Tired of Paint? Limewash is Your New Best Friend

When I redid my house back in 2022, I wanted to create the luxury old-world finish that you see in so many Tuscan estates. Knowing full well that I was not prepared to spend the $$ to have my home professionally finished with Venetian plaster, nor did I want to spend the time (or make the giant mess) it would take to do it myself. This is when I came across Limewash Paint.

What is Limewash?

Limewash paint has been used for centuries to decorate home interiors, with its earliest applications dating back to the Egyptian Pharaohs. The finish is particularly popular in regions of southern Europe where Limestone is abundant and used in many building applications, such as in Croatia, Italy, and Greece. But its popularity spiked when it was introduced to the Italian countryside in Tuscany, Italy. With its earthy, textured finish, limewash was often selected to complement the natural tones of the Tuscan region as it reflected the warm landscape that the region's architecture is so well known for.

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Limewash paint is created by taking crushed limestone mixed with water, and

applying pigment to get a desired color. As the paint dries, the powder particles of limestone stick to the walls, leaving a clumped effect as the water evaporates, creating the beloved plaster-like texture. The finish is not only beautiful but allows for a less costly finish as the powder is easier to transport and apply compared to the traditional limestone bricks popular in Croatia.

Why Limewash?

Though I selected Limewash primarily for its beautiful finish and ease of application, there are several other benefits of the paint that should be addressed.

Health Benefits

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Traditional paint is made with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can pollute the air and cause potential negative health effects. This is why it is difficult to breathe after walking into a room that was just painted. Limewash does not contain VOCs, because it is primarily just limestone and water. However, limewash is not simply paint's neutral counterpart, it actually creates a positive effect on your indoor living spaces. This comes from limestone's natural CO2 absorption properties. As CO2 enters your home, the limestone particles absorb and filter it out of the air much like indoor plants! Limestone is also antimicrobial, so if you live in a more tropical region, or just plan on applying the paint in your bathroom, it will keep your walls protected against mold or other microorganisms that live in wet areas.

Durability

Traditional paint is prone to peeling and chipping over time because it is comprised of a layer that sits on the surface of your wall. Limewash actually penetrates wall layers, making it impossible to peel off. Because of its natural mottled look, limewash does not show aging like old paint does. It will gain texture over the years from water splotches or streaks, but most like this element as it adds a subtle aged look to your walls, making it especially good for exterior applications. But don't worry! If you hate the aged look, most limewashes can be sealed keeping water stains off and making the surface wipeable in case of spills or dirt marks.

What If I Don't Have an Italian Home?

This is by far my favorite question about limewash paint. Due to its growing popularity, limewash is now available in a huge variety of colors to match your design theme. Naturally white, limewash can be tinted with virtually any pigment to showcase a color that will accent your theme. Whether you choose to select only an accent wall or love the look so much you want to do your entire home, you will find a color that works for you.

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Application

Whether you are looking to have your limewash professionally done, or do it yourself, I highly recommend trying James Alexander Limewash. They have a vast array of colors and provide a primer, sealer, and brushes, and their delivery time normally takes less than a week. When I did my home the paint was about $85 a gallon and came premixed and ready to go. Though a little more costly than traditional paint, keep in mind limewash is thin and spreads much farther. I used about 5 gallons of paint color to cover 2,000 ft2 of my home. If you are not the type to DIY your own walls professionals will charge more for limewash application, unless of course you have selected us as your design partners. I love limewash and find it easier to apply than traditional paint, so at Linens to Landscapes limewash will be encouraged and included in your design fees without additional charges.

I hope after reading a little more about limewash you have decided to hang up your paint rollers and explore limewash paint as an option for your next design project.