Limewash paint is exploding in popularity among DIYers these days.
“Beyond its functional features, limewash paint provides a timeless aesthetic characterized by a soft, textured finish that enhances any interior space,” says Duncan MacKellar, executive technical and creative director at Armourcoat, an interior brand specializing in sustainable luxury paint finishes. “This unique visual quality adds depth and character to surfaces, fostering a sense of organic materiality.”
Even with its growing appeal, a heated debate has emerged over whether limewash paint truly enhances the expensive or upscale appearance of a home.
We spoke to design experts to get their take on the matter.
What is limewash?
Limewash paint was among the earliest types of house paint, originating in the Roman and Mediterranean regions.
“Limewash is soul for walls,” says Jennie Berger, design consultant, contractor, and owner at Property People. “It introduces a living, breathing texture that flat paint can only dream of. It tells a story of age and depth.”
Today, limewash paint is made from crushed limestone.
Once the limestone is heated to very high temperatures, it’s combined with water and dyed using natural pigments.
Limewash paint has a chalky texture, but is more breathable and permeable than cement-based stucco.
Magnolia Network stars Georgia Ezra and Richie Morris, of “Design Down Under,” are big fans of limewash. In their personal Australian abode, Morris recently told Realtor.com® that “we’ve used a limewash paint on the walls throughout.”
(Amelia Stanwix)
They’re certainly not the only ones gravitating toward limewash.
Mary Kate Hearns, senior product manager for FrogTape painter’s tape, who recently conducted research on the popularity of limewash, says 42% of survey respondents would be most likely to use limewash in their living room, 33% in their bathroom, and 33% in their primary bedroom.
How to limewash walls
Before you take on a limewashing project, first you should decide if you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional.
“DIY is for the brave, the artistically inclined,” advises Berger. “But for a truly flawless, consistent finish, hire a professional who understands the nuances of limewash.”
However, Hearns says that with the right tools, limewash can absolutely be a DIY project.
“Our research found that most respondents feel motivated to do a DIY paint project like this because it saves them money (56%), and it allows them to make their space unique (46%),” she says.
Before you DIY, be sure to prep the wall with an acrylic-based primer, and let it dry.
Then clean and dampen the walls so the limewash paint will absorb into the walls properly.
The texture of limewash paint is shaped by brush strokes, making technique crucial. It’s important to use a lime-specific brush with coarse, natural bristles.
“It’s a messy kind of magic, involving multiple thin washes and a bit of controlled chaos,” says Berger. “The results? It feels like stepping into a Renaissance dream, with walls that shift and change with the light.”
Berger says you can limewash over preexisting paint, as long as you thoroughly prep the surface beforehand and use a primer. But she doesn’t recommend limewashing over wallpaper, because “the texture and moisture of limewash will react poorly with it.”
How to limewash brick
Limewashing brisk “is transformative,” according to Berger.
“A key advantage here is that limewashing brick is a fantastic alternative to painting it,” she says. “It allows you to add a desired color or tone while still retaining the original brick’s texture and character, which is often lost with traditional paint.”
Berger says limewashing brick fireplaces is becoming more and more popular.
“It’s an instant way to add old-world charm and create a focal point,” she explains. “The texture of limewash enhances the fireplace’s natural character.”
Berger’s top tips for limewashing brick are below.
To limewash brick surfaces, you’ll need scrub brushes to clean the brick—then dampen the brick to allow the limewash to better absorb.
Apply the limewash in thin layers, using a sprayer or brush.
“You’ll also need buckets, mixing tools, and a good arm for all that brushing,” adds Berger.
Ideally, apply two to three coats—and let each coat dry for an hour before applying the next coat.
Afterward, “a protective sealant is a must for durability,” says Berger.
Is limewash environmentally friendly?
Because limewash paint is made from crushed limestone, it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic.
“The resurgence of limewash paint in contemporary architectural design is due to a number of factors, primarily the escalating demand for demonstrably sustainable building practices,” says MacKellar. “As the movement for genuine, authentic sustainability gains momentum, both clients and designers are increasingly gravitating towards traditional, low-environmental impact solutions.”
The high pH level of lime makes limewash paint bacteria-resistant and hypoallergenic.
In addition, “limewash paint helps regulate humidity in interior environments, which in turn inhibits the growth of mold, providing a breathable finish that seamlessly aligns with the principles of sustainable design,” says MacKellar.
Pros and cons of using limewash
Berger says there are some major advantages and disadvantages to using limewash paints.
“The pros are the incredible texture, depth, and breathability,” she says. You’ll also save some money, since limewash is often less expensive than high-end paints.
But Berger says the cons are that “it’s not forgiving, requires skill to apply, and can be sensitive to moisture in certain applications.”
There is also some additional maintenance involved with limewash paint, which requires regular reapplication every five to seven years and potential spot repairs.
What colors does limewash come in?
The palette of limewash paints leans toward earthy, muted tones, according to Berger.
But you can play with pigments to create custom shades.
“It’s a more nuanced color experience,” says Berger.
Where to buy limewash paint?
Sherwin Williams sells a paint color called Limewash, but that isn’t their actual limewash paint. They are an external supplier of KEIM Limewash paint, which costs $88 per gallon and can be ordered in custom colors.
Benjamin Moore sells Meoded Lime Wash paint, which comes in 80 shades and costs $91.70 per gallon to $98 per gallon.
Armourcoat Limewash Paint comes in 45 mineral tones—and you can order up to five color samples free of charge (paint pricing upon request).
James Alexander Specialty Paints offers a line of paint called Limewash Paint – The Color Collection that comes in 36 hues and retails for $89 per gallon.
Does limewash really make your home look more expensive?
Most design experts agree that limewash paint gives a house a high-end look.
“It adds character and depth, which translates to a sense of luxury,” says Berger. “It’s about creating a feeling of history and authenticity.”
Limewash is an upscale finish “that can give your walls a suede-like texture, and create an old-world kind of feel,” explains Cara Ameer, real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty in Florida.
But will limewash paint boost your ROI?
“While limewash adds a unique selling point that appeals to buyers who appreciate character and craftsmanship, it’s impossible to guarantee a specific return on investment,” says Berger. “It’s more about the emotional return and the creation of a truly unique space.”
