro-porous surface for lime paint and ensures a consistent look with even absorption and adhesion of the paint.
If you're unsure about the surface porosity, first seal with a high-quality blocking primer for drywall. Then apply one coat of Mineral Prime.
Dampen all masonry surfaces before painting lime wash.

You can also prime your exterior surfaces by:

Pressure washing the surface so it is clean and free of dirt, contamination, or any previous seal coatings.

Apply one coat of Mineral Prime Interior + Exterior for previously painted exterior surfaces.

Keep in mind that any horizontal surfaces will weather more rapidly than vertical surfaces. It is not recommended for horizontal surfaces that are in high-traffic areas and exposed to continuous moisture.

Do not apply lime wash outdoors if rain is expected within 48 hours. Also, avoid applying if temperatures will drop below 32°F for 8 hours after application.

The Purpose of Mineral Prime

This mineral-based primer creates a microporous surface for the best results and proper adhesion with lime paint.

One coat of Mineral Prime is ideal for creating a porous surface on previously painted surfaces. For new drywall that hasn't been primed, apply two coats. Newly installed drywall coated with joint compound must be completely dry and have an even porosity before priming.

Mineral Prime can be applied directly over new drywall, however this is not a blocking primer. Telegraphing of joint tape and seams can occur.

Kitchen table in front of lime paint wall

You apply the primer in a traditional method of vertical application using a paint roller. You can then apply lime wash after a minimum of 6 hours, but ideally wait overnight.

Applying Lime Wash Paint

With everything prepared and primed, it is time to achieve the lime wash painted walls of your dreams.

Lime Wall Paint from JH Wall Paints is a creamy and full-bodied ready-to-use lime wash paint.

For large spaces, you can roll or spray the first coat. For smaller spaces, you will achieve more mottling if you brush on two full coats of lime paint using a block brush in a random x pattern. Keep in mind the wet mixture is much darker – as it dries it lightens to the desired color.

Please plan to paint the lime wash on the entire wall at one time. It is essential to keep a wet edge to create the effect and utilize the radiance of the lime. Do not stop in the middle of the wall. This all helps to ensure a consistent look.

This is also why it’s important to stir the paint thoroughly, so it remains creamy.

You can divide sections by a natural dividing point like a corner. It is best to "cut in" as you spread the lime wash across the wall. You can start anywhere you want on the wall but be sure to keep a wet edge. You can spritz the wall with water if the area dries to keep a wet edge.

We recommend brushing out both coats for the most mottling and a plaster aesthetic. For large areas and faster application, use a roller. Apply the lime wash in random sections for the first coat. (You can also roll on and back trowel the first coat.)

Allow enough dry time so the coats are completely dry before moving to the second coat. We suggest waiting 12 hours for the first coat to dry before moving to the second coat. Apply the second coat of limewash in a small crisscross pattern with a block brush.

Curing Limewashed Walls

After the second coat of Lime Wall Paint, it's suggested to water-cure the surface. This helps the lime cure harder and with moisture, both for interior and exterior surfaces.

This simply means misting the walls a few times with water after the final coat. Mist it, let it dry, repeat. Only mist the walls, do not wet them so that there are water streaks. Only a light mist setting is required.

Should I Seal Limewashed Walls?

Lime Wall Paint leaves a matte velvety suede-like finish. It cures over time and can be touched up easily with leftover paint. We recommend leaving the lime wash paint natural and not sealing it unless you need to have a protective durable sealed finish.

If you choose to seal the finish it will darken very slightly. Apply one coat of our protective Matte Wall Sealer after 7 days of the final coat of Lime Wall Paint. This will allow the paint to cure and create beautiful dimensions and effects.

Achieve Elegant Lime Wash Painted Walls

Mastering the application of lime wash paint can transform your living spaces with its unique, breathable finish and timeless charm. By following the right techniques and taking the time to prepare and apply the paint correctly, you can ensure a durable and visually stunning result.

Shop our limewash paint collection today to get started.